The Barlow RC High School & Specialist Science College

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8th September 10
Trail : home / Curriculum

Curriculum

We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which not only fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum but enables all pupils to realise their potential, and which prepares them to live as confident, responsible Christian adults in society.  Our flexible curriculum is recognised as a strength of our school and demonstrates our determination to provide opportunities for all of our  pupils.  Our school has a proud history of success and a tradition of seeking challenge, as recent awards of Beacon School and Specialist College status demonstrate.

A wide range of teaching and learning strategies ensures that pupils are actively involved in their own learning. The Key Stage 3 strategy is very much in evidence:

Key Stage 3 (11-14 yrs)

All pupils follow courses in:

  • Religious Education
  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Science
  • Design and Technology
  • Modern Foreign Language(s)
  • Physical Education
  • Music
  • Art
  • Drama
  • History
  • Geography
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Personal and Social Education and Citizenship

Key Stage 4 (14-16 yrs)

All pupils study a common core of:

  • Religious Education
  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Science
  • Personal and Social Education and Citizenship (including careers guidance and Citizenship
  • Physical Education

 In addition to the core subjects, pupils can choose to study:

  • Modern Foreign Language
  • History
  • Design and Technology
  • Geography
  • Art
  • Music
  • Drama
  • Physical Education
  • Business Communication
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Second Foreign Language
  • Vocational Education and College Links Courses
  • Sports Science
  • Performing Arts         
  • Leisure & Tourism
  • E-Media

All pupils are entered for an appropriate examination in each of the subjects studied at Key Stage 4. This is usually GCSE but other qualifications such as GNVQ, Certificate of Achievement and the Junior Sports Leaders Award are available.   Effective links exist between colleges of Further Education to enhance curriculum provision.