Curriculum Offer Overview
Link to Subjects and their Curriculum Maps
Students thrive in an environment that is stimulating, engaging and thought provoking. Our curriculum is rich, deep and broad, covering the statutory requirements, but also going further to ensure that our students have the skills and knowledge to be successful now, and in years to come.
We aim that our students:
- are encouraged to be the ‘best that they can be’ by developing a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives
- achieve examination success and make excellent progress regardless of their starting point
- have the opportunity to experience a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of the 21st century
- have equality of access to a rich curriculum
- have a curriculum that supports the wider knowledge and skills to ensure students are safe and make a positive contribution to society
- have the opportunity to study a range of subjects leading to qualifications
- develop as independent learners
- achieve in the widest sense, through examination success and other curricular/extra-curricular achievements
- will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to go onto further education, training or employment
Students learn in different class groupings, some set based on ability while others are in mixed ability groups. Students are set for the following subjects:
- Maths from Year 7
- Science from Year 8
We support students to fulfil their potential through dynamic teaching in a creative learning environment. Progress is continually monitored through classwork and assessments, Attitude to Learning data, interim progress reports, Parents’ Evenings and an annual report. We encourage parents to contact their child’s class teachers, or come into the school at any time to discuss their child’s progress.
Curriculum Time
All students are taught for 25 hours a week excluding registration and assembly time. During registration time students follow a tutorial programme that includes literacy and numeracy, revision skills and social awareness through news articles, discussions and quizzes.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 covers Years 7, 8 and 9. During this time students are taught the full range of National Curriculum subjects. The National Curriculum subjects are:
- English
- Maths
- Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
- Art
- Drama
- Computer Science
- History
- Geography
- Modern Foreign Languages ( French or Spanish)
- Music
- Physical Education
- PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
- RSE (Relationship and Sex Education)
- Religious Studies
- Technology (Food, Graphics and Resistant Materials)
Students receive more timetable time in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, as the skills and knowledge gained in these subjects support progress in all other areas of the curriculum.
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11 the students study up to ten subjects to GCSEs/BTECs level. Every student studies the core of subjects of;
- English
- Maths
- Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
- Physical Education
- PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
- RSE (Relationship and Sex Education)
- Religious Studies
Students are then guided in choosing four option subjects. At least one of their choices must be from the following;
- Geography
- History
- Modern Foreign Language
The other three subject choices are selected from the following;
- Art
- Business Studies
- Drama
- Geography
- Graphics
- History
- ICT
- Modern Foreign Language
- Music
- Photography
- Physical Education
- Resistant Materials
- BTEC Health and Social Care
- BTEC Vehicle Technology
For detailed information about what is taught in each subject area, please see the Subject Curriculum area information and for GCSE options, the Options Booklet, all available on the school website.
The high standards of teaching and guidance in the school mean that a very high proportion of our leavers go onto further education.
Religious Studies
All students have one dedicated lesson of specific Religious Studies provision per fortnight. Religious Studies is also part of themed days, PSHE lessons and assemblies. Assemblies are held at least once a week and will sometimes include acts of collective worship. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of Religious Studies and collective worship and should write to the Headteacher in the first instance.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
The school has a RSE programme that complies with national and Hampshire guidance and the law, and promotes safe, responsible behaviour. RSE is about the emotional, social and cultural development of students, and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity. RSE involves a combination of sharing information and exploring issues and values. A full copy of the school’s RSE policy is available on the website.
Home Learning
It is the policy of Fernhill School that home learning is a vital part of learning for all students. One way in which students demonstrate that they are taking responsibility for their own learning is by completing home learning successfully and on time. All students are issued with a planner at Key Stage 3 to develop their organisation and promote responsibility for their learning. Parents should be able to see what work has been set and completed, and can then check and sign this each week. Online home learning is set via Google Classroom and parents can see what has been set there.
It is a good idea for students to have somewhere quiet to work at home but they can also work in the school library which is open at lunchtimes and after school until 4.00pm, and provides a quiet supportive environment for this purpose. The Progress Base is also available for students who would like some support with the completion of their homework. Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) are on hand to help any student who would like it.
Careers Education and work related learning
There is a strong careers programme followed by all students as part of their PSHE programme. This is designed to help students understand the skills needed for different roles, how developing their knowledge through education helps students navigate their way successfully through careers choices and build future career plans. Key to this process is experiencing the world of work. Students in Year 10 will undertake a week's work experience, where they can develop their employability skills, sense of responsibility and communication skills in the world of work. Students will also have access to the school’s Careers Advisor who provides impartial advice, information and guidance when discussing careers plans to help students make realistic choices about their education, training and work . Part of careers education is also about raising awareness of wider opportunities available. We do this through Post 16 transition evenings where local business and colleges are on hand to discuss apprenticeships, training courses and A level courses.
Reporting to parents
Reporting to parents involves both the students' attitude to learning, how much effort they put in and how engaged they are, and progress data. We expect all students to try their best and work hard as this will ensure that they are getting the best out of their lessons. Students are set targets based on their Key Stage 2 Assessments and on initial internal assessments. Student progress is then regularly reviewed against their targets to ensure students are being supported in lessons to make progress. Progress levels and grades are collected three times a year and if a student is not making progress they will be supported and if necessary have some small group intervention. Parents receive Attitude to Learning (AtL) data three weekly and provide an early indication of learning issues and by working together issues can be addressed and resolved.
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Fernhill School has a caring and sensitive approach to children with SEND. As with all students at the school, we are looking to provide a positive, safe, supportive and reassuring environment to help students enjoy their education and maximise their potential. Our aim is the early identification of a student’s needs and to provide the essential experience of success through tightly focused Individual Education Programmes. The SEND department collates information on all incoming students so that we can identify the support a student might need prior to them starting at school. Those who we identify as needing support have Individual Learning programmes that are carefully monitored. Attainable targets are set for students and they are given time to reflect regularly on these. Progress is reviewed regularly and new targets set. The department is staffed by experienced teachers and Learning Support Assistants.
Students with English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Students who have English as an additional language may have additional learning needs, particularly if their English is less well developed. Learners with EAL are learning the English language as well as learning through English and may need additional support with this. Our highly successful and skilled co-ordinator of EAL provides 1 to 1 and small group support for students who are developing their English. Recognised through the EAL Gold Award for outstanding practice and provision, students with EAL are well supported and integrated into our community. Our diversity is celebrated through an annual Global fair.