Curriculum

Objectives

The objectives of a truly effective curriculum have been identified nationally as:

• Breadth
• Balance
• Relevance
• Differentiation

These are the guidelines for our curriculum structure. In a rapidly changing world, the school emphasises the development of an individual's knowledge, understanding and skills by providing a broad, balanced curriculum which gives every student access to as wide a range of learning experiences as possible. This is achieved through high teaching standards and a relevant curriculum. Students may be grouped in a variety of ways for their lessons.

The widely-acknowledged strength of our pastoral care underpins the academic curriculum. The Year Group system allows every child to flourish under the guidance of a Tutor and Head of Year. These key people, who usually remain with their groups throughout their time here, monitor the overall progress of each student as well as making sure they are happy and secure in school.

Curriculum for Key Stage 3

In Years 7, 8 and 9, students study:

• Mathematics;
• English;
• Science;
• Humanities (History, Geography and Philosophy, Ethics & RS);
• A Modern Foreign Language (French, Spanish or German);
• Creative Arts (Art, Music and Drama);
• Physical Education (PE) & Sports;
• Design & Technology (Food, Resistant Materials, Graphics and Textiles);
• Computing;
• Citizenship, Personal, Social, Health Education and Learning Skills.

At the end of Key Stage 3, students continue to study a core curriculum at GCSE. In addition, they choose from a range of accredited academic and vocational courses.

Curriculum for Key Stage 4

At KS4 all students study the Core curriculum of:

• English Language GCSE
• English Literature GCSE
• Mathematics GCSE
• Double Science GCSE
• IT Short course
• Humanities GCSE (CZ and RS)

In addition, students will choose 4 additional GCSEs or a vocational course.

Cross-curricular skills

Some important skills are taught across the curriculum. These include:

• Literacy;
• Numeracy;
• ICT;
• Thinking skills;
• Research skills;
• Working together;
• Presentation skills.

The school adds breadth to the curriculum by organising activities out of school and an induction programme. These are generally local events, but both national and international trips are organised on a regular basis.

ICT

ICT is an integral part of learning. We encourage students to use ICT wherever appropriate. As well as having timetabled lessons for ICT, students also have access to the computer network at other times. We are fortunate in our computer provision; at present we have a 1 to 5 ratio. There are large computer suites which hold whole classes and smaller groups of computers in many classrooms. Our main library also gives access to the network for private study at lunchtimes and after school. All students are taught to use the internet safely, and site access is monitored and controlled.

Sex and Relationship Education

Our Sex Education Policy is firmly rooted in the context of personal relationships and has been designed and implemented by our teaching staff with the help of outside agencies where appropriate.

Careers

Careers Education forms part of the regular teaching programme for Years 9, 10 and 11. The school has its own Careers Centre where computer programs, videos, books and leaflets are available.

Careers Advisers (now also known as Personal Advisers) visit the school several times each week to help students. They provide careers information, advice and guidance on education, training and employment. The emphasis is currently on seeing Year 11 and older students, mainly in interviews, but any student may ask to see a Personal Adviser. Personal Advisers attend Parents' Evenings where possible.

Assessment

Students' work is assessed regularly with written and oral feedback. This may be translated into 'Next Steps' which show students how to progress.  In addition to this, parents receive formal assessment of their child's progress through short reports. These will be based upon targets generated from cognitive ability tests and prior performance. Parents' Evenings enable parents to discuss progress with teachers.

Homework

Homework is set regularly in order to allow children to practise newly acquired skills, to learn and revise and to give an opportunity for independent study. Homework is recorded in the Journal.  The Library is open and staffed at lunchtime and after school until 4.15pm.

We have put together a booklet to provide parents and carers with information about the homework that your child will be receiving.. It also sets out some of the principles that underlie our approach to homework. As always, we value your voice as parents and welcome your views in relation to homework.

Reading Lists

We have put together a number of reading lists for the different key stages to help your child choose a book. Alternatively they can pop into the library where our Librarian will be happy to help them choose a book:

We have recently compiled a reading list of Classics to stretch our students at KS3 and KS4.

Why should I read a Classic to improve my Literacy skills? A Classic is an excellent choice because it will improves a student's ability to read for knowledge, write coherently and think critically about the written word. It will also challenge their ability to ‘Read for Meaning’; broaden their vocabulary and strengthen their awareness of sentence types. It is always good practice to read a Classic in order to complement the reading of more modern fiction; it will allow a student to draw comparisons between language use then and now.

Reluctant Readers

The school library has put together a list of recommended authors for young people who are reluctant to read. To view the list please click on the link below.

Revision

Our Revision section of the website has been designed to help students revise effectively. With the specific subject sections they contain resources such as past exam papers, revision guides & useful links along with helpful advice for both students and parents.

Special Educational Needs

The school is committed to supporting all students' individual needs. We adopt a flexible approach to students with special learning needs which may include in-class support or an individualised learning programme.

Gifted and Talented Students

We recognise that these students also need encouragement and an enrichment programme is developed each year to extend their learning and experience.

Equal Opportunities

Sprowston Community Academy is committed to equality of opportunity for all its students and staff.