ABOUT US

At North Chadderton School, our highest priority is the provision of quality education for all our pupils. We are the only Local Authority School in Oldham to provide continuing education up to the age of 18. In September 2005 we have been designated a Specialist College by the Dfes. Our main focus will be Business, Information Technology and Mathematics. Through the extra resources provided we will be a centre of excellence in these areas and will be able to offer a wide range of exciting learning opportunities across the whole curriculum.

We are proud of our school’s reputation. However, North Chadderton does not rest on its laurels; we are always looking for ways to improve. We have a hard-working and dedicated governing body that are keen to ensure the school provides the highest standard of education so that pupils achieve to the best of their ability. Where pupils have particular needs we are able to support them through our Individual Needs Department.

• To make learning the main focus of everything we do.
• To produce a curriculum that gives all pupils challenge and choice, allowing them to become independent, lifelong learners.
• To create a culture and ethos of responsibility where all in the school are committed and engaged.
• To develop a culture whereby we encourage innovation and enterprise and where all people see themselves as learners.
• To become a 21st Century Business and Enterprise College.

• extending exciting and innovative teaching and learning opportunities for all our students.
• develop the aspirations and employability skills of the students.
• increase the variety of the courses we offer.
• enhance the school’s links with the business community to develop additional opportunities for students and staff.
• enhance links with higher education.
• ensure pupils have the opportunity to use the latest technology.
• develop the skills and expertise of the school staff.
• celebrate our achievements.

In Year 7, History, Geography, Religious Education and Personal and Social Education are known as Form Studies. These subjects are taught in the pupil’s form base by the Form Tutor. Together with our primary school links, this ensures a smooth continuity of the National Curriculum and is seen as strength of the early years at North Chadderton.

North Chadderton School follows the National Curriculum, incorporating it into a wider curriculum which provides a broad and balanced education. We aim to provide all pupils with a challenging and stimulating educational experience which raises their aspirations and widens their horizons, giving them confidence and maturity to cope with the demands of an ever changing world. As part of the Excellence in Cities initiative, we have developed a dynamic programme of activities to extend Gifted and Talented pupils.

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, and 9) pupils are taught in mixed ability groups for some subjects and grouped by ability in others. This comprises the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, as well as Geography, History, Religious Education, Music, Drama, Art, Technology, Physical Education and Information Technology.

In Year 7 setting occurs in Mathematics. In Year 8 setting occurs in Mathematics, English, Science and Modern Languages. This moves through into Year 9.

At Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) all pupils continue to study the core subjects, and most are entered for 9 GCSE examinations. The core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, Personal Social and Health Education, and Physical Education. In addition, pupils also study an Information Technology and Business Studies course. They choose three further subjects as options. They can develop individual interests and talents, while maintaining a broad and balanced curriculum as a foundation for further education. The school takes pride in its provision of modern languages. A choice of two language courses is available for GCSE. Information Technology is an integral facet of most subjects.