Curriculum – Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9)
All pupils follow the statutory guidelines and enjoy a full and varied curriculum. Over half of the curriculum is given over to the core of English, Maths, Science and ICT. Each student has lessons in a Modern Foreign Language (either French or German), History, Geography and RE. The creative and technical curriculum is fulfilled by following courses in Design & Technology, Art, Music and PE. Each form group has a course of Personal Development delivered by the form tutor; this includes Citizenship, Careers and Sex Education. Apart from the Personal Development Programme, specialists in specialist rooms deliver all subjects.
Assessment And Testing At the end of Key Stage 3 all pupils are required to take tests (SATS) in English, Mathematics and Science. The tests are externally set and marked. The results of the test are normally sent out to parents once all results are received. Pupils are assessed during Key Stage 3 on a regular basis, and the level at which pupils are working is reported to parents. Full written reports are made annually and there are parents’ evenings for each year group held throughout the year.
Year 7 pupils will undergo MIDYIS analysis, which helps us to predict potential ability in each of the subject areas. Year 10 pupils will undergo ‘Year 11 Information Systems’ analysis (YELLIS), which helps us to predict levels they should gain in their GCSE examinations. This is a joint project with the Research Development Section of Durham University.
Curriculum – Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)
At Key Stage 4 there are choices given to students. The core subjects are English, Maths, Science, ICT, PE, RE and Design & Technology. Students can choose to follow Art, History, Geography, Media Studies, English Literature, Music, PE, Modern Foreign Languages or a Vocational Course. The available vocational courses at the moment include Health & Social Care, Engineering, Leisure & Tourism and Art & Design. In addition there are some courses, which are delivered at the Hartlepool College of Further Education, which includes the CITB Foundation Construction Award.
