The Curriculum

 

HGCSC Curriculum

 

At HGCSC we are a Specialist Sports College with ICT and we aim to reflect these specialisms in all areas of the Curriculum. Pupils develop self esteem and high aspirations through the additional sporting opportunities available and through the sporting pedagogy which is a feature of all the lessons taught. Similarly, a focus on the integration of ICT across the curriculum is helping to equip our pupils for life in the 21`st century.

 

Our specialist status allows us to extend the range of sport and ICT and to run a number of qualifications  and extra curricular projects that enhance the education of our pupils for example, European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in ICT and Sports Leadership  in PE. 

At KS4, all pupils will take a PE option and we offer BTEC First in Sport at Diploma and Certificate level, GCSE PE and Sports Leadership.

 

Teaching and Learning is at the heart of what we do. We want all pupils to enjoy and achieve. At KS3 our pupils follow the same broad and balanced curriculum and staff are encouraged to enrich pupil’s subject knowledge with off site learning such as theatre visits and field trips.

Calendared Stop the Clock Days, when the whole school focus on a theme or aspect of learning such as Team work or Healthy Lifestyles have become an additional aspect of our curriculum which allow a range of learning approaches and provide opportunities for deep and impressive learning.

 

At KS4, following parent and teacher consultation, pupils personalize their curriculum through our Options Process. As well as a core curriculum which includes our specialism subjects, pupils can opt for a variety of GCSE or vocational awards from traditional subjects such as History and Geography to more vocational subjects such as Health and Social Care or Engineering.

A strength of out KS4 curriculum is the enrichment offered by our off site providers which allow us to offer courses to pupils with a strong commitment to a particular work sector such as Construction and the Built Environment or Animal Care.

 

There is a strong pastoral ethos in the school that supports pupils in their learning and pupils have a strong relationship with their tutors. Our PSHCE programme in Year 7 focuses on the Social and emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) encouraging pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

 

Finally, we work closely with our partner Primary schools to ensure that every child is taught according to their individual needs and to ensure pupils make a smooth transition from Year 6 to Year 7.

 

At KS3 all pupils at HGCSC follow a broad and balanced curriculum designed to meet the needs of individuals and groups of pupils. Literacy, ICT and numeracy are promoted in all lessons as well as the values, skills and pedagogies of sport that enhance our subject curriculum. Enrichment opportunities are offered through subjects and year groups and there is an extensive extra curricular programme which runs during lunchtime and after school.

 

Subjects offered at KS3;

English

Maths

Science

ICT

PE

MFL ( Spanish & French)

HUmanities (History, Geography and Religious Education)

Design and Technology including Textiles, Graphics, Food, Resistant Materials and control information.

Art

Music

Drama

PSHCE

SEAL

 

KS4

At KS4 pupils access a more personalised curriculum following individual interview in Y9 which help determine which help determine which course will give them the greatest chances of success. These courses include a core offer, GCSE, school based vocational study and off site vocational study. All pupils also follow a Personal Effectiveness course to prepare fully for adult life and this is accredited through COPE the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness.

 

1. Core Subjects

Everyone at HGCSC studies the Core Subjects: English, Maths, PE, ICT, Science, PSHCE and RE. All these subjects lead to accreditation at either Level 1 or 2.

 

2. School based GCSE

Additional Science, Triple Science ( Science L6 + only), Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials, Art, Business Studies, Media, PE, French, Spanish, Urdu, Drama, Geography and History.

 

3. Vocational Qualifications

One Site - H & SC, Business, French, Manufacturing, Engineering Diploma.

Off Site - Level 1: Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing, Construction.

Level 2: Animal Care, Beauty Consultancy, Construction, Public Services, Retail and Distribution and Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

 

 

PSHcE and Tutorials

 

PSHcE and Tutorial consists of a variety of activities and experiences including: citizenship, health and sex education, economic awareness and enterprise education, environmental education, careers guidance, work experience and work relating to the preparation of their Progress File. Largely through this programme students are able to work towards achieving the GCSE Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE).

 

Teaching Styles

 

Throughout the school, teachers use a wide variety of teaching methods to take account of the different learning styles of students. These range from whole class teaching to small group or individual work, projects, fieldwork and the use of a range of audio-visual and information and communication technologies by staff and students.

 

Reflection and research into teaching and learning is a key feature of the school. For example, a Teacher Coach has been appointed and a Teaching and Learning Centre has been established for staff.

 

Religious Studies

 

Religious studies lessons follow the Sheffield agreed syllabus. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education and religious worship.

 

Sex Education

 

The school's Sex Education policy states that "Sex Education has a key role to play in the preparation of students for adult family life and the building of secure relationships. It is taught in the context of personal and family relationships by focusing on emotional and moral aspects as well as on purely biological facts."

 

It is taught in a number of subjects across the curriculum with additional input from the school health advisor and other outside agencies as appropriate.

 

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the sex education offered and should contact the school if they wish to discuss any particular concerns.

 

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

 

The excellent work done by our SEN department is widely recognised throughout the city.

 

For further information, please contact Mr Thomas or Miss Cox.

 

Minority Ethnic Issues

 

For issues relating to our minority ethnic students, please contact Mr. I. Hussain.

 

The Work Related Curriculum

 

All students have the opportunity of gaining a variety of work-related qualifications, for example, the Junior Sports Leadership Award, First Aid and Open College Network (OCN) and the ASDAN Youth Award Scheme. These courses help to broaden the students' experience and support their progression into further education, training and ultimately work.

 

The school is a national leader in its links with business. Local companies help us in making our courses match the needs of modern society. Business people visit the school regularly. All our students are offered a period of Work Experience in Year 10. Business people help us as governors, partners and as members of other school committees.