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Curriculum. KS3 Information Evening 2014/2015. At Wrotham School we aim to offer a balanced and focussed curriculum that meets the needs and aspirations of our students.
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Curriculum KS3 Information Evening 2014/2015
At Wrotham School we aim to offer a balanced and focussed curriculum that meets the needs and aspirations of our students. • In year 7 and 8 all student follow a standard curriculum of subjects before choosing their GCSE options for year 9, 10 and 11.
Subjects – Year 7 and 8 • Core – All students study the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. • Humanities – All students study History, Geography and RE. • The Arts – All students study Music, Drama and Art and Design. • Technology – All students study ICT, Food Technology and Design. • Sport – All students receive PE and Sport lessons.
Languages • Languages are an important part of our curriculum and we offer a tailor made provision that caters to the needs of our individual students. • Most students will study 1 language, those who are highly able study 2 languages and some will not study language and will receive extra English and Maths lessons to ensure they are making the expected progress they are capable of.
Ability Setting • From September students have been placed in sets based on ability. This is to ensure that each child receives the right level of support and challenge in their classes. • The sets are based on CAT tests and Primary school assessment. Later in the year decision will also be decided by teacher assessment. • Sets are reviewed 3 times per year at the end of each full term. Students may move up or down.
Sets SET E and D 2 Languages SET B and C 1 Language SET A Extra English and Maths
Appropriate challenge • No matter which set a child is placed in they will receive teaching that is appropriate for their needs. A higher ability set will not mean more progress will be made. • Each individual student will be challenged to improve. • The school’s decision on setting is final and will only be reviewed at the 3 designated times of each year.
Mixed Ability Teaching • When considered appropriate, in some subjects such as art, drama and P.E; students are taught in mixed ability sets.
GCSE options • We now have a 2 year KS3 (7+8) and a 3 year KS4 (9+10+11) • This allows us to prepare students for the tougher requirements of GCSE study. • This means options events take place in the spring and summer term of year 8.
Assessment • Assessment is a vital way of tracking, monitoring, supporting and inspiring students to make progress. • In September the national curriculum levels were removed from all primary and secondary schools.
Assessment • We have developed and introduced our own system for assessment and reporting that will give each student and parent a detailed guide of how they are progressing. • We will use bands from 1-9 that will reflect a students progress through years 7 and 8. These have replaced the NC levels at Wrotham School and are closely linked to the new GCSE grades from 2017.
Targets • Students will be given a target band when they arrive in year 7. This target band will be generated based on primary school levels and performance in our CAT tests. • This target will give students a challenging goal to work towards throughout year 7 and 8. • We will review this target on a semester by semester basis.
Band Descriptions Band 3 – If maintained this student is working towards an F grade standard at GCSE Band 4 – If maintained this student is working towards a E grade standard at GCSE Band 5 – If maintained, this student is working towards a D grade standard at GCSE Band 6 – If maintained, this student is working towards a C grade standard at GCSE Band 7 – If maintained, this student is working towards a B grade standard at GCSE Band 8 – If maintained, this student is working towards an A grade standard at GCSE Band 9 – If maintained this student is working towards an A* grade standard at GCSE
Progress Paths- It is expected that every student will make 3 Bands of progress in 2 years.
New Website- features • Parent Section • All policies • All News and newsletters. • Head teachers Blog • Twitter feeds for school, departments and SEN department. • Student learning blogs • Full Calendars in digital and printable formats. • Email • Parent Pay • Parent Portal
Parent Portal Support awight@wrotham.kent.sch.uk
Literacy and Numeracy • Literacy and Numeracy are one of our most important areas of focus at all stages of our provision. • We provide catch up and intervention sessions with those who need it to ensure all of our students are prepared to succeed at GCSE.
Literacy and Numeracy • Changes to GCSE’s and the curriculum have sent a clear message. Expectations of literacy and ability in Maths and English have been significantly raised. • High levels of reading, writing and maths skills will be required and assessed in ALL subjects.
Literacy and Numeracy • We have increased curriculum time in Maths and English substantially. • We put these skills at the front of everything we do. • But… We also need your help and support.
Parent Views From over 220 survey returns last academic year; the data tells us that over 90% of parents surveyed agree with the statements provided in all categories. We are very proud of this. Thank you for your continued support.
Parent Voice • Parent voice meets once every term. • This session is run by our behaviour support officer Mrs S James. • Each session has focusses on a key theme requested by parents or involves consultation on key issues. • If you are interested in joining, keep an eye on our parent mail letters or contact Mrs James at sjames@wrotham.kent.sch.uk
Parent Evening and Reports • We are now reporting on student progress once every 8 weeks. This means there will be 6 assessment points in each academic year – all of equal length. • Full reports will remain 1 x per academic year and will be followed, as before by a parents evening. • Following parent concerns raised last year. Year 7 will now receive a parents evening earlier in the year. • Year 8 parents evening will line up with options evening and will be accompanied by an open night to meet teachers and choose options.
Pastoral Support and Behaviour Mrs K Ward
Contributions to Discussions Problem Solving Performance and Presentation
Teamwork Leadership Independent Study
Self-presentation Well-being Growth Mind-set
Cultural Experiences Citizenship
Graduation 2015