T H E C U R R I C U L U M
Kingshill offers pupils a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the recommendations of the National Curriculum. Our philosophy is in harmony with the practices encouraged by recent educational reports and avoids pupils having restricted career opportunities whilst encouraging progression into Further Education post 16.
Year Seven
All pupils are taught as mixed ability form groups with the exception of Mathematics, where pupils are placed in sets based on their prior attainment, and Modern Languages where pupils are placed in sets from Easter. Every effort is made to ensure that a pupil's form teacher teaches the class for some part of the timetable.
All pupils study:-
Mathematics
Science
English
Humanities (History and Geography)
French
Design & Technology (Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials, Graphics)
Information Technology
Art
Religious Education
Physical Education
Drama
Music
The Learning Support department offers extra help within lessons and pupils can be withdrawn for individual help. The PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) course followed by all pupils helps to support their work in other areas by increasing awareness of personal, social and physical development.
Years Eight and Nine
Pupils continue to study these subjects in Years 8 and 9. In Year 8 linguists can begin to study German and Spanish as additional Modern Languages.
Years Ten and Eleven
Whilst maintaining the breadth of curriculum experience, pupils have some choice of study through "Option" choices. The majority of courses lead to examinations at GCSE level.
All pupils study
Science (double certification at GCSE level) - Triple Award is available for more able scientists,
Mathematics
English Language and Literature
Physical Education
Health Related Fitness
Religious Education (GCSE short course)
Citizenship
ICT
Work Related Learning.
In addition, pupils choose to study 4 more GCSEs from:
French
German
Geography
History
Religious Education
Graphic Products
Systems and Controls
Resistant Materials
ICT
Textiles
Catering
Art
Drama
Music
Physical Education
Dance
BTEC in Sport
All pupils work towards the achievement of a Junior Sports Leader Award.
Approximately 15 pupils in each year group at Key Stage 4 are offered the chance to work towards a variety of vocational qualifications through a locally based scheme operating in conjunction with several other local schools and colleges.
Pupils with particular strengths are also able to take additional GCSEs through after-school clubs. These courses are under continual development and currently include Statistics and Spanish.
Curriculum Complaints Procedure
Under the Education Reform Act 1988, the school must make arrangements to consider parents/carers' complaints about the school's curriculum and related matters. Parents/Carers are requested in the first instance to discuss any complaints or problems relating to the curriculum with the Headteacher to resolve the matter informally. If this fails, there is then a formal appeals procedure available to parents/carers.
The following may be inspected at school and, except for (a) and (b), copies obtained (at cost):
(a) Written statement of any Governor policy for the secular curriculum.
(b) Any DFE documents relating to the National Curriculum.
(c) Any OFSTED reports specifically on the school.
(d) Any current schemes of work in the school (i.e. not the syllabus).
(e) Any syllabus followed by pupils (whether or not for external qualifications).
(f) A copy of the Complaints Procedure.
(g) The agreed syllabus for Religious Education.