INTRODUCTION
 

Year 11 marks the final stage of Key Stage 4 education. During the two years which form KS4 students study and prepare for their GCSE and BTEC qualifications. Final examinations take place during Summer 2012.
Every lesson can make a difference to each student’s final GCSE or BTEC grades which go towards setting each child on the right academic or vocational path for their future. It is essential, therefore, that students make every effort to work hard and achieve their academic potential during these last stages of compulsory education. Attendance and punctuality to all lessons is vital to ensuring that your child reaps the benefits of their hard work during KS4.
In Year 11 all students follow examination courses in English, Mathematics and Science. Students are also studying for their BTEC qualifications and GCSE choices. Students who started school in Year 10 will be continuing with these or alternative vocational courses.
Students are expected to participate in all lessons by brining all required equipment, including  a PE kit. Many subjects have a coursework component and it is impossible to achieve a grade if coursework tasks are not completed.
Homework is set each evening and recorded by each student in his or her personal planner. This personal record can be extremely valuable for revision. We ask that parents monitor homework and revision through regular checking of the student personal planner.  It is expected that students complete all homework tasks set in addition to coursework and wider personal reading.
Intervention classes and revision sessions are held throughout the year and students who attend these vastly increase their chances of achieving a higher grade at GCSE. The computer suites are regularly made available to Y11 students to work on final coursework or revision.
All students will have an academic mentor who will meet with them over the year and support and encourage them towards their final goals.
 

Mrs R Treloar
Head of Year 11

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide to Year 8. Inside you will find a curriculum guide for each subject taught this year. Year 8 builds upon the work began in Year 7 and looks towards Year 9 when students will be choosing the subjects they wish to take up at GCSE level.  The main difference from Year 7 is that the Transition Model is now taught as three separate subjects; History, Geography and RE.  This will help students decide upon the subjects they will select in Year 9.

Year 8 is an important Year; the transition from primary school is complete and the Year group understand what is expected of them in terms of organisation and homework.  They need to use this as a basis to begin looking towards their Year 9 Options and subsequent GCSEs.

Please contact the Curriculum Leader if you would like more information about any subject.

Head of Year:

Ms K Lawman

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide to Year 7. Inside you will find a curriculum guide for each subject taught in Year 7.
At Battersea Park School we are aware that starting in Year 7 can feel as different for parents as it does for the students.  The building is probably bigger, the work is different and demanding and there are many more teachers to get to know. This curriculum guide tells you what each subject will be teaching.
Please contact the Curriculum Leader if you would like more information about any subject.

TRANSITION MODEL
In Year 7 we have introduced what we call the Transition Model. All Year 7 students will be taught History, Geography, Religious Studies and SEAL by one teacher and to a certain extent through a combined course. This model of teaching will provide greater continuity for students as it will be similar to their primary experience and allow them to continue to develop their literacy skills.  Details of this course are included inside.

The school receives funding for an extensive programme of outward bound activities.  Students in every year group are expected to take part in these activities as they are an important feature of the curriculum.
 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
You have a very important role to play in helping your child learn and we want to work in partnership with you.  To help, the most important things you can do are:
• Take an interest in what your child is learning, and encourage them to tell you about it.
• Check planners to ensure that all homework is completed.
• Praise them when they have done well.
• Give them a quiet space to do their homework.
• Attend parents’ evenings to show support and encouragement to your child.

Head of Year: Miss. L. Parsons

INTRODUCTION

After completing Year 11, students enter Year 12 to specialise in courses which will take them into their future careers and adult life.  Students usually spend 2 years in the Sixth Form and will leave qualified with either advanced or intermediate qualifications.

The courses outlined in this Curriculum Guide are divided into level 3 courses (advanced) and level 2 courses (intermediate).Any student wishing to enter University must complete advanced level (level 3) qualifications and is expected to study to a high level for 2 years.  Level 3 courses are only suitable for students who have the equivalent of 5 A – C grade GCSEs.  Students opting to enter further education, or begin a career can study for 1 or 2 years.  Intermediate level courses are more suitable for either EAL students or for students who did not achieve A – C grades in Year 11.

At the start of the year students will be set targets with their subject teachers.  These will be reviewed throughout the year.  Tutors will be able to support students with strategies to help meet the targets.

Students are expected to provide equipment required for their courses including files and certain textbooks.  All details regarding independent study and coursework deadlines can be recorded in the student organiser.  Teachers and parents are also able to communicate through the organiser.  A high level of independent study is expected of post 16 students.  A study room, computer suite and a library with a dedicated sixth form area is available for use in school.
Students are treated with a level of maturity, which recognises their age.  Students are then expected to respond with the same level of maturity towards staff and other students within the college.  As study at post 16 is voluntary, teachers will expect a high level of commitment and enthusiasm towards their subject from students.  Post 16 students are after all studying through choice and have the goal of a career or a place in University to work towards. 

ENRICHMENT STUDIES

Enrichment studies are a compulsory aspect of the curriculum at Post 16.  They comprise of the following areas:
• PSHE (personal, social and health education)
• Careers /UCAS
• Citizenship
• PE
• Mentoring Key Stage 3 pupils
• Theatre Trips
• Compiling a student magazine
 
The reason we include these additional areas is to give you a full and broad education.  In addition to studying towards your subjects, you have the opportunity to gain further knowledge, experience and skills in other areas.  For some of these areas there is no formal qualification.  Instead you will be guided and supported in many experiences, which may affect you in or outside of school.  You will also be able to learn new skills to support you through your studies or in adult life.

PSHE, CAREERS/UCAS, CITIZENSHIP

These sessions involve group work and have an informal approach.  Areas for study include: study skills, drugs awareness, sex education, peer pressure, our society, careers information and support for students who wish to apply for a place at university (UCAS).

Head of Year 12 &13: Mr. M. Haines