Charters School Curriculum Policy February 2016
CURRICULUM POLICY Aims The curriculum at Charters School is centred around our core values: Unity, Respect, Excellence. By providing a broad and balanced curriculum we aim to: - ensure that students develop the essential literacy and numeracy skills; - provide students with a full and rounded entitlement to learning whilst personalising the curriculum as far as possible to the needs, interests and ability of each student; - foster students' creativity and develop essential skills, including learning skills; - promote a healthy lifestyle; - inspire students to a commitment to learning which will last a lifetime; - promote high standards in all learning and teaching; and - promote community cohesion. - create successful learners - create confident individuals - create responsible citizens - promote the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development of each student - develop those skills and attributes essential for successful employability In addition we fulfil our statutory obligations with regard to: Personal, social, health and citizenship education Religious education Appropriate information and guidance on the world of work. In the Sixth Form it encourages students to continue their education beyond the current statutory school age. It is designed to ensure smooth progression from 11 to 19. Equal Opportunities The school recognises and values cultural diversity and accepts its duties under the Equality Act 2010 to show due regard, in its decision-making, to the three aims of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) in its need to: Eliminate unlawful discrimination Advance equality of opportunity Foster good relations between people from different equality groups Entry to all programmes of study is based on academic suitability and appropriateness, regardless of sex, race, disability, religion or belief. Disabilities: In accordance with the statutory requirements the school aims to make the curriculum accessible to all students as far as is reasonably practicable. The school has a Disability Equality Scheme, incorporating the Accessibility Plan. Differentiation A variety of differing teaching and learning methods and materials are used in all courses to suit students' different needs. Office/policies Feb 2016 Page 2 of 8
CHARTERS CURRICULUM KS3 In the first three years students will experience a broad range of subjects. The table below indicates the subjects and number of periods allocated over a two week (50 period) timetable. Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 English 7 7 6 Mathematics 6 6 6 Science 6 6 7 French 3 3 3 Spanish 3 3 3 History 2 2 2 Geography 2 2 2 Humanities 0 1 0 Technology 4 4 4 Computing 2 2 3 Art 2 2 2* Music 2 2 2* Drama 2 2 2* Dance Within PE Within PE 2* Religious Education 2 2 2 Physical Education 5 5 5 Citizenship 2 1 1 All Year 7 students are taught an integrated, themed project (incorporating L2L skills) in a large amount of subject lessons for the first term. This has been developed to provide a bridge in terms of learning styles for students between their primary lessons and secondary school. In Years 7, 8 and 9 most students receive 3 lessons of French and 3 lessons of Spanish every two weeks. A targeted group of students who need support with core skills will not study a Modern Foreign Language; the lessons gained will, therefore, be used to deliver support activities for these students. Apart from English and Mathematics subjects are taught in mixed ability groups in Year 7 (mostly tutor groups) By Year 9, however, all subjects, apart from Citizenship and Creative Arts are taught in ability groups. In Mathematics students in Year 9 will start their Course at an appropriate time during the year in preparation for their KS4 examinations *In Year 9 Creative Arts students opt to study three subjects from Art, Dance, Drama and Music. KS4 The scheme is based on the requirements of the National Curriculum, to allow for specialisation and a degree of choice. The main focus is to allow students to follow a curriculum suited to their needs, abilities and interests. All students have the same core entitlement; English, Mathematics, a Science Course (Triple Office/policies Feb 2016 Page 3 of 8
or Double Award), a Physical Education course (full or short course PE or Dance or BTEC Sports Studies) and Citizenship Plus (Religious Education, Citizenship, Careers and Personal, Social, Health Education). Most students can then choose to follow a set of traditional s, or a mixture of traditional s and vocational courses. Within and outside of the core curriculum, there are many curriculum pathways giving students flexibility to pursue a curriculum adapted to their personal needs. A carefully selected group of students are invited to follow a vocational route which for some includes off-site provision at college. Other students receive vocational provision outside by an external provider, in addition to the core requirement. Many students are also able to choose a subject to be studied in double option time from Child Development, Resistant Materials or Leisure & Tourism. Some targeted students have the ability to benefit from additional time devoted to the core subjects of English and Mathematics. The table below indicates the subjects and number of periods allocated over the two week (50 period) timetable. English Language & Literature 7 Mathematics 7 Science Physics & Chemistry & Biology Or Core Science & Additional Science 9 (+5 as an options choice) 9 Physical Education Citizenship Plus and PSHE Options Full or short course 5 Dance or BTEC Sports Studies or Young Apprenticeship in Sports for selected students Non-examined 3 Traditional s Computer Science BTEC: Business Studies, Performing Arts (Acting) Double time Courses Employability programme 20 total Young Apprentices follow BTEC Sports Studies, and study outside the school day too. The Employability programme provides targeted support for students in a bespoke package which may include: BTEC Workskills, Additional English, Additional Mathematics, Study Support or Construction/Plumbing via a visiting mobile facility. Examples of Key Stage 4 Option Packages. Student A Student B Student C Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 History Spanish Music Graphic Products Geography Art Food Technology BTEC Business Studies BTEC Business Studies BTEC Performing Arts Child Development (Double Time Option) Office/policies Feb 2016 Page 4 of 8
Student D Plumbing (on site vocational) Additional English/Mathematics Resistant Materials (Double Time Option) KS5 Level 2 Courses Activity Leadership (Tennis/Football) Community Sports Leaders Award English Mathematics NVQ Level 3 Courses One or two year courses are offered studying the following subjects:- Applied Business Applied Science Art and Design Business Economics English Language & Literature English Literature Film Studies Food Technology Geography Geology Graphic Products Health & Social Care History Information Technology (Applied) Mathematics: Pure, Mechanics, Statistics, and Further Mathematics Media Modern Languages: French & Spanish Music Music Technology Performing Arts: Dance Performing Arts: Musical Theatre Photography Physical Education Psychology Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics Resistant Materials Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics Sociology Sport Theatre Studies Textiles BTEC National Diploma /National Diploma and Extended Diploma N.B. BTEC Level 3 courses have the following equivalences: Subsidiary Diploma = 1, Diploma = 2 A Levels, Extended Diploma = 3 s. Office/policies Feb 2016 Page 5 of 8
All A levels and s are allocated 9 hours per fortnight BTEC National Diplomas are allocated 18 hours per fortnight BTEC Extended Diplomas are allocated approximately 27 hours per fortnight All students who have not gained at least a grade C for either or both English (Language) or Mathematics will automatically be timetabled to study the subject(s). General Activities Key Stage 5 a. All students are required to take PE which includes a full programme of competitive matches. b. All students are required to take part in the Curriculum Enrichment Programme offered throughout the year on Wednesday afternoon. c. The Sixth Form Social Committee regularly run activities and trips including Mufti Days, Leavers Balls and a Senior Citizens Party. Sixth Form students take part in all Curriculum Enrichment with varied activities from safe driving presentations and study skills support to debates and visits to universities. d. All students take part in Community Service. e. Higher Education Advice is easily available through a formal programme and many informal opportunities. It is an important part of the Curriculum Enrichment programme Rolling Tutor Programme Every two weeks, students have a lesson with their tutor and tutor group as part of our Rolling Tutor Programme. This lesson is used to focus on issues relevant to the year group and can cover areas as diverse as how to develop relationships, drugs education or preparation for options choices. Religious Education Religious education is available to all students at Key Stage 3 and also at Key Stage 4 as part of the Citizenship Plus programme of study. In the Sixth Form it is delivered as part of the Curriculum Enrichment Programme. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education. Sex Education The school provides sex education in the basic curriculum for all students, in which students are encouraged and guided by moral principles and taught to recognise the value of family life. In the Sixth Form these programme continue in both years with an additional emphasis on keeping safe. A full statement of the school's sex education policy is available separately. It has been drawn up in consultation with staff, students and parents, and takes into account the views of representatives from the community. It has regard for the government's guidance in Sex and Relationship Education Guidance (0116/2000). Office/policies Feb 2016 Page 6 of 8
In accordance with the law the biological aspects of human reproduction remain compulsory for all students, but parents may withdraw their children from any other part of the sex education provided without giving reasons. Political Education The promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school is forbidden by law. Political issues are introduced in a number of courses and are presented in a balanced manner. The Citizenship Plus curriculum at Key Stage 4 and the Curriculum Enrichment Programme in the Sixth Form are integral to helping the students become informed adults. Community Cohesion Community cohesion means that Charters School, through its curriculum, will work towards creating a society in which there is a common vision and sense of belonging by all communities; a society in which the diversity of people s backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and valued; a society in which similar life opportunities are available to all; and a society in which strong and positive relationships exist and continue to be developed at Charters School, in the workplace and in the wider community. In other words, the curriculum will reflect and allow us to develop our core values: Unity, Respect and Excellence. PE and Games All students are expected to take part in the school's physical education and games programme. Students can only be excused from PE and games lessons for medical reasons, for which a note from a parent will suffice, or other reasons agreed with the school. Extra-Curricular Activities The school has a wide and varied programme of cultural and sporting activities that take place outside the formal curriculum. All students are expected to take part in the programme. The school is introducing The Edge, a framework to develop and accredit our students those skills and attributes essential for successful employability and life. Special Educational Needs The school has a special educational needs policy for students with a statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan. The school will determine the appropriate courses in consultation with the parents. Concerns and Complaints Parents who have concerns about any aspect of the curriculum should discuss these in the first instance with the student's Head of Year. If the issue is not resolved parents should contact a Headteacher. Monitoring and Review This policy will be monitored by the Senior Leadership Team member responsible, who will report on its implementation on a regular basis to the Governors Curriculum Committee. Office/policies Feb 2016 Page 7 of 8
Curriculum Policy Approved by Teaching and Learning Committee on 29 June 2015 minute number 245/15 Approved by and Reviewed by Full Governors on 21 March 2016 minute number 172/16 Statutory Policy Website Office 365 Next Review Date Policy to be reviewed Jan 2017 Office/policies Feb 2016 Page 8 of 8