Curriculum
Key Objectives
Our aim is to encourage pupils to achieve the highest standards of which they are capable. We make every effort to ensure that work is stimulating and enjoyable, so that all students fully engage in the learning process. We aim to help our students:
- develop lively and enquiring minds, capable of questioning intelligently and arguing rationally
- apply themselves to tasks and develop physical skills
- acquire the knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a rapidly changing world
- instil respect for religious and moral values and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life
- understand the world in which they live, and the interdependence of individuals groups and nations
- use language and number effectively
Every effort is made to eliminate the ignorance and distrust which can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Homework
The School attaches great importance to homework and all pupils are required to complete it. Pupils are issued with a personal planner (in which to record their homework) at the start of the autumn term. It is not our intention to overburden pupils. However, the development of self study skills is very important. As a guide, pupils in Year 7 will receive approximately one hour of homework each evening, which increases as they advance through the School.
The nature of GCSE coursework in Years 10 and 11 is such that homework is greatly increased at this stage. We do ask that parents help ensure that homework is completed to the highest possible standard by providing their child with a suitable, quiet place at home in which to do homework and by checking that sufficient time and attention are devoted to it. There is more emphasis on pupils managing their own deadlines during GCSE courses.
“The curriculum provides pupils with a range of academic and vocational pathways that lead to the vast majority gaining accreditation and is a good basis for future learning.”
Ofsted 2009
National Curriculum Key Stage 3
Years 7 – 9
On admission to the School, pupils are carefully allocated to mixed-ability tutor groups. For the sake of continuity, pupils will normally remain in their tutor groups throughout their five years in the School. In Year 7, the children are taught in mixed ability groups for many subjects but are set according to ability for Maths and Modern Foreign Languages.
The aim of the curriculum in the first three years is to provide a stimulating, broad and balanced education common to all and appropriate to their needs. The curriculum conforms to the National Curriculum and comprises; English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Geography, Drama, French, Music, History, Information Technology, Physical Education/Dance, Religious Education, Art/Pottery. In addition Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship are taught to all pupils.
National Curriculum Key Stage 4
Years 10 – 11
Pupils all receive a broad and balanced curriculum which complies fully with the National Curriculum. We are constantly reviewing our provision for pupils in years 10 and 11. Details are available on request.
In addition, all pupils will follow courses in Physical Education, Citizenship, Religious Education, Careers Guidance and other important aspects of Personal, Social and Health Education and ICT. There will be an early GCSE English entry for some students from this year.
“Students follow an increasing range of pathways based on their identified needs and interests. Good links with local further education providers are enabling an increasing number of students to pursue courses that are matched to their skills, at least for part of the time.”
Ofsted 2009
Learning Support
The School assesses and monitors the progress of pupils carefully, so that underachievers and those requiring particular support are identified quickly and given the help they need. Pupils with special educational needs receive extra support in lessons or are given individual teaching in the Learning Support Centre. The Learning Support Co-ordinator is always available to meet with pupils and parents by appointment. You are also welcome to telephone the department for advice and guidance.
External Examinations
The School prepares pupils for external examinations conducted by a number of examination boards. The main examination taken is the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) which pupils sit at various stages throughout Key stage 4. A number of GCSE courses are vocational in nature and lead to dual awards for example, BTEC Performing Arts, Health & Social Care and BTEC First Diploma in Sport. The Diploma course in Hair and Beauty starts this year.
Departments have chosen different examination boards on good educational grounds and in the best interests of pupils. In addition, candidates may be entered for qualifications awarded by other examining boards. All courses and qualifications are approved by the Department for children, schools and families (DCSF). Please see the enclosure for full details of all the examinations sat by our pupils.
Religious Education
The School follows the agreed syllabus for Religious Education which has been adopted by the Local Education Authority.
Sex and Relationship Education Policy
Sex and Relationship Education is integrated into the teaching of PSHE and Science, allowing questions and answers about sexual matters to arise naturally. Parents are welcome to view any teaching materials and discuss any concerns they may have with the school. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from the SRE section of the PSHE programme.