We can now proudly demonstrate that pupils achieve excellence also in Mathematics, Science and Technology so that they truly have equality of opportunity and access to a variety of higher education courses and future careers.
A sophisticated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) network and larger numbers of computers than many schools can afford underpin our pupils' teaching and learning - a key to raising standards further and faster. These resources have also benefited local primary schools and the community generally. Extensive involvement of representatives of business and industry in the life and work of the school gives our pupils greater understanding of the international and technological requirements of the 21st Century. So too does our membership of the BLA about which you can read on page 15.
Pupils are tested on arrival. The information we gain from this and from assessment in lessons is used to monitor closely the progress of each pupil. The data is electronically recorded and gives teachers immediate access to pupils' attainment and effort, their special educational needs or their gifts and talents in specific subjects. All National Curriculum requirements are met and all pupils take a broad, balanced and relevant combination of subjects. A large range of A level (level 3) courses is offered in the Sixth Form with some level 2 courses also available according to anticipated need.
Some subjects in the main school are taught in ability sets, others in the mixed ability tutor group. In Year 9 pupils are extensively supported as they move towards GCSE courses. The Head of Year oversees this transition, offering Information Evenings for parents and pupils at which they can learn about the courses we offer, each pupil's suitability for them and the study skills necessary for success.
The curriculum for Years 7 - 9 includes:
English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, ICT, a Modern Language (either French or German in Year 7), History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education, Religious Education, Drama, and Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSCHE).
Pupils in Year 8 currently take up an additional language, either French, Spanish, or German; Latin is available as an enrichment activity after school. PSCHE underpins pupils' learning and development throughout the school, and their progress is further supported by a compulsory homework programme. We value parents' involvement in monitoring this.
In Years 10 and 11:
We aim to provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum and one which reflects our Technology and Language College commitments. All pupils follow a compulsory curriculum leading to GCSE accreditation in the following subjects:
English, English Literature, Mathematics, Double Science (with an intensive offer of the three separate Science GCSEs for the most able scientists), Technology, a short course in ICT, a Modern Language, and either History, Geography or Religious Studies.
Please note that as a Technology College , we are committed to a compulsory full Technology course at Key Stage 4. Currently 90% of our pupils follow a Language course and as a newly designated Languages specialist school, we will be looking to broaden this offer for all learners.
All pupils must also follow non-examination courses in :
Physical Education and PSCHE; the latter incorporates National Curriculum themes such as Citizenship, Environmental Education, Religious and Moral Education, and Health and Sex Education.
In addition to these, pupils may choose one additional subject from a wide range (for example, Business, ICT courses, additional Languages or Humanities, Art, Music, Drama or Sports).
All pupils have the opportunity to achieve nine and a half examination grades. Our Examination Entry Policy states that we aim to maximise opportunity for all pupils following public examination courses.
The majority are entered for all of their courses and achieve at a high level. Continuity and progression are provided at the end of Key Stage 4 through the wide range of AS level, A2 and Business courses we provide in our large mixed Sixth Form.
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