Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9)
When pupils first enter the School they are placed on a reading programme as a first step in ensuring that they continue to develop the skills with which to achieve their potential. All pupils follow a reading programme designed to enhance their skills. They also follow the DiDA Information Technology syllabus that leads to examination equivalent of GCSE.
Our curriculum for each Year group includes the requirements of the National Curriculum in terms of times allocated and range of subjects offered. The curriculum is divided into 8 week modules. Each module ends with an assessment which is sent to parents as a continuous guide as to their child's progress.
In each subject we aim to give our pupils the skills they need to extend their knowledge and have the firm foundation necessary for success at GCSE.
Much of the teaching in Years 7 and 8 takes place in mixed ability tutor groups, with the average group being thirty pupils.
Most subjects in Year 9 are taught in smaller groups with setting in some subjects so that teaching can be carried out at levels most suited to the pupils' developing needs.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)
During Year 9, parents and pupils are invited to an evening at the School to explore and discuss the range of subjects offered at key stage 4.
In Years 10 and 11 extra classes are created to ensure that average group size is in the low 20's.
All pupils follow a core curriculum consisting of English Language GCSE, English Literature GCSE, DiDA Information and Communication Technology, Mathematics GCSE, Physical Education, Personal and Social Education (which includes Religious Education) and Science GCSE.
Pupils will then have the opportunity to choose additional subjects leading to either GVNQ or GCSE. Choices are guided and depend upon aptitude and ability.
All pupils in Year 10 also have two weeks of closely monitored and evaluated work experience, for which a certificate of competence is awarded. Some Year 11 pupils on designated courses will have a further period of work experience.
The range of additional subjects available in Years 10 and 11 are:
Art and Design GCSE, Business Studies and Economics GCSE, Dance GCSE, Drama GCSE, French GCSE, Geography GCSE, German GCSE, Graphic Design GCSE, History GCSE, Media Studies GCSE, Media Communication and Production GNVQ, Music GCSE, Physical Education (Games) GCSE, Religious Studies GCSE, Product Design GCSE, Textiles GCSE.
The Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13)
During Year 11, parents and students are invited to an evening at the School to explore and discuss the range of available opportunities for further study.
Students who enter the Sixth Form are assigned to a Tutor who keeps daily contact with them and discusses how their studies are progressing. We have subject assessment of progress each term, which is discussed with the student and a copy of this assessment is sent to parents. There is also an annual parents evening to discuss progress.
Each year we send the majority of our students on to University, College or other places of Further Education.
In the SIXTH FORM the range of AS and A2 courses available are: Business Studies, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computing, Information and Communication Technology, Music Technology, Drama and Theatre Studies, English Literature, Media Studies, French, German, Geography, History, Law, Psychology, Physical Education, Politics and Government, Art and Design, Graphics, Product Design, Textiles. We also offer Sixth Form students the opportunity to 'top up' their GCSE qualifications with courses in English Language, English Literature, Information Technology, Mathematics, Media Studies and Sociology. All students have a tutorial period and 2 periods of Core Studies, which includes Religious Education. NB: The range of courses offered may be subject to change dependent on the circumstances of any particular year. |