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251118813457200CURRICULUM POLICYIn conjunction with Admissions, Examination Concessions, SEND and Disability policiesOwner: Kathryn GormanRole: Deputy Head - CurriculumDate reviewed:June 2019Date to be reviewed: June 2020The whole school refers to all staff and pupils in the Preparatory School and the Senior School of St Albans High School for Girls. This includes: the Early Years/Foundation Stage (EYFS), Pre-Prep (Key Stage 1), Prep (Key Stage 2); Senior School (Key Stages 3-5). St Albans High School for Girls is an independent, selective day school with approximately 1100 pupils between the ages of 4 and 18.The Context St Albans High School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged from 4 – 18 years, which is affiliated to the Church of England. Our ethos is supported by a curriculum, which encourages independent thought as well as valuing care and consideration for others, both in the school’s community and in the wider world. Within an academic environment a wider curriculum is promoted, which also plays a significant part in the development of each pupil as an individual who is well prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Rationale The aims and philosophy of the school provide the context for the Curriculum Policy. The curriculum is defined as the total learning experience offered by the school. It develops and refines attitudes and values, as well as concepts, knowledge and skills. This policy is supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work (SoW). These SoW must:take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those with an EHC plan; and not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.Aims The curriculum goes beyond the national framework. It is designed to offer each pupil appropriate opportunities, challenges and encouragement to learn and make progress. Fundamentally, it enables preparedness for life in British society and, as such, must promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.In line with the whole school Aims and Objectives, the specific aims of the curriculum are: To provide a broad education which gives pupils experience of education in the following curriculum areas:Aesthetic and creative Human and social LinguisticMathematical PhysicalScientificTechnologicalPhysicalTo enable pupils to acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. To provide personal, social, health and economic education which reflects the school’s aims and ethos and encourages respect for other people paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010To take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils within the school including those with an EHC plan To provide access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that is in line with the Gatsby benchmarks and, as such, is:impartial and enables students to make informed choices about a broad range of careers choices and helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential To ensure provision and stretch, enabling all pupils access to the curriculum according to their appropriate needs. This means identifying individual aptitudes, whether SEND or More Able, and ensuring that support and provision is made available accordingly. Support and provision may be via extra lessons (SEND), Schemes of Work (SEND and More Able), curricular / option choice (SEND and More Able) and activities. (Please see SEND and More Able Policies for processes of identification, support and provision). To ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make good progress according to their ability. To ensure effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British societyWhere the school has pupils above compulsory school age, to provide a programme of activates which is appropriate to their needs.Monitoring and Evaluation The school regularly monitors the curriculum. The many aspects of the school curriculum are kept under review by: The Headmistress, Head of The Prep and Deputy Head Academic of the Senior School.Heads of Departments in Senior School and Subject Co-ordinators in The Prep. Working groups that are convened when necessary to address specific initiatives. Each member of staff, with specific areas of responsibility defined within job descriptions. Location of Documentation Curriculum Plans (Prep), Schemes of Work (SS) and related assessment and reporting documents are located with HoDs (SS) and with Subject Co-ordinators (Prep) and are stored on the school network. CURRICULUM Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception) As an Independent school, we have chosen to be exempt from the EYFS learning and development requirements. However, we embrace all aspects of good early years practice alongside appropriate challenge. The EYFS curriculum comprises seven areas of learning and development. All areas are important and inter-connected. There are three prime areas: Communication and Language Personal, social and emotional development Physical development The four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are: Expressive arts and design Literacy Mathematics Understanding the world The curriculum builds on the pupils’ previous knowledge and understanding. Key Stages 1 and 2 (Year 1 to 6) These pupils study the three core subjects: English, Mathematics and Science with reference to the National Strategies together with the foundation subjects:Art and Design Design and Technology Geography History Information, Communication Technology Music Physical Education Religious Education Outdoor LearningThe pupils study French from Year 3 and Mandarin is introduced from Year 4.Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) In Years 7 and 8, all pupils follow a broad, balanced course of study: Art Design & Technology: Food Design & Technology: Textiles Design & Technology: Resistant Materials Drama English French or MandarinGeographyGerman or Spanish as an additional language in Years 8 and 9History Latin Mathematics (is setted from Year 8) Music Physical EducationReligious Studies Science: in Year 7 this is General Science, from Year 8 it is as discrete Biology, Chemistry and PhysicsAt the end of Year 8, pupils are allowed to tailor their curriculum and choose five of the following subjects to continue in Year 9. Those marked with an * are new opportunities in Year 9:Astronomy *Food + NutritionProduct DesignTextilesDramaMusic and Further Music* (those taking Further Music complete their GCSE a year early)Classical Civilisation*LatinGreek + Latin (Gratin)*Italian*Computer Science*Mandarin*At the end of Year 9, following advice from the staff and discussions with parents, pupils can specialise in (I)GCSE subjects. They choose freely from a given menu of options subjects. Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) The school prepares pupils for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). Most pupils take 9 or 10 (I)GCSEs. Those who take 9 GCSEs use the remaining lessons as study periods. All pupils study the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. The vast majority of pupils will take Triple Science and some Double Science. All pupils also study at least one Modern Foreign Language although the curriculum may be adapted to better suit those with specific learning needs. Pupils are setted in Maths and Modern Languages and groupings are tailored to the girls’ needs in the Sciences. Pupils continue to have discrete PE and Games lessons in Year 10. In Year 11, pupils join the Senior Games programme (see KS5).All pupils follow a discrete PSHCEE programme in Year 10 and a structured tutor-programme in Year 11 which attends to specific Year 11 areas of discussion and support.Presently, some pupils will take Music GCSE a year early and then complete the Silver Arts Mark Award during their Year 11 course although this is reviewed annually. Some pupils can follow an optional Informatics course in which they will gain digital skills and experience to navigate the technological demands of the modern workplace.Pupils may then select freely from the following up to ten subjects where appropriate: Art Classical Civilisation Design & Technology: Food ) only one of three Design & Technology: Textiles ) Technologies may be Design & Technology: Graphics ) studied Drama French Geography German History Latin Music Religious Studies Spanish Classical GreekComputingItalianPEPost 16 (Years 12 and 13) We have a 6th Form curriculum designed to prepare pupils for the world in which we live. When she leaves here, a STAHS pupil will possess the necessary ability, skills and confidence to thrive.We expect a great deal of our Sixth Formers. Once a pupil has embarked on her A-Level studies, she can expect a great deal in return. We have created opportunities for pupils to manage their own time, to study and learn independently and in the way and a place that suits them best. This we hope they will do with persistence, resilience and enthusiasm. Although we are respecting their growing need for independence, pupils’ progress will be carefully monitored by tutors and the Director of 6th Form and clearly communicated to parents. At this stage all Key Stage 4 subjects continue to be available in addition to Economics, Government and Politics and, from September 2020, Psychology. Pupils can also choose to follow: one-year AS examination courses in MfL; the Extended Project Qualification; GCSE Astronomy or Italian. All pupils also have access to:The Senior Games programme: a carousel of sporting activities offered to the pupils for 2 hours each week. Pupils who are in Senior Squads follow a distinct training programme. The Perspectives programmeThe 6th Form lectureAn Independent Study programme providing breadth in each of their examined subjectsA University Stretch programme offering all students the opportunity to explore subjects beyond the AL syllabusThe Sixth Form Co-Curriculum center1022353 or 4 A Levels+ 1 x AS or 1 x GCSE or EPQ(Few girls have taken AS/GCSE. Approx 26 EPQ)6th Form LecturePerspectivesUniversity StretchIndependent study programmeCo-Curricular programme003 or 4 A Levels+ 1 x AS or 1 x GCSE or EPQ(Few girls have taken AS/GCSE. Approx 26 EPQ)6th Form LecturePerspectivesUniversity StretchIndependent study programmeCo-Curricular programmeThis policy is reviewed annually by the Senior Leadership Team. The Governors will monitor its effectiveness. ................
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