Communications
English Language
Aims and Objectives
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The overall aim of any English Department must be to develop in all pupils the ability to communicate effectively, accurately and with confidence, both orally and in writing, their ideas, knowledge, feelings and points of view, and to read, respond to, and develop a liking for a wide range of literature.
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Under the revised national curriculum, English is divided into three separate but linked areas – Speaking and Listening. Reading and Writing. All of them are equal in terms of the emphasis placed on them and so English lessons include a balance of these.
Aims of Each Area
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Speaking and Listening - the development of the pupils’ understanding of the spoken word and the capacity to express themselves in a variety of speaking and listening activities, matching style and response to audience and purpose.
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Reading - the development of the ability to read, understand and respond to all types of writing, as well as the development of information retrieval for study purposes.
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Writing - to develop a growing ability to construct and convey meaning in written language, matching style to audience and purpose.
Role within our Specialist Science College
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Through the study of a range of texts (both fiction and non fiction), pupils can explore issues of a scientific nature. This creative approach to scientific issues can enable pupils to understand the consequences of human actions, from the effects of pollution on the environment, to the effects of nuclear war.
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Pupils are encouraged to discuss controversial issues, thus broadening their existing understanding and range of experiences.
Key Stage 3
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(i) Courses
In Year's 7 and 8, pupils follow a condensed KS3 curriculum. Key objectives are addressed in focused schemes of work devised by the English department. Year 9 provides a link between key stage 3 and key stage 4 and in the spring term.
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(ii) Key Stage 3 results over the last three years
Results over the past three years have been inconsistent. In 2006, the results were slightly below those expected but in 2007, Levels 5 and above exceeded Teacher Assessment, at a very pleasing 96%. (Results for 2008 are subject to confirmation)
Key Stage 4
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(i) Courses
Pupils begin to practice GCSE skills in Year 9 and final examinations are usually taken in Year 11. Pupils follow either AQA GCSE English Specification A or WJEC.
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(ii) Key Stage 4 results over the last three years
In 2006, 74% of all pupils achieved grade A*-C, in 2007 pupils achieved 77% A*-C and in 2008, pupils achieved 77.8% A*-C. Results therefore show improvements and are above National Average.
Accommodation & Physical Resources
All English lessons are taught by specialist teachers, in well equipped classrooms. All rooms have interactive whiteboards and one classroom has 15 computers. Pupils have access to ICT rooms which can be booked by staff.
Texts are allocated termly, in advance, as far as possible, in accordance with staff requests.
Self – Evaluation Outcomes
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(i) Areas of Strength;
a) We achieve very good results at GCSE.
b) All pupils are taught by subject specialists.
c) We use the findings of pupil and staff questionnaires to monitor performance and strive for continued improvement.
d) We make good use of target setting (curricular and numerical).
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(ii) Targets for Improvement;
a) Maintain improvements at Level 5 and above at KS3
b) Meet targets set for KS3 levels 6 and 7
c) Narrow the gap between the performance of boys and girls in English (although boys do better than they do nationally)
d) Consistently achieve more A and A* grades.
Summary
Pupils achieve well in English and they enjoy the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the texts studied. The study of texts from different cultures enables pupils to broaden their horizons and gain a greater understanding of the world beyond their immediate environment. By the end of KS4, they are confident and competent users of English in both spoken and written contexts.
English Literature
Aims and Objectives
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See English Language above
Role within our Specialist Science College
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Through the study of science fiction texts, pupils can explore issues of a scientific nature. This creative approach to scientific issues can enable pupils to understand the consequences of human actions, from the effects of pollution on the environment, to the effects of nuclear war.
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Pupils are encouraged to discuss controversial issues, thus broadening their existing understanding and range of experiences.
Key Stage 3
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(i) Courses
See English Language above
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(ii) Key Stage 3 results over the last three years
See English Language above
Key Stage 4
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(i) Courses
Pupils follow either AQA English Literature Specification A or WJEC
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(ii) Key Stage 4 results over the last three years
Results in literature have been consistently good. In 2007, 72% of pupils achieved A*-C and in 2008 77.7% pupils achieved A*C. Girls’ performance has been better than boys’, in the last three years, but boys also perform at levels above the national average. In 2008, there was a narrowing of the gap between girls and boys performance.
Accommodation & Physical Resources
All English lessons are taught by specialist teachers, in well equipped classrooms. All rooms have interactive whiteboards and one classroom has 15 computers. This room can be booked by all staff. ICT rooms are also available for booking by staff.
Texts are allocated termly, in advance, as far as possible, in accordance with staff requests.
Self – Evaluation Outcomes
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(i) Areas of Strength
a) Team of Specialist teachers
b) Well equipped classrooms
c) Very good GCSE results
d) Additional support sessions offered to pupils when preparing for examinations
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(ii) Targets for Improvement
a) Improve the number of A and A* grades.
b) Continue to narrow the gap between the achievement of boys and girls.
c) Continue to improve results at A*-C still further.
Summary
Pupils achieve well in literature and they enjoy the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the texts studied. The study of texts from different cultures enables pupils to broaden their horizons and gain a greater understanding of the world beyond their immediate environment.
DRAMA
Aims and Objectives
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to develop drama skills, creative and original thinking, powers of communication
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to develop pupils’ social, moral and personal qualities, their emotional intelligence, their humanity
Role within our Specialist Science College
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via drama, pupils explore issues of a scientific nature – this creative approach to scientific issues enables pupils to investigate the consequences of human actions, from the way technology influences our lives, to the effects of human activity on the environment
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pupils are encouraged to confront serious issues via drama, engaging in an experiential way and forming and examining their own opinions
Key Stage 3
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(i) Courses
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an internally devised programme of units provides pupils with opportunities to engage with responding, developing, evaluating and performing drama, using a range of approaches
(ii) Key Stage 3 results over the last three years
n/a
Key Stage 4
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(i) Courses
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GCSE Drama (Edexcel) was offered as an option for the first time in 2006 and has proved very popular. Coursework is assessed via practical workshops and written portfolios. Examination is a live performance and is assessed via a visiting external examiner.
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(ii) Key Stage 4 results over the last three years
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the first year of results (2008) has seen 88% of pupils attaining grade ‘C’ or above
Accommodation & Physical Resources
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all Drama lessons are timetabled in a dedicated Drama room
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lessons are taught by enthusiastic teachers
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resources include play texts, masks and audio-visual equipment
Self – Evaluation Outcomes
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(i) Areas of Strength
a) Pupils enjoy their lessons.
b) Extra-curricular activities include major drama and dance productions and theatre trips
c) Pupils are enthusiastic about taking part in production
d) External visits/visitors and workshops are used to enhance pupils’ skills and cultural experiences
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(ii) Targets for Improvement
a) Continue to ensure the development of skills required for GCSE Drama in Key Stage 3 curriculum
b) Continue to develop teaching resources in the area
c) Seek opportunities for further staff training
Summary
Drama is enjoyed at Key Stage 3 by many pupils, who welcome the opportunities to learn via practical, expressive and open-ended forms. The school is gaining in confidence and experience in this field, and there are healthily determined and passionate cohorts of pupils opting for GCSE Drama in all Years of Key Stage 4.
MUSIC
Aims and Objectives
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To fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum (Music)
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To provide pupils with as wide a musical experience as possible, both in and outside the curriculum
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To enable pupils to develop their musical talents to their fullest
Role within our Specialist Science College
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Fulfilling the National Curriculum (Music) helping to provide a bread curriculum for all pupils
Key Stage 3
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(i) Courses
"Music Express" is used as the basis of KS3. Each unit is integrated and covers performing, composing, listening and appraising.
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(ii) Key Stage 3 results over the last three years
Results have over the past 2/3 years been above the national average.
Key Stage 4
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(i) Courses
BTEC First Certificate in Music is offered at KS4. THis is a nationally recognised level 2 vocational course which gains a BTEC certificate and is the equivalent to two GCSE's
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(ii) Key Stage 4 results over the last three years
N/A
Accommodation & Physical Resources
A Music suite containing 1 main classroom and 3 practice rooms, one of which is equipped with electronic instruments and analogue and digital recording facilities. The main room is equipped with a 16 keyboard laboratory allowing individual practice group rehearsal and talk-back.
Self – Evaluation Outcomes
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(i) Areas of Strength
a) Extra Curricular activities
b) Multi-cultured activities
c) Visits
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(ii) Targets for Improvement
a) To improve boys performance at KS3
b) To attract more boys to participate in extra curricular activities
Summary
The Music department work with 8 visiting peripatetic instrumental teachers. Instruments taught include upper strings. Brass, Woodwind, Drum Kit, Orchestral Percussion, Guitar, Keyboard and Voice. Approximately 45 pupils receive lessons.