Brimsham Green School Official 2.58

The curriculum at Brimsham Green School allows our learners to become:
Hardworking, independent learners who are highly motivated to achieve their full potential
Ambitious and confident learners who are fully engaged with their learning and development
Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to their community and are respectful and show understanding towards others

To support all students in their academic and social development, we have designed our curriculum along the following principles:
An inclusive curriculum that is accessible for all students and supports students in realising their full potential
A broad and balanced range of discrete subjects which also develop transferable skills between subjects and key stages
A wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities to develop personal interests, broaden cultural awareness and social skills
A full range of appropriate qualifications that prepare all students for post-18 aspirations, including vocational qualifications

Years 7 - 9 (Key Stage 3)
All students study a core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science and Modern Foreign Languages (French or German). Students are taught in ability groups in these subjects.

To further support students’ transition from Year 6 into Year 7, students are taught Humanities throughout Years 7 and 8. This comprises Geography, History and Religious Education with a clear focus on developing students’ social and independent learning skills. Additionally, all students will also study Music, Design Technology and Citizenship. Students are taught in mixed ability groups in these curriculum areas. Students are organised in smaller groups for Design Technology.

Years 10 - 11 (Key Stage 4)
All students study a broad and balanced curriculum allowing a variety of different progression routes into sixth form, further education and apprenticeships.

Every student takes GCSE English Language, English Literature, GCSE Mathematics, GCSE Science (Triple or Double) and GCSE Religious Studies. In addition, all students are required to take one of GCSE Geography, History, French or German.

Students are also able to take further GCSE subjects, agreed after consultation, selected from the following:
Art
Business Studies
Child Development
Computer Science
Drama
Food Technology
Graphic Design
Music
Product Design
Resistant Materials
Textiles

Furthermore, students are also able to study a range of vocational (BTEC/Cambridge National) subjects, agreed after consultation, selected from the following:
Business Studies
Dance
ICT
Music
Sport

All students participate in a full PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) programme which also includes impartial Careers Education Information and Guidance sessions. Furthermore, all students receive 3 hours of recreational sports across the timetable.

As recently announced by Ofqual, all GCSE examinations are now linear (taking place at the end of the two year course) and controlled assessments form a very important element of assessment in only some subjects. Most core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) are taught in ability groups from Year 10 onwards.

Years 12 - 13 (Key Stage 5)
Our sixth form curriculum is delivered in collaboration with Chipping Sodbury School and Yate International Academy. Students from the three institutions benefit from a highly flexible and diverse range of level 3 academic and vocational qualifications.

Every student is able to study up to four A-Levels, agreed after personalised consultation sessions, delivered across both schools. A range of the academic level 3 qualifications are offered, including the following:
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Computing
French
German
Geography
History
Religious Studies
Economics
Sociology
Psychology
Environmental Science
Product Design
Food Technology
Art
Music
Music Technology
Drama
Media

Students in our sixth form are also able to study a carefully selected range of level 3 vocational qualifications:
BTEC Business
Health and Social Care (single and double award)
Child Play Learning Development
BTEC Sport
BTEC Dance
BTEC Performing Arts

We also support students for whom Level 2 studies are an appropriate pathway, including students who are improving their achievement in English and mathematics.

Ofqual have recently announced that A-Level exams take place at the end of the academic year. Therefore, students no longer sit modular examinations during the academic year. Instead, students will take AS Level examinations at the end of Year 12 and A Level examinations at the end of Year 13.

Vocational Level 3 assessment comprises a range of continuous assessment, controlled assessments and formal examinations. Students’ progress is carefully tracked and monitored by individual teachers, subject leaders and sixth form leadership.

All students in our sixth form participate in a comprehensive enrichment programme. For example, students are able to volunteer to work in partner primary schools, participate in the National Citizenship Service or work closely with senior citizens in the local area. A wide range of sports and mentoring activities are also included within the school’s enrichment programme.

Finally, sixth form students also receive a personalised programme of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). Within this part of the curriculum, students will continue to develop their independent study skills and receive personalised careers education and guidance. Students are fully supported in all their future career aspirations. A very high proportion of students complete the UCAS application process; including those students who complete Oxbridge applications.