Creating Success Through Partnership

THE CURRICULUM AT GREENFIELD

The curriculum at Greenfield reflects our belief that students will only be able to cope with work, leisure and the changes that are likely to occur in their lifetime, if they have enjoyed the foundation of a sound and well taught, broad and balanced range of subjects during their secondary years.   It is our intention that they leave us equipped with the necessary skills for lifelong learning.

In addition, the Greenfield curriculum reflects its position as one of the leading Arts Colleges in England.

Our school pays close attention not only to traditional knowledge and skills, but also to those aspects of our world which are changing most rapidly.  Our timetable therefore includes such subjects as Information Communication Technology, Business Studies, Heath & Social Care, Citizenship and Key Skills, as well as those subjects that most adults will recognise from their own school days.

Our curriculum falls into two distinct phases:  Key Stage 3, where all subjects are compulsory and Key Stage 4, where students can exercise a small degree of option choice.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9, Ages 11 - 14)

The Key Stage 3 timetable contains:

In Year 8, over half of the students have the opportunity to study a second Modern Foreign Language.  This will enable them to make a realistic choice of languages in Year 10.

Year 9 is an important year which sees the culmination of Key Stage 3 with the National Curriculum tests (Key Stage 3 SATs), held early in the summer term.  By this point, we are able to see measured improvement in the performance of the children since they joined us at the age of 11.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 - 11, Ages 14 - 16)

Having considered their choice of subjects during Year 9, students in Years 10 and 11 are preparing specifically for external public examinations.  Again, it is our intention that we build upon their achievements in the previous Key Stage and move them forward in their understanding of subjects at Key Stage 4.  Indeed a fast start is given at the end of Year 9 and this ensures that pupils have a head start with their Key Stage 4 subjects.

All students must study English Language, Literature, Mathematics, Science, Technology, P.E., Careers, R.E., and Citizenship.

Additional subjects can be chosen from:

As an Arts College, Greenfield also expects the majority of students to study at least one Arts Option at G.C.S.E. from the following:

Students will study for GCSEs, work related or vocational qualifications.  All pupils entering Year 10 follow an ICT Key Skills Course throughout Key Stage 4.

For pupils for whom a more work-related course of study may be more appropriate, the school offers: Youth Achievement Award, an Outdoor Adventure Course, a Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Course and Junior Sports Leadership courses. We are also able to arrange work-related options, or a jointly-arranged course with ITEC and South West Durham Training in Engineering, Business Studies, Young Apprentice Health and Social Care GCSE course. Some pupils are allowed study support time to enhance their other studies.

All students have a weekly timetabled Tutorial / Personal, Social and Health Education session as part of the whole school approach to guidance.  This is an opportunity for focussed work in areas such as: health education, citizenship, environmental awareness and industry.

PREPARATION AND ENTRY FOR PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS

It is of particular importance that students fulfil all coursework requirements before examination entry can be confirmed. This for example, would include essays and practical work, which form part of the examination assessment scheme.

It should be remembered that, whilst the policy is to enter for these examinations all children who are considered to have a chance of success, the school reserves the right to refuse entry if this is not thought to be in the best interests of a student.  

HOMEWORK

The role of homework is widely acknowledged in raising achievement.  Pupils will receive a homework timetable. 

Some children have difficulty finding a quiet comfortable place to do their homework or lack materials to complete work outside of school.  Many have other responsibilities at home.  By providing homework clubs in the Resource Centre and elsewhere in school, we aim to give every child a chance to achieve better results.

Study Support activities help motivate young people and give them extra confidence to learn.  Greenfield has been successful in attracting funding from the New Opportunities Fund to help our children.  The school is also part of the University of the First Age.