The Curriculum
Pre 16 Curriculum
The school follows the full national curriculum, taking account of current statutory requirements. In the younger classes, subjects are often taught in an integrated way through topic work and language programmes. As pupils progress through the school, the programme becomes more subject-based and specialised, with additional learning and language support as necessary.
Curriculum Maps show the learning journey that each class will take over the year giving a brief outline of the topics that are covered in different subject areas. They are updated each year as the school's curriculum develops. Please click here to access current curriculum maps.
Areas of study include: English, Maths, Science, Information Communication Technology, Music, Design and Technology, Art, Physical Education, Topic Based Learning – which encompasses aspects of Geography, History, Religious Education, Citizenship and Modern Foreign Languages, Personal Social and Health Education, Careers Education and Guidance, Environmental Education, Home Economics, Child Development, Drama, and areas of study leading to external examinations and accreditation (Unit Awards, Entry Level Certificate and G.C.S.E.) as appropriate to the ability of the individual. The pupils are encouraged towards greater independence and accepting more responsibility for their own learning, with preparation for leaving school as the ultimate goal.
The school is organised into year groups and pupils are usually placed in their chronological age band with a class teacher. Class sizes generally vary in number with approximately 12 pupils in each and rooms are busy and welcoming. Work is differentiated in order to always provide an appropriate challenge. Self-esteem and confidence is raised through reinforcement, recognition and reward (a number of incentive schemes operate within school). Independence is further encouraged through a structured in-school programme as well as regular work experience. The school won the Kent Education Business Partnership Award for the quality of its work preparation programme.
The National Numeracy and Literacy Strategies
Numeracy is a key life skill and the teaching concentrates on developing basic numeracy. The pupils work at their appropriate level. Literacy is developed through whole class and individual reading and the pupils enjoy a wide variety of texts, along with developing their written and oral skills. The programmes are informed by the new Key Stage 3 curriculum.
Language Development
The school offers a language programme with speech and language therapists working with staff to ensure that the communication needs of the individual are met. This is achieved by construction programmes based on formal and informal assessment of the strengths and presenting needs. A "language rich" environment enables access to literacy, social communication, keyworking, meeting new people, analysis of video, performing arts, interviewing, negotiating, student committees, telephone, community activities, circle time and many others.
Independence Training/Life Skills
Independence training/life skills play an important part in our pupils' education, this covers the 24-hour curriculum and each pupil has an individual programme of life skills activities. These programmes are carefully designed to provide a range of experiences in preparation for independent living and adulthood.
Topic Based Learning
This year we are introducing a new approach to curriculum delivery through our Topic Based Learning programme. Topic Based Learning encompasses Geography, History, Religious Education, Citizenship and Modern Foreign Languages in a more holistic, cross curricular approach to learning. Pupils have the opportunity to learn through topics such as Anne Frank and World War II, The Elements, and All About Us. This allows the pupils to see a wider picture and to draw together different areas of learning which have in the past been quite separate entities.
Religious Education and Collective Worship
Religious Education is now part of our Topic Based Learning programme, and is still an important part of the Curriculum. Pupils have the equivalent of one lesson per week and per the National Curriculum guidelines. The school seeks to help pupils gain knowledge of Christianity and other principal religions from across the world. A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used within lessons and R.E. also supports other aspects of the curriculum.
Daily assemblies and the school's equal opportunities policy, where all forms of discrimination in school are challenged, have close links with religious education. The R.E. Policy is fundamental to the promotion of spiritual development amongst the pupils. This is further strengthened by the ethos of the school, good relationships, environmental awareness and collective worship.
Careers Education and Work Experience
All pupils from Year 9 follow a basic Work Related Learning programme which encompasses Careers Education and Guidance. This is a shared responsibility throughout the whole curriculum. The aims are to develop a self-awareness that results in a realistic, but positive appreciation of abilities, skills, values and potential. The school has an assigned Careers Consultant who meets the pupils on a regular basis. The careers library and resource centre offers specialist information, which can be accessed by everyone.
A comprehensive programme of Work Experience begins in Year 11 with all pupils having equal access to placements. We hold the City and Guilds Quality Award for Work Experience.
The Careers programme is designed to prepare our pupils for adulthood and working life enabling them to take their place in society as responsible independent citizens.
Information Communication Technology
The school has a comprehensive I.C.T. policy which covers all key stages, reflecting the needs and strengths of the individual.
Through this programme we are able to offer our pupils a differentiated curriculum developing independent learning, creative thinking and problem solving skills. Each class has access to an interactive whiteboard which enables a wider use of ICT in different subjects across the curriculum. We have a strategic commitment to I.C.T. through the Government's National Grid for Learning.
Art
Art should be fun, challenging yet stimulating. The school aims to increase awareness of the world and to develop creativity. We think it is important to promote a sense of achievement and self-worth with pupils showing respect towards their own and others' work. This is reflected in the exceptional art displays around the school. We run Entry Level and GCSE courses in Art and Design and we are very proud to have recently been awarded ArtsMark status.
Music
Music at Broomhill Bank is offered as a weekly lesson to all pupils in the lower school. They follow the National Curriculum guidelines regarding listening, performing and creating music. Singing is a particular strength at this school and this is highlighted in the annual Christmas Production when there is a performance combining music and drama. All pupils are given opportunities to enable them to develop their musical skills to the best of their ability.
Physical Education
The school aims to provide enjoyable physical activities for all pupils. They are encouraged to develop positive attitudes through competition and to appreciate their own and others' achievements and limitations. The school follows the statutory P.E. requirement. Through the curriculum, activities offered include swimming, dance, games, gymnastics, athletics and cross-country running and in some activities pupils are encouraged to work towards various P.E. awards. This year we have exciting new opportunities to work with specialist coaches in a variety of different activities including Boccia, New Age Curling and Dance. Extra -curricular sporting activities are provided through our extended day program. Clubs currently include netball and football. Outdoor education is included as much as possible. There are visits to the Kent Mountain Centre in North Wales, as well as local walks and camping trips.
Sex Education
This aims to promote a healthy, well-balanced and moral life-style, the teaching will cover:
- Personal relationships and responsible behaviour
- Developing self-esteem
- Family relationships
- How bodies change; reproduction and methods of birth control
- Developing their ability to make informed and responsible decisions