ParentsHandbook_2016-17_v1.01

The School Curriculum
The school has high expectations of all its students and the pursuit of academic
excellence is very high on our list of priorities. There is a firm belief that students of
all abilities perform better and are happier if they are fully extended academically.
Year 7
Teaching classes are based mainly in mixed ability tutor groups of approximately
27 students for most subjects in Year 7. However, we anticipate that two express
groups will be established again next year consisting of students whose prior
attainment is well above national expectation. Setting according to ability takes
place in some subjects before the end of Year 7. We provide a broad curriculum
consisting of:
Subject
Units per week
Art & Design.................................................................. 2
Dance............................................................................ 1
Design & Technology..................................................... 2
Drama........................................................................... 1
English........................................................................... 4
French........................................................................... 3
Geography (including elements of RE).......................... 2
History (including elements of RE)................................ 2
Computing.................................................................... 1
Mathematics................................................................. 4
Music............................................................................. 1
Personal Social & Health Education.............................. 1
Physical Education......................................................... 2
Science.......................................................................... 4
We will also have a specialised curriculum provision for students who will find the
transition from primary to secondary school challenging. This nurture curriculum
will involve extended periods of time focussing on literacy, numeracy and project
based learning. It will offer students opportunities to develop their self-esteem,
build teamwork skills and to experience outdoor education.
Some of these subject areas may be unfamiliar to parents and during the year we
hold curriculum presentations at the Parents’ Forum when you will be invited to
learn more about each of them. Subject staff will be available to answer questions
in an effort to provide you with a full picture of what happens in the classroom.
These evenings have proved very popular with parents with a few surprises about
how teaching has changed for the better!
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