The Rossett Curriculum

Our curriculum is a major strength of the school. The curriculum at Rossett is one which offers a wide range of opportunities so that every young person is
stimulated and provided with a purposeful, meaningful and relevant education.

Rossett prides itself in creating small teaching groups which give individual attention where needed.

Students with special learning needs are supported by our Teaching Assistants in the classroom. In addition we have a learning support centre ‘The Bridge’. This is a multi-functional area, which supports our ethos of hard work and effective learning within the classroom and of appropriate behaviour about the school.

As part of our commitment to broadening opportunities for Gifted and Talented students we have introduced a variety of enrichment activities including Latin, ‘fast track’ courses in French and Spanish, Science Week and a Summer School for Years 6 to 10.

Opportunities for extension and enrichment are built into all our schemes of work so that work is always
provided at an appropriate level.

Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 (9 core)

The main features are:-

• Years 7-8 studying English Maths & Science with teacher marked assessments at the end of Year 9 to support setting in Year 10.
• During Years 7 and 8 a broad range of other subjects French or Spanish, Geography, History,
  Religious Studies, ICT, Design Technology, Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Citizenship
  and Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHEE) are studied.

Key Stage 4 - Years 9 (options) 10 & 11

The main features are:-

• In Year 9 all students choose two GCSE (or equivalent) subjects to study to completion at the end of Year 9
• Years 10-11 study the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and ICT to GCSE (level 2)
• Personalised learning through various pathways including vocational and other courses
• One option subject taken in each of Years 10 and 11 for 5 hours to completion in that year
• 20 hours per week of English, Maths, Science, ICT and PE in Years 10 and 11
• Opportunity to take level 3 courses in Year 10 or 11 where appropriate
• Please click here for a copy of the presentation explaining the curriculum, and giving guidance about choices, which was made at the Year 9 Options Information Evening

The detail of the curriculum are to be found in the Year 9 Optional Courses Information Booklet.

Year 9 and 10 students choosing options to begin in June 2012 in Years 10 and 11

In February 2012 Year 9 students must choose 2 optional subjects, one to study in Year 10 and a final option to study in Year 11.

In February 2012 Year 10 students must choose a final optional subject to study in Year 11

Details of all courses on offer are to be found in the Year 9 Optional Courses Information Booklet.

Students should choose courses which they will enjoy but should choose wisely, considering carefully the likely level of attainment and the balance of subjects they will have at the end of Year 11.

For Pathway E students in both Years 9 and 10, and Pathway B students in Year 10, the majority will simply be choosing one or two further GCSE subjects but all should consider our guidance on the English Baccalaureate (to be found on page 3 of the booklet).

Pathway B students in Year 9 should choose a GCSE and one of the new 1 year BTEC First Award courses (details on pages 8-11 of the booklet) to take in Years 10 and 11 – either can be done first.

Flexibility around BTEC First Award courses – major changes to BTEC courses, recently introduced by the Government, mean that BTEC courses are now 1 year courses equivalent to a single GCSE. This means that Year 10 and 11 students could select one and “slot it in” amongst their GCSEs. It may be in the best interests of a student in Pathway E to follow a BTEC First course in Year 10 or 11 to maximise their chances of achieving the critical 5 A*-C grades. Staff will speak with students who it is believed may achieve better results by selecting a BTEC First Award.

The Subject Fair, at which Year 9 and 10 parents can find out about all options on offer, takes place from 6-30-7-45pm on Thursday 2 February in the Sixth Form Block.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)

The Main features are:-

• Own specialist teaching area and facilities
• Wide range of courses to maximise progression from KS4
• Over 30 courses available including many vocational options
• Collaboration in subjects with a low uptake

Read more about the 6th form here.

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)

The six PLTS encourage students to become:

• independent enquirers
• creative thinkers
• reflective learners
• team workers
• self-managers
• effective participants

Whilst all of these skills are fostered in the general curriculum in Years 7 & 8 the focus on GCSEs in the Year 9 optional subjects has prompted Rossett to introduce a series of courses in Year 9 to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop their PLTS.

The PLTS will be delivered by Music, Drama, Art, Technology and Philosophy teachers in a series of six week courses. Each Year 9 student will complete at least twelve of these courses. The courses will be innovative and practical, encouraging students to develop their thinking skills through group work, discussion and personal endeavour.

The Rossett School day