Curriculum

The Old School offers all pupils a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum, based on the National Curriculum KS2, KS3 and KS4. In our Capel Centre pupils will be prepared for the national SATs tests in English, Maths and Science. In addition, History, Geography, RE and PSHE will be taught as supplementary subjects in support of our character development programme. At our St Margaret's Centre pupils will be prepared for College entry qualification via English, Maths, Science, I.T., Humanities and D.T. including Food Technology with the more capable students studying these subjects at GCSE level and less able studying at ASDAN Bronze, Silver or Gold level. In addition, P.S.H.E., and Map Reading will be taught as supplementary subjects as well as social, emotional and behavioural skills training via circle time and enhanced assemblies at the beginning and end of each day.

ASDAN qualifications have recently been introduced into our school as a form of alternative curriculum and are approved by the Secretary of State under Section 96 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. We find that the qualifications encourage pupils to develop responsibility for their own learning and they gain valuable experience in a wide range of activities. The course work and qualifications have proved ideal in building confidence and self esteem as well as promoting social skills. ASDAN work has led, as an example, to the pupils planning and organising charitable events that raise money for Demelza Children's Hospice and formed a major part of the pupils ASDAN course work.