Ref: Section Six A) Vii)

Ref: Section Six a) vii)

CURRICULUM POLICY

Edgerton College provides vulnerable young people with the opportunity to succeed. We work hard to help our students gain nationally recognised qualifications andequip them with skills they need to become part of wider society.Our students are regularly monitored and reviewed whilst at our college and assisted before they leave to access training, employment or further education. This policy is written in accordance with Independent schools framework 162a and is reviewed annually.
We aim to:

Meet the needs of each individual and promote learning in a

supportive, caring environment

Engage young people in the educational process

Encourage and motivate young people to raise their educational

standards and achieve their potential

Develop life and social skills that helps young people to be good

citizens

Foster respect for one another, staff and property
Promote community cohesion

We encourage students to be honest, reliable and trustworthy. Academic rigour is valued and the focus in the classroom and beyond is on challenge, engagement and enjoyment. The school has well qualified and highly motivated staff, both teaching and non teaching. All members of the community are valued and given the opportunity to flourish in a caring and supportive environment.We value the partnership which exists between school, parents and community and the part it plays in realising this vision.

Edgerton College provides a curriculum which:

is relevant to pupils’ needs
offers breadth and diversity
facilitates continuity and progression
prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of life beyond school

The school implements a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for;

Full-time supervised education for pupils, which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative education

The National Curriculum forms the basic framework across Key Stages 4. The range of pupil ability is broad and where appropriate the curriculum is adjusted to meet their needs, for example by providing individual learning support and differentiated lessons.

The delivery of the curriculum aims to promote the development of an enquiring mind, independent learning and the opportunity to develop communication, organisation and team working skills.

Key Stage 4

In Year 11 all students are required to take the following core GCSE courses; English, Mathematics, ICT, History and Preparation for Working Life.

In Year 10 all students are required to take the following core Certificate of Achievement courses; English, Mathematics, ICT, History and Science.

PSE is a rolling programme taught in Year 10 and into year 11 giving students a GCSE equivalent

Mathematics

GCSE specification in Mathematics should encourage learners to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. They should help learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. In addition it will help prepare learners to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices.

The aims are to enable

develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
acquire and use problem-solving strategies
select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, everyday and real-world situations
reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions
interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics qualification offers students the opportunity to build their

confidence in using mathematics, applying mathematics to relevant, realistic situations, and using theirmathematics knowledge to solve problems.

Year 11 study GCSEOCR

Students follow the national curriculum and will be taught in a variety of styles to motivate and challenge.
They are regularly assessed both by tests and Assessing pupil progress tasks from the National strategies.
They will have access to the ICT suite.

Course of study includes; Number, Algebra, Shapes & Measure and Handling Data.

Year 10 Entry Level OCR

Course of study includes; Interpreting frequency diagrams and pie charts, Whole numbers, Multiplication, Subtraction, division and shapes.

English

The course is designed to encourage learners to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile programme. It will prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices; and to use language to participate effectively in society and employment.

It will encourage learners to:

demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to communicate with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately
express themselves creatively and imaginatively
become critical readers of a range of texts, including multimodal texts
use reading to develop their own skills as writers
understand the patterns, structures and conventions of written and spoken English
understand the impact of variations in spoken and written language and how they relate to identity and cultural diversity
select and adapt speech and writing to different situations and audiences.

Year 11 study GCSE WJEC

English Grammar - As part of the work we look at Comprehension - Sentence structure, punctuation, reading and extracting information from text, working with different kinds of media

Creative writing, using essay plans, mind maps, vocabulary maps, choosing good vocabulary, studying layouts, mock exam

Speaking and listening – Communication skills, talks, discussions, debate, presentations and interview techniques

English Literature - Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet. We will look at the play in context, when it was written, consider language, the play in depth and character studies Act 1 Scene V.

Modern literature – new world study Chanda’s Secrets and Mice and Men

Poetry - Consider what is a poem, why do people write them and read the following; Home Thoughts From Abroad – Robert Browning

Island Man (Different cultures ) - Grace Nichols

War poetry – Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon

Year 10 study Entry Level OCR

Runs parallel to a GCSE and is good preparation for year 11

We will be working on comprehension - Sentence Structure, Punctuation, Reading and Extracting Information from Text and working with different kinds of media

Improve Free Writing - Study Creative Writing, Using Essay Plans, Mind Maps, Vocabulary Maps, Choosing Good Vocabulary and Studying Layouts

Dealing with Facts and Opinions - How do you construct and argument

and prepare an article for a magazine

Preparing a CV, Preparing a Personal Statement, Interview Practice, Writing a letter in response to an advertisement

History

Our aim is to engender an interest in History and to develop the historical skills of our students so that they can, in time, become good citizens. We hope that the knowledge that they acquire will help them understand the people of the past, and also shed light on their own lives and prejudices. In so doing, they will become more tolerant. We believe that the skills which we seek to develop in our students will help them not only to reach high levels of academic achievement, but also to be able to interpret the wide range of ideas that the technological revolution will present to them

Year 11 study GCSE OCR

Students will study Germany 1919 – 1945 (depth study) and Medicine Through Time (development study). You will also be studying Modern World Irish History as part of History of Conflict.

Course assessment 25% Exams 75%

Year 10 Entry Level OCR

Students will study Germany 1919 – 1945, Medicine Through Time and report on an historical figure. This study runs parallel to the GCSE and will help the student develop knowledge and skills for year 11 study.

ICT

We aim to develop in pupils the necessary skills needed to complete ICT components within subject specific programmes of study. To add to the enrichment and enjoyment of pupil's learning experiences and develop an appreciation of the importance of ICT in the world of work.

Year 11 study GCSE OCR

Students will develop their knowledge and skills around IT systems. This will involve looking at computer components, understanding mainframe, super and embedded systems, identifying the difference between hardware and software, presenting information and data handling.

Year 10 Entry Level OCR

The course provides students with basic IT skills and looks at creating simple animation, using control language software, working on a database, digital imaging and spreadsheet skills.

Preparation for Working Life

Year 11 study Level 1 & 2 AQA

The course is designed to help give candidates the skills,knowledge and understanding which prepares them for working life, now and inthe future, as confident individuals and members of society.

Students are able to gain a knowledge of finance, enterprises, workingpractices and how businesses are organised and run.The course enables students to gain employability skills, such as the ability toproblem solve, to communicate effectively and to work well in a team.

It provides a suitable foundation for further study in related subjects such as Citizenship and areas of Sociology and Business Studies.

Areas of study:

Personal awareness
Healthy lifestyles for work-life balance
Relationships and the differences between people
The world of work
Applying for jobs and courses
Economic and financial aspects of life
Employment opportunities
Personal safety and safeguarding

Examination - Paper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes) Written paper (calculator may be used)70% of the AQA Level 1/2 Certificate in Preparation for Working Life assessment - Section A – multiple choice answers 10 marks, Section B – short sentence answers 20 marks, Section C – longer, structured answers 70 marks

Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes) Written paper (non-calculator)30% of the AQA Level 1/2 Certificate in Preparation for Working Life assessment - Short and longer structured answers 50 marks

PSE (Personal Social Education)

Edgerton College undertakes to promote the personal and social development and well being of its learners. This includes the planned learning experiences and opportunities in the curriculum as well as the ethos and organisation of the school.

PSE aims to:

Develop learners’ self esteem and a sense of personal responsibility
Promote self respect, respect for others and celebrate diversity,
Equip learners to live safe, healthy lives
Prepare learners for the choices and opportunities of lifelong learning
Empower learners to participate in their schools and communities as active responsiblecitizens locally, nationally and globally
Foster positive attitudes and behaviour towards the principles of sustainable development and global citizenship
Prepare learners for the challenges, choices and responsibilities of work and adult life

Year 10 rolling program 7 Units Level 1 (4 units = ½ GCSE, 7 units = 1 GCSE) AQA

PSE (Life Skills) forms a key strand in the curriculum spanning Year 10 and 11. Skills developed will contribute to pupils’ ability to make informed choices and decisions, and give them the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life from a social, moral, health and academic point of view. It will also help them to become responsible and active members of the community.

Drugs Education
Sex and Relationship Education
Personal Finance
Healthy Lifestyles
Applying for Jobs and Courses
Personal Safety
Introduction to Diversity, Prejudice and Discrimination

SMSC (Spiritual Moral Social Cultural)non-accredited

Edgerton College undertakes to promote ‘British Values’in a formal and targeted approach and will enhance the work already in place and delivered through the curriculum (see SMSC Policy Ref: Section Six a) vii) a)).

Targeted SMSC will:-

Provide opportunities for students to interact with the community
Organise visits to places of interest to help them understand and appreciate modern Britain.
Organise workshops/Guest speakers to inform and reinforce British Values

Science

Is a course designed to provide students with realistic targets,encouraging them to develop science skills. ItProvides the flexibility to link between the practical task and thecontrolled assessment. The course is assessed with a combination of short end-of-item tests, can-dotasks and practical tasks by teachers, internally standardised andthen externally moderated by OCR.

Year 10 & 11Entry Level OCR

The course is designed to stimulate pupil’s interests in the sciences. It gives them the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of science facts and theories.

It will develop an awareness and appreciation of how science affects people and the environment. Students will acquire and apply skills and techniques for science enquiries through three main areas Physics, Biology & Chemistry.

Enhancement (non – accredited)

Year 10

Timetabled sessions allocated to all subject areas to give students information and support in key areas of work.

Work Place Hazard Awareness

Year 10 Entry Level Qualification

This course is designed to give students a good grounding in Health & Safety, looking at risks, preventative measures and responsibility. The qualification is provided through the British Safety Council.

General Studies (non – accredited)

Year 11

Health, Fitness & Diet - Using Sport we look at the “healthy body” and how it is perceived in the media and community. Thecourse also covers issues around respect, diet and nutrition.

Communication Skills - Looking at different types of Communication - What Makes for Good or Bad Communication?

Citizenship - Morals,Rights and Responsibilities, Parables and Fables, Voting, Politics/Central and Local Government, Equal Opportunities –Equality Act

World Religions - To briefly look at six religions of the world and identify their relevance in the local community - understand each religion, appreciate diversity and culture, develop an awareness of spiritual and moral issues, respect for other peoples’ views and help build a sense of identity in a multicultural society

Technology(non – accredited)

Year 10 & Year 11

Students will experience practical work through timetabled sessions ranging from food technology – preparing nutritional food and learning basic cookery to making planters. Also placements with training providers will be offered from construction to engineering giving students projects which will give them hands on experience.

Art & Crafts

Arts Award inspiresyoung people to grow their arts and leadership talents: it's creative, valuable and accessible.The award is a personal learning programme which develops and assesses both arts-related and transferable skills, such as creativity, communication, planning and teamwork

Year 10 & Year 11

Students will use their artistic and creative flair to make various artefacts. They will use various materials and tools to help them develop skills and techniques they can use in later life. The course is designed to be flexible and give students the opportunity to express themselves in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Sport(non – accredited)

Year 10 & Year 11

Students will be given the opportunity to take part in activities to help them to be active and develop enterprise skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving and communication. As well as encouraging them to exercise and be healthy

Social & Personal Development(non – accredited)

Year 10 & Year 11

An integral part of the curriculum to help develop our students social skills interacting with peers and adults in an informal yet structured setting and ensure students are “set up for the day” with the right attitude and commitment.

There is a range of different activities to relax and focus the students;

Complete unfinished work, research and receive guidance, review and discuss Personal Education Plans (PEPs), discuss issues, complete common application form, counselling and behaviour contract reviews.

Individual student briefing with staff (2) and student regarding emotional well-being – no carry over from previous day/evening.

TV/Newspapers/Magazines – will stimulate student interest in World News/Current/Financial Awareness, Breakfast – Toast Coffee/Tea, Juice

One to One and group discussion with staff and students

IT suite, Pool, Table Tennis and Table Football

Employability/Enterprise(non – accredited)

Year 10 & Year 11

This area of the curriculum is designed to help students prepare for life after compulsory schooling. It provides students with skills and knowledge to help them succeed in the job market.

They will be able to;

Relate to the world ofwork, learn about different careers and opportunities, individual-focused guidance (including post 16 options), work experience.

Year 10 & 11 Induction

Introduction to the work of the Careers Service by CareersAdviser

Employability/Enterprise – Team work, Communication, Problem Solving skills

Year 10

CV and Letters of Application

Mock Interview Preparation

Mock Interview Programme

Two week work experience

Year 11

Mock Interview Programme

Year 10 and 11- Extended Work Experience, Collegiate and Track 10/11 programmes tailored to individual needs and guest speakers

Assembly

Every Friday at the end of the morning a whole school assembly is held whereby staff will talk about expectations, concerns and praise.

Baseline testing in Numeracy and Literacy is used when a student enrolls with usto determine ability and promote differentiation. Throughout the school differentiation is used within lessons to ensure that each pupil is given tasks appropriate to their aptitude. Staff use extension materials in order to stretch and challenge able pupils. Teacher observation and knowledge of each pupil is the most comprehensive tool in assessing the aptitude of pupils and all staff use assessment for learning strategies in their teaching to ensure that all pupils are assessed and make progress.