KING’S MAGNA CURRICULUM POLICY STATEMENT 2015-2016

The curriculum for King’s Magna is based on the national curriculum at Key Stages 2 and 3 but extends beyond this with carefully planned provision for modern foreign languages and a broad programme of creative and sports activities. Transition from class based teaching to specialist teaching is managed throughout Years 6 and 7.

Key Stages 2 and 3

In Year 6 students are taught by their class teacher with specialist teachers for French, music, computer studies, home economics, physical education, design technology, drama and art and design. Following baseline assessments in school and online assessments by Durham University, students are set in English and mathematics in order to match their ability and experience. These subjects are a strong focus, with smaller group sizes supporting the pupils’ progress and providing opportunities to stretch the more able.

In Years 7, 8 and 9 students are taught by specialist teachers and in ability groups for English, mathematics, science, MFL, music, geography and history with mixed ability teaching for all other subjects. Our aim is to provide a curriculum which responds to the needs of our students and is seen as providing the skills, active learning and independent thinking necessary to progress successfully to the next stage. In order to achieve this, the curriculum is constantly evolving.

Languages play an important part in the curriculum and three languages are introduced in Kings Magna. French is taught throughout years 6 – 9. German and Spanish are introduced in Year 7 and students study each for half of the year. Students choose to continue with either German or Spanish in Year 8.

In order to ensure our students in King’s Magna are fully prepared for GCSEs and beyond and also build up the necessary skills required, they will make some choices at the end of year 8, deciding what subjects they would like to study in more depth.

This will benefit the students by giving them:-

·  More opportunity to develop skills required in your subject throughout King’s Magna and in preparation for GCSEs

·  More chance to add breadth to current studies

·  Time to develop self-reflection and independence as there is more time for group work, projects etc.

·  Time to consolidate KS3 and prepare for KS4

·  Time to add more of the ‘practical, fun stuff’ from the Independent Curriculum

·  More opportunity to include some of the MALIT initiatives introduced

·  A focus on teaching and learning as in the SDP

KS2 and 3 Curriculum
English
Mathematics
Science
History
Geography
Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish)
Design Technology
Computer Studies
Home Economics
Music
Physical Education
Art
Drama
PD (PSHE, citizenship, careers, RE, financial capability)
Enrichment in Year 9

Curriculum Structure 2015 – 2016

Number of 35 min lessons per week
year 6 / year 7 / year 8 / year 9
English / 10 / 6 / 6 / 6
Maths / 9 / 6 / 6 / 6
Science / 3 / 5 / 5 / 6
art/drama / 2 / 2 / 2 / options 16
DT/HE / 2 / 2 / 2
French / 2 / 2 / 2
German/Spanish / 0 / 2 / 2
Geography / 0 / 4 / 4
History / 0 / 4 / 4
PD / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2
PE / 6 / 6 / 6 / 6
Topic / 5 / 0 / 0 / 0
music / 2 / 2 / 2 / 0
enrichment / 0 / 0 / 0 / 3
CS / 2 / 2 / 2 / 0
total / 45 / 45 / 45 / 45

In King’s Magna we view Year Nine as a vital year in our students’ academic progress towards Key Stage Four. As such we provide them with a curriculum that allows them to focus on the subjects that they enjoy and believe they will take forward to Year Ten, whilst maintaining the breadth of subjects necessary to allow them the freedom to change their minds.

Students are able to select three subjects to study in more detail; this would entail two double lessons per week, throughout the year. They then select four further options; these would be taught over half of the academic year. They have one lesson a week in these subjects. This provides the students with the longer curriculum time in the subjects that they can see themselves studying at Key Stage Four, giving them time to learn the skills and knowledge required for GCSE. The students can also enhance their studies through one of the ‘Enrichment’ opportunities; these are designed to allow the students to pursue personal interests or provide them with additional support.

The Year Nine curriculum also allows the students the opportunity to gain a qualification in some subjects. In the FSMQ (Free Standing Mathematics Qualification), French FCSE (Foundation Certificate in Secondary Education), Computer Studies and the IGCSE Mandarin and Russian, external examinations will be taken at the end of the year.

Year 9 Options

option A / option B / option C / option D1 / option D2 / enrichment
German / Art / Drama / Home Economics / Design Technology / FSMQ
Geography / Computer Studies / Design Technology / Art / Drama / Literacy
Spanish / Music / Geography / Music / Home Economics / Prep Club (day students only)
History / French / Home Economics / German / History / Law
French FCSE / Design Technology / History / Geography / Music / PE leadership
Russian IGCSE (native speakers only) / Home Economics / Art / Spanish / Computer studies / Engineering
Mandarin IGCSE (native speakers only) / EAL / EAL / Computer Studies / French / Russian IGCSE (native speakers only)
Law / Design Technology / Art / Mandarin IGCSE ( native speakers only)
French FCSE / EAL / Music
EAL

Personal Development

PD is class taught in year 6 and is taught by specialist teachers in timetabled lessons in year 7, 8 and 9. The programme of study includes PSHCE, RE, financial understanding and careers in years 7 – 9. Careers lessons also cover option choices for students in years 8 and 9, in order to help them make informed decisions about their choices and the pathways available. Lessons are supported by the school nurse and outside speakers as appropriate.

Learning Development

The school makes careful and sensitive provision for pupils who require extra support with some aspect of their learning. Careful screening processes ensure the early identification of problems and strengths. The school uses standardised cognitive tests of assessment to identify specific learning difficulties. These provide a valuable insight into the pupils’ potential and identify strengths and weaknesses.

The learning development team work closely with all departments, supporting students to access to the curriculum.

The work of the department consists of:

·  Assessment for Dyslexia and other learning difficulties

·  Support of Gifted and Talented pupils through enrichment and differentiation

·  Assessment and arrangements for external examination special consideration

·  Arrangement for assessments using an outside Educational Psychologist

·  Provision of individual or shared lessons

·  Provision of IEPs to help staff cater for specific needs

·  In lesson support for students with Educational Psychologist report which recommends the assistance of a teaching assistant

Computer Studies

We encourage students to use ICT in order to help equip them with the knowledge they require when they go on to further education and work. Computer Studies is taught both as a discreet subject and embedded into the curriculum throughout years 6-9.

All teaching rooms have computer access and an interactive white board. In King’s Magna there are laptops that are available for every subject. There are also several specialist computer rooms that can be booked, so that whole classes can work on computers. Students have access to computers at lunchtime and after school in the internet café area of the Undercroft, in the recreational centre and in the libraries.

Design Technology and Home Economics

The DT and Engineering Department includes facilities for computer aided design and manufacture, (CAD/CAM) lathes and milling machines. HE has a brand new dedicated classroom equipped with kitchen areas in which all students in King’s Magna take Home Economic lessons as part of a carousel in Years 6 to 8 or as an option in Year 9.

Music and Performing Arts

The Music and Performing Arts department contains drama studios, performance space, music practice rooms, a sound recording studio and classrooms. There are many opportunities to take part in extra-curricular drama events, including the whole school production in December and other smaller performances during the year.

In the Music Department, as well as individual peripatetic tuition being available to all students, there are regular practices and concerts for ensembles, rock band, the junior, senior and chamber choirs.

Extra-curricular activities

King’s Magna continue in the footsteps of QE in providing its students with a large range of extra-curricular activities. All of these activities are seen as enhancing the learning experience and providing students with opportunities not available within the school day. These range from riding lessons to chess and from film club to fashion design.

Other activities include: choirs and music groups, House competitions in music, drama, debating, and a wide range of other clubs and activities. In addition to these there will be a wide range of trips available to all years ranging from local day trips to residentials in the UK and abroad.

There are regular competitive games in basketball, athletics, swimming, rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball and rounders. Tennis, trampolining and badminton are also very popular as is the annual gym and dance display.