National Curriculum
National Curriculum
The Education Act (1996) lays down the subjects which all students must study while at school in Key Stage 3 (years 7-9). Students continue with most of these subjects in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).
The subjects are:
English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Technology, ICT (Information & Communication Technology), History, Geography, Music, Art & Design, Physical Education and Religious Education, Citizenship.
Years 7, 8 & 9
Students entering Year 7 will follow a broad and balanced curriculum which includes Art & Design, Drama, English, French/German, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Information Technology, Design Technology, Citizenship (includes personal wellbeing, economic wellbeing and careers education) and Textiles Technology.
Years 10 & 11
Upper School courses at Archbishop Sancroft culminate in public examinations – at GCSE, NVQ, OCR Nationals or other appropriate level – of one of the major examining groups.In consultation with parents and staff, students entering Year 10 are able to choose a range of ‘optional’ courses in addition to the ‘core’ of required subjects. Details of these ‘options’ will be published and guidance made available in the April prior to entry into Year 10. All courses are two years’ duration, the Year 10 curriculum continuing into Year 11. Subjects currently offered are shown in the GCSE results page. Vocational subjects may be available via a one day per week “day release” programme.
Years 14-19
The school is part of Locality 13 for the planning of the new Specialised Diplomas to be offered from September 2009 for students aged 14-19. The school’s lead diploma is Creative and Media. There are three other neighbouring high schools and two Further Education colleges in the provider network.
Examinations
It is school policy that, once a student has begun an examination course, subject to coursework requirements being satisfactorily fulfilled according to the regulations of the examining board and the requirements of the subject department – he/she will be entitled to be entered for the examination. The examination results for the previous 2 years are shown in tabular form on the GCSE results page.Over the previous three years, the school has demonstrated the value it adds to the performance of its students between Key Stages 2-3 and 3-4.
Religious Education
Religious Education is provided in accordance with the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus, supported by the Norwich Diocesan Board of Education. A copy of the syllabus is available at the school on request. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from Religious Education are invited to discuss the matter with the Headteacher.
Sex Education
Sex Education is delivered in accordance with the Governors’ Policy, a copy of which is available on request. The aim is for a balanced treatment: spiritual, moral and personal implications and responsibilities are dealt with sensitively. Parents will be notified when the Sex Education programme is to take place and may withdraw their children by contacting the Head Teacher.
Instrumental Tuition
Tuition is available in all orchestral and band instruments for interested students.
ICT
We have a business standard ICT network featuring some of the latest software environments, including Windows XP and Windows Server 2008. The network provides a safe and secure environment in which students can progress their knowledge, utilising industry standard components and helps promote familiarity with new and emerging technologies. The school’s 20MBit/sec broadband connection affords fast Internet/email access and participation in video conferencing and other projects.
