All children have a right to broad, balanced and relevant education which provides continuity and progression and takes individual differences into account.
Aims
· To provide for the particular needs and aspirations of students, as well as offering a basic entitlement to broad areas of experience
· To equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a fast changing world
· To help students develop a social and moral awareness and an understanding of their responsibilities towards themselves, others and the environment
· To stimulate the development of lively and enquiring minds, and to provide the conditions in which creativity, imagination, improvisation, confidence in risk-taking and a thirst for new ideas and understanding can flourish
· To encourage the attitudes and qualities which will lead students to pursue their learning beyond school
Organisation
Fitz Focus
We are excited about the impact it has on our students. Each day begins with an unusual question or challenge to get our students thinking and energised about their learning. This is followed in the afternoon tutorial period by sessions that encourage students to reflect on what they are learning and how they can make progress to achieve a wide range of goals. Our individual mentoring programme helps each student to be the very best they can be.
Additional opportunities
Students’ learning is supplemented by a wide variety of trips, events and activities across all subject areas, both in and out of school, home and abroad. These help bring learning into context, and create memorable experiences for all involved. Further information and pictures of these events can be found on our website.
Years 7 to 9
All Students in Key Stage Three (Years 7 to 9) follow courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Computing, Design & Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Modern Languages, Music, Physical Education, Philosophy and Ethics (Religious Studies) and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship education (PSHCE or Fitzfocus+). These courses meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and build upon students’ prior knowledge, understanding and skills.
All students study French in Year 7. Spanish is introduced in Year 8 and both languages continue side by side in Year 9.
We have developed our Year 7 curriculum to incorporate a series of Wider Learning Days where students develop confidence, leadership, independence and team work through a series of exciting challenges in and out of school.
Years 10 and 11
During Key Stage Four students follow courses in the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Philosophy and Ethics (Religious Studies), Physical Education and PSHCE. All students study both English Language and Literature. Science options currently include the three separate sciences, double science and BTec science (applications).
In addition, students may select from a wide range of GCSE options within a system of timetable blocks. Courses currently on offer include GCSE in Art, Physical Education, Music, Drama, Geography, History, Spanish, French, Catering, Resistant Materials, Computer Science, Business Studies, Sociology, Systems & Control and Textiles. The Skills for Work & Life course offers the opportunity of support for the rest of the curriculum as well as access to wider skills qualifications.
We aim to review, update and adapt the curriculum each year to meet the needs of our students.
Years 12 and 13
Fitzharrys Sixth Form is part of the very successful Abingdon Consortium for Education, a longstanding partnership between the three Abingdon comprehensive schools. A common timetable structure enables students to choose from an excellent range of 31 subjects at AS and A2 Level. Most students study four AS Levels in Year 12 and three A2 Levels in Year 13. A student’s programme will also include general studies and PSHE. There are opportunities for sport and community service as well as extra-curricular activities.
PSHCE Programme
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education aims to help improve the ways in which students learn, relate to others, grow socially, choose healthy lifestyles and become independent citizens playing a positive part in society. The curriculum is enriched by specialist outside speakers who may specialise in certain areas, for example, drugs education, relationships and careers advice.
The aim of the school’s sex education programme is to develop a clear understanding of the facts with encouragement to use the knowledge responsibly and with full consideration for others. The various aspects of sex education such as physical development, the biology of reproduction, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases are covered in the curriculum notably within science and PSHCE. In Year 9 a day focuses on sex and relationships education during which students participate in a series of expert led workshops including the topics of contraception, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, parenting and personal safety.
The school is aware that its role is no more than complementary and supportive to the role of parents but our aim is to create an atmosphere in which responsible attitudes to all relationships are expected and encouraged. The full detail of the school’s policy on sex education (approved by the Governors) is available on request.
Personal Study
All students are set regular personal study to reinforce and extend their classroom learning. Personal study is set according to a schedule which is published on the website. The time for which students are expected to study beyond the timetable increases as they rise through the school to a minimum expectation of 4 hours per week per subject in the sixth form. Students are issued with a planner to help them record and plan their work and this is regularly checked by their tutor.
Setting
Students are taught in ability sets in English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Languages and Humanities subjects. Students are taught in all ability groups in Art, Design & Technology, Computing, Drama, Music, Physical Education, and PSHCE.
Assessments and Exams
Throughout all key stages students are assessed regularly to monitor progress and help students and their teachers to set targets for further improvement. A student’s performance is reported home between five and six times a year. Formal national examinations in all GCSE are sat at the end of Key Stage 4. AS and full A level courses are examined at the end of each academic year.
Fitzharrys School Staff Handbook Section Page 3 of 3 Author : W Browne Last updated : April 2016