Flexible Curriculum and Teaching
A unique feature of the school is its flexible curriculum which caters for the needs of all pupils whatever their ability. Some pupils leave us to go on to University to study subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Music and Agricultural Management, to name but a few, whilst other pupils have gone on to study vocational courses such as Animal Management, Performing Arts, Fashion and Art at college. It is our wide curriculum; carefully planned differentiation and degree of pupil and parental choice that enables us to fulfil our aim of enabling each pupil to fulfil their potential.
Information about our full range of courses including, Entry Level, BTECS, GCSE's and non examinationtion courses is available from the School. Parents and pupils should note that courses may change annually according to the requests and needs of the cohort.
An example of our flexible curriculum can be seen in Senior School in relation to Modern Foreign Languages. Pupils have flexibility in how many languages they study, if at all. Some pupils will take two, French and Spanish; others only one and some pupils will choose to have this curriculum time developing their skills in English and Maths. It is important to say here that we never ask pupils to opt out of a subject; the full curriculum is available to all, but we do recognise pupil and parental preferences.
Pupils who need support are exceptionally well supported by the Learning Support Department both in and beyond the classroom. Pupils can choose how many courses they wish to take at Key Stage 4.
In lower school pupils do not take SATs as we believe that pupils should have the opportunity to access a full curriculum beyond that which is externally assessed.