Mission Statement

Shipston High School believes that the curriculum should be diverse, inclusive and provide an ambitious, broad and balanced experience for all students. High academic attainment and the development of confident, capable and responsible young people are the twin aims of our curriculum. Shipston High School believes that the term curriculum should be understood in its broadest sense and that it comprises all essential knowledge, learning and other experiences planned in order for its students to become educated citizens and to transition effectively into further education, employment or training. This policy is organised by considering the intent of the curriculum, its implementation and how its impact is assessed.

Curriculum Intent

Shipston High School has designed a curriculum that:

    • is inclusive, relevant, appropriate and engaging for students
    • offers breadth, balance, rigour and coherence for all
    • is vertically integrated which facilitates continuity and progression, within and across year groups
    • provides equality of opportunity for all students, promoting the development of inclusive learning opportunities
    • provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognise achievement and success in academic subjects and in extra-curricular activities
    • promotes students’ spiritual, moral, cultural and social development
    • helps to develop an understanding of personal, social and health issues such as drugs, sex and relationships and the importance of a healthy lifestyle
    • helps each student gain a sense of self-worth, independence of thought and develop a questioning approach which challenges prejudice
    • aims to develop students as flexible and independent learners inside and outside of the classroom ready for the demands of 21st century Britain
    • provides careers advice and guidance throughout a student’s time at School
    • facilitates the development of ICT, numeracy and literacy across the curriculum
    • enables all students to meet their full academic potential
    • encourages students to take part in a wealth of diverse extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities

Curriculum Implementation

Shipston High School is an 11-16 Secondary school which provides an education for pupils in KS3 and 4.

The timetable is constructed to meet the needs of 500 pupils across years 7 – 11.  The School operates a two week timetable. There are five periods per day, each of which last for 60 minutes. There are 50 periods in each timetable cycle. Each afternoon has a 30 minute form period when students attend House assemblies in a weekly cycle. There is a programme for tutor period with elements of Numeracy, Literacy, SMSC and British Values.

 

General principles

In addition to the formal taught curriculum, an extensive range of extra-curricular

clubs and activities, subject enrichment and trips and visits are offered to all

students. Aspects of Religious Education are covered through School assemblies and form

periods. Where this may cause conflict, parents may request their child is

withdrawn. There is a sustained programme of careers education throughout a student’s time at

School. All lessons are taught in either mixed ability or streamed groups within the context

of the subject. Students also follow a programme of personal, social and health education

throughout their time at School. The provision of subjects in both Key Stages is reviewed regularly. Any issues relating to the development of the curriculum, are discussed at the Governors’ Teaching & Learning committee.

 

Key Stage 3 – years 7, 8 & 9

Our 3 year KS3 curriculum is designed to allow all students to experience a curriculum which is characterised by breadth, depth and balance

In Years 7 – 9, all students study a broad curriculum of:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • French or Spanish
  • History
  • Geography
  • Religion Ethics and Philosophy
  • Computer Science
  • Art
  • Design & Technology
  • Food Technology
  • DT
  • Textiles
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Physical Education and Games
  • Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education (discrete)

 

Composition of classes

The school operates both streaming and mixed ability across KS3 to meet the demands of all subjects, and the needs of all students.

Please see the attached Curriculum Model for further details.

All students in all years are set challenging and aspirational targets to offer stretch and challenge and promote higher order thinking.

 

Key Stage 4 – years 10 & 11

The curriculum remains broad in Key Stage 4. All students study a range of GCSE subjects, with access to other qualifications, such as BTEC, as appropriate.

Al students are required to study a core set of subjects, enhanced by option choices relevant to their interests and talents. All are encouraged and able to follow the English Baccalaureate.

Key Stage 4 is conducted over 2 years with Option choices, following 1-1 careers guidance and Options evening, taking place in the Spring Term of Year 9, preceding commencement of study in the Autumn Term of Year 10.

All students study the core curriculum of:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
  • Physical Education
  • Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education (In Form and drop down days)
  • Careers

 

Students also have a choice of three subjects from:

  • Art
  • Computer Science
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • Food
  • French
  • Geography
  • Health and Social Care
  • History
  • Music
  • PE GCSE / BTec
  • Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
  • Spanish
  • Statistics / Further Maths
  • Textiles
  • Travel and Tourism

 

The School endeavours to meet the subject preferences of all students; however, at times this may not be feasible, due to the constraints of the timetable. All students have timetabled Form based SMSC lessons comprising SMSC, REP, Careers and wider study skills, and PE lessons. There is a vast range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities beyond the formal curriculum. These are offered to all students, even if they are not continuing to study the subjects at GCSE. For example in, Sport, Music, Drama, STEM.

 

Composition of classes

The school operates both streamed and mixed ability across KS4 to meet the demands of all subjects, and the needs of all students. Core subjects are streamed, whilst Option subjects are taught in mixed ability classes. All students in all years are set challenging and aspirational targets to offer stretch and challenge and promote higher order thinking.

 

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our curriculum is assessed by considering:

External examination results at GCSE, including the progress students make from all starting points.

The range and variety of extra-curricular and enrichment activities and students’ participation in them.

The proportion of Key Stage 3 students who are able to choose their preferred courses at GCSE; their readiness for the next stage of their education.

The destinations of our leavers at Year 11, and their readiness for the next stage of education/training in high quality provision.

The quality of work students produce across all subjects.

The range and quality of literacy and numeracy activities.

Annual reviews of the PSHE and assembly programme.

Pupils’ positive attitudes and contributions both in the school and the wider community, built around integrity, empathy, tolerance and respect.

The successful uptake of student leadership roles such as House and Form captains, Prefects, Sports captains and Literacy Leaders.

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it meets the needs of all our students regardless of ability, in an ever changing world.

 

If parents require any further information about the curriculum they should contact the School Curriculum Lead:

Deputy Head Teacher- Curriculum, Mr Larkin.

alarkin@shipstonhigh.co.uk