English and Mathematics

 

English is fundamental to our student’s lives, enabling them to function in their everyday lives whilst giving them the lifelong skills to be able to communicate and create, to articulate their ideas and understand and interpret the ideas of others. The simplest definition for English is the ability to read and write, but in total there are four strands of English; speaking, listening, reading & writing.

 

We believe that English begins with reading. At the heart of our English strategy is reading for pleasure. Students in Years 7 to 11 participate in DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time and are also encouraged to develop their reading skills through the Accelerated Reader programme. Our students use and develop their English skills in all of their lessons and examined subjects. Students are now marked on the quality of their written responses in their examinations across almost all International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) subjects. In Years 7 and 8, dedicated curriculum time is given to English to ensure key skills are developed and supported at the very start of the learning journey towards International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.

 

We also want every student to reach a level of Mathematics that allows them to follow the career or further education path of their choice when they leave us. We want them to reach a level of Mathematics that enables them to realize their full potential in their personal and social life too. Students experience Mathematics at Almond College in a range of subjects, not just maths. From weighing ingredients in Home Economics to calculating average times in PE, all subjects aim to give pupils a grounding Mathematics.

 

Secondary Structure

 

Key Stage Three (KS3)

 

Year 7 (Ages 11-12)
Year 8 (Ages 12-13)
Year 9 (Ages 13-14)

Key Stage Four (KS4)

Year 10 & 11 (Ages 14-16)

 

Secondary Curriculum

 

Key Stage Three (KS3)

 

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is built upon a foundation of core knowledge and skills, providing our students with deep learning opportunities through a broad and balanced programme. We believe it is crucial that our students grow up to be independent learners and so will encourage them to explore their thinking, and understand how they learn, within a curriculum which is relevant, engaging, creative and academically challenging. Students are initially set in English and Humanities as well as Maths and Science using KS2 scores. Year 7 also sit the ACER tests in the first weeks of Year 7. This data and regular assessment is used throughout the Key Stage to ensure students are set appropriately. Students are taught in mixed ability teaching groups for all other subjects until Year 9 when they are also set in Modern Foreign Languages.

 

The subjects studied at Key Stage 3 are:

      • English
      • Mathematics
      • Science
      • Creative & Performing Arts – Drama, Music
      • Humanities – History, Geography, Citizenship, Religious Studies
      • Foreign Languages – All students study French
      • Physical Education
      • Art
      • Design & Technology
      • ICT
      • Home Economics

In the Spring Term of Year 9, students will make their options choices for  General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) study in Years 10 and 11. Should you wish further information about individual subjects and their course content please telephone the main school reception who will give you the contact details of the relevant Curriculum Team Leaders.

 

Key Stage Four (KS4)

 

Students follow our Key Stage 3 curriculum until the end of Year 9. From Year 9, more personalized opportunities become available, helping students make informed choices about the subjects they wish to pursue to a higher level, as well as providing them with greater academic breadth.

All students study English, Mathematics and Science at International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and we also expect them to study either History or Geography or a foreign language. We encourage and support our students in achieving good International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) grades in the key subjects that will allow them to qualify for the English Baccalaureate. Although the majority of our students study a range of GCSE subjects, we also offer a small number of other Core subjects:

      • English
      • Mathematics
      • Biology
      • Chemistry
      • Physics
      • Information Communication Technology
      • Economics
      • Business studies
      • Citizenship

 

Students can then choose to follow further courses that match their interests, skills and aspirations from the list of courses available in the Key Stage 4 Curriculum Booklet. OPTIONS BOOKLETS are available at the School Office Should you wish further information about individual subjects and their course content please telephone the main school reception who will give you the contact details of the relevant Curriculum Team Leader.

 

Personal Development

 

Personal Development is a mixture of Citizenship and PHSE (Personal, Health, Social and Economic Education). In Years 7, 8 and 9 students receive two one hour long lessons per fortnight which are further enriched by guest speakers throughout the year. In Years 10 and 11, students are taught across the curriculum, within their tutor time and through guest speakers and drop down days.

 

Topics include; Sex and Drugs Education, Law, Politics, Personal Finance, Careers, Enterprise, Consumer Rights, Human Rights, Body image, Media. There are additional careers based topics that are covered each year. Lessons are taught in a range of styles but centre on discussion and students being encouraged giving their opinions on topic. Current issues are used to engage students interests and make learning relevant.

 

Personal Development is important because:

 

        • It helps students to develop self-confidence and successfully deal with significant life changes and challenges such as bullying and discrimination;
        • It gives students a voice: in the life of their schools, in their communities and in society at large;
        • It enables students to make a positive contribution by developing the expertise and experience needed to claim their rights and understand their responsibilities and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of adult and working life.
        • Promotes independence and responsibility, preparing students for future roles as parents, employees and leaders.
        • Improves employability by developing the personal and social skills demanded by commerce and industry.
        • Contributes to health and wellbeing, encouraging individual responsibility for health
        • Contributes to the safety and protection of our students.