The Beaconsfield SchoolCurriculum
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Art and Design
Art and Design
The aims of the art course at The Beaconsfield School are to:
- Increase and improve each student's confidence in his/her ability by the development of art based skills in a variety of media including both traditional and new digital technologies
- Develop an increased awareness and response to the visual environment
- Stimulate creativity, imagination and individual self-expression
- Increase an awareness of the importance of all aspects of the environment as a means of improving the individual's quality of life
- Promote an awareness of the multicultural society, utilising the rich variety of stimuli of past and present cultures
- Increase an awareness of, and interest in, artists, designers, architects and their work - both past and present
- Develop an understanding of the design process and the nature of design implementation for technology
- Develop critical faculties in the understanding and appreciation of art, design and craft
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Business & ICT
Business & ICT
The Business Studies department provides a range of courses at both KS4 and KS5.
Almost everyone will work for an organisation so the study of how they operate is always relevant, whether you go into a business related job or not. You may wish to set up your own business and you will learn many of the skills to do so. Many students continue their studies at University and go on to jobs in, for example, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, and Operations.
The ICT department provides our students with a wide ranging and balanced ICT experience. This entitlement supports the students in gaining ICT knowledge, skills and understanding required for examination success and life after school. The work of the department is intended to encourage the use of Information Technology in a variety of contexts: school, home, community, recreation, business and industry. In these contexts, pupils are given opportunities to acquire competence, capability and critical skills through the implementation, use and evaluation of a range of Information Technology methods.
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Design and Technology
Design and Technology
Within Design and Technology we aim to create independent, logical learners who seek challenges and push the boundaries of creativity.
Students achieve this through practical and academic challenges which range from graphical skills to soldering circuits and cooking meals. To ensure students leave the school with a variety of skills, each one will experience all sections of Design and Technology where they are taught by subject specialist teachers. We also have the support of technicians who engage in all aspects of the course.
The 4 sections of the department are:
- Resistant Material - This area teaches students about timber, metal and plastic manipulation skills whilst enhancing their design creativity.
- Textiles - Equips students with the skills of sewing, applique and printing methods to name a few.
- Graphics - Demonstrates to students the process of graphical communication and how to use software to create Computer Aided Designs and how they can be processed into manufacture.
- Food Technology - Enables students to understand and demonstrate the skills of cooking, baking and preparation to support a healthy life style.
Students will experience all aspects of the department through a carousel time table in which students participate in 9 week projects within each area in year 7 and 8, this ensures developments in all skill areas and a cross curricular ethos.
In Year 9 students focus on 2 specialist areas of technology which is taught on a rotation throughout the year. This is in preparation for the KS4 option choices the students make.
The Department:
- Miss R Gohel - Head of Department
- Mrs N Hodgson - Food Preparation and Nutrition / Head of Year 7
- Mrs A Kelly - Textiles / Graphics Technology / Teaching and learning coach
- Mrs R Gohel - Graphics / Resistant materials / Textiles technology / Assistant Head Teacher
- Mr R Hindmarch - Technician
- Mrs S Rouse - Technician
- Miss V Thornes - DT Teacher
The department also runs extra-curricular clubs. These are aimed to deepen student's knowledge of the subject and expand their practical knowledge.
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Drama
Drama
Drama lessons aim to provide our students with a platform to experiment, create and learn to succeed in drama and performing arts.
We believe is important to the curriculum as it develops vital skills such as leadership, team work, creativity and confidence.
Students explore a variety of different texts and contemporary issues which provides an exciting and relevant learning environment. We pride ourselves on consistently good results at GCSE and A Level and are experimenting with digital learning and independent projects to motivate and inspire the students to succeed.
As a Drama Department we understand the importance of extra curricular activities and the impact it can have on a student's development at school. From the moment students attend the school in Year 7 they have the chance to get involved, both on the stage and off. Year 7 students can attend a weekly drama club which allows them to experience not just the role of performer but director and playwright by producing a variety of different performances throughout the year. It also gives students who are new to the school a chance to develop new friendships and to realise new talents they may have.
We enter in Rock Challenge, which is a dance/drama competition. We feel this is an important time for students of different ages to collaborate and work together. It is lovely to see individuals be inspired by other students and to feel proud of representing their school in such a way.
In the summer term Years 7, 8 and 9 can look forward to the Key Stage 3 play. This is a devised project that is managed by us but directed by Year 9 students.
Key Stage 4 and 5 students represent the school each year by taking part in the Shakespeare for Schools Festival.
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English
English
We aim to use a variety of different teaching methods and activities to engage students depending on ability, the topic studied and the intended outcomes.
We believe that our students can achieve the very highest grades, that all students can achieve their very best and that all students can make at least good progress.
In addition, we aim to prepare our top GCSE students for the study of English Literature A level.
As a department, we operate a zero tolerance approach to behaviour that inhibits learning and focus on creating an exciting, supportive learning environment for all students.
We work hard to promote a culture of reading across the school and a love of reading in our students. Our Key Stage 3 students are expected to bring a 19th Century fiction book of their own choice with them to lessons. All students are able to use the non-fiction and fiction library at school. Year 7 students all take part in the Accelerated Reading scheme, which aims to more quickly raise students' reading ages.
We run a variety of extra curricular activities, ranging from clubs that are designed to support and challenge the least and more able to trips to London theatres. A variety of competitions are run each year - both house and departmental - for events such as World Book Day and National Poetry Day. We have also had a competition to design a stamp to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. We also enter students from different year groups for a variety of competitions such as the Creative Writing Competition run by Young Writers.
In the lead up to GCSE exams, extra sessions are run for targeted groups of students.
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Film Studies
Film Studies
Film is an important part of many people's lives. It shapes views and is arguable the most versatile art form. Not only is it an exciting and challenging subject, the film industry in the UK is growing substantially allowing promising career prospects.
Film Studies is offered at both GCSE and A Level.
At GCSE we follow the EDUQAS 9-1 syllabus, with 2 written exams in June of Year 11 worth 70%, and NEA (coursework) worth 30%.
At A level we follow the IB Film Studies Program that is a coursework based subject. This has proved a popular choice with students. It is not a pre-requisite to have taken GCSE Film Studies, but of course, it helps!
Extra Curricular Opportunities
- After school intervention program.
- Into Film Club
- Competitions run during the school year as appropriate.
Film Studies KS4
Film is an important part of many people's lives. It shapes views, and is arguable the most versatile art form.
GCSE Film Studies is designed to draw on learners' enthusiasm for film and introduce them to a wide variety of cinematic experiences through films which have been important in the development of film and film technology. Learners will develop their knowledge of US mainstream film by studying one film from the 1950s and one film from the later 70s and 80s, thus looking at two stages in Hollywood's development. In addition, they will be studying more recent films - a US independent film as well as films from Europe, including the UK, South Africa and Australia.
Production is an important part of this specification and is integral to learners' study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting.
There are 3 mandatory components to this course:
Component 1: Key Developments in US Film
- Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 35% of qualification
- This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three US films chosen from a range of options.
Component 2: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style
- Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 35% of qualification
- This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three global films produced outside the US chosen from a range of options.
Component 3: Production
- Non-exam assessment 30% of qualification
- This component assesses the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of film to a production and its accompanying evaluative analysis.
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Food preparation & Nutrition
Food preparation & Nutrition
The Food Preparation and Nutrition Department is a busy, vibrant and popular department. The focus is to promote a love of food, and inspire whilst acquiring the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to gain success at GCSE level.
Students are encouraged to explore ways in which ascetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social dimensions interact to shape designing and making to meet human needs.
Extra Curriculum:
- After School Cooking Club
- Rotary Young Chef Competition
- Design and Technology Young Chef Competition
- Inter house Cake Competitions
These events have all been very successful for The Beaconsfield students with our budding chefs impressing judges in school, local and regional heats.
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Geography
Geography
Our curriculum is designed (at all key stages) to enhance student knowledge and understanding of people and places around the world, and to inspire them to find out more. We deliver a range of topics from the traditional (population, weather and climate, coasts) to newer themes that reflect the challenges facing our planet (water conflict, energy security and the rise of new superpowers like India and China).
We run a range of field trips in years 8, 10 and 12, which vary in destinations each year. At GCSE, we follow the new AQA 9-1 syllabus, and at A level, we follow the Edexcel syllabus.
Key Stage 3
Year 7 - Fantastic Places, settlements, Rivers, ecosystems/Tropical Rainforests, Tourism, Global warming
Year 8 -Population, Weather and Climate, Resource management, Crime and Geography, Glaciation/Antarctica, Amazing India, The Worlds Oceans
Year 9 -Coasts, world development, Tectonic landscapes, globalisation, The Living World
Key Stage 4
Syllabus: GCSE Geography AQA
Course Code: 8035
Website: www.aqa.org.uk
Course overview
This course highlights to students the importance of geography in understanding the world and for stimulating interest in places. It will inspire students to become global citizens by exploring their place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people and to the environment.
Course content
Students will study the natural environment, human environment and will have an exam based on a decision-making exercise as well as fieldwork.
Living with the physical environment
- Tectonic hazards
- Weather hazards
- Climate change
- Ecosystems
- Tropical rainforests
- Hot deserts
- Coastal landscapes
- River landscapes
Challenges in the human environment
- Urban issues and challenges
- The development gap
- The changing UK economy
- Resource management (water)
Geographical applications and skills
- Questions based on fieldwork
- Decision-making
Assessment
Exam 1 - 1 hr 30 mins
Exam 2 - 1 hr 30 minutes
Exam 3 - 1 hr 15 minutesKey Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, we follow the Edexcel syllabus for the A level qualification. There are 4 exams at the end of Year 13, and there is also coursework to be completed, which accounts for 20% of the whole A level.
The topics we cover include: Coastal landscapes, Tectonic hazards, Diverse Places, Globalisation, Superpowers, The water cycle, The carbon cycle and Migration.
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Graphics
Graphics
Key Stage 3 Graphic Products
Year 7
The project set in Year 7 is a design and make project where the students are designing for themselves. The students initially crate a small product where we can assess their making skills based on the design & technology criteria.
We then move onto a project following the design process taking a set design brief through the following stages; research, creating a product specification, generating design ideas, developing them to a final design, planning how to make the product and making the product. Then we test and evaluate the product against the specification and initial brief.
We include some CAD in this project. The students produce a high quality product at the end of this process, whilst learning the theory behind graphic product materials and processes.
Year 8
In Year 8 the students follow the same design process but they design for a customer, this project again follows a set brief which includes the need for smart materials to be designed into their product. The project is studied over 9 weeks.
Year 9 - Introduction to GCSE Design Technology
Students focus in two material areas of their choice, the graphic product option includes the reinforcement of skills learnt over the previous two years and introduces a wide range of new skills and processes including CAD/CAM and smart materials, the skills are developed to be ready to take on the GCSE. The skills are introduced through mini practical projects. The students experience what a GCSE in Design & Technology Graphic Product would be like, providing the students with a good base to be able to take on the rigor of GCSE and achieve highly.
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History
History
Within the history department our curriculum is designed, for all key stages to foster an analytical and enquiring mind within our students.
We deliver a range of historical periods across our curriculum at Key Stage 3. We have a thematic approach where students have the opportunity to study a variety of time periods with a specific focus on themes such as Rights and Freedoms, Religion, War and Technology.
At GCSE we are currently with Edexcel which compromises 100% exam. Students have the opportunity to study Weimar Germany, Early Elizabethan Period, The American West and Medicine through time. At A Level, we are also with Edexcel with three exams over two years and one piece of independent study.
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Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is taught by a team of six specialist teachers. In addition to the regular timetabled lessons, groups of students who require extra assistance are identified to receive extra help, working individually or in small groups as appropriate.
There is a regular Maths Clinic that runs every Monday from 2:45-3:30pm in B12 where students can receive one to one assistance with any issues they have been encountering.
A fully functional calculator is essential to success at GCSE and beyond and whilst other scientific calculators are available and perfectly fit for purpose, we recommend that our students equip themselves with a Casio FX991-EX CLASSWIZ. Available from most major retailers Amazon, Tesco, Argos.
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Media Studies
Media Studies
Media Studies is offered at GCSE and Key Stage 5. It is a popular subject and we generally have two groups for both Year 10 and Year 11 and a large single group for A Level.
We have a dedicated Mac computer suite and cameras for production work.
At GCSE we follow the EDUQAS 9-1 syllabus, with 2 written exams in June of Year 11 worth 70%, and NEA (coursework) worth 30%.
At A level we follow the EDUQAS Media Studies syllabus, with 2 written exams worth 70% and NEA worth 30%, all completed in the second year. This has proved a popular choice with students, attracting a cohort of those who have taken GCSE Media, and those who are new to the subject. It is not a pre-requisite to have taken GCSE Media, but of course, it helps!
Extra Curricular Opportunities
- Weekly Revision/Coursework Improvement Clinics.
- BBC School Report- open to all but supported by the Media Department staff and students.
- Film Club- this is run by several Media Studies students and open to all.
- Competitions run during the school year as appropriate.
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Modern Languages
Modern Languages
The importance of speaking more than just one language is ever-increasing. In the MFL department we aim to prepare our students for the demands of the workplace in the future.
Students beginning in Year 7 choose between French or Spanish and the vast majority of our students study their chosen language up to GCSE level. We also make provisions for those students that wish to study an extra language by offering a wide range of extra-curricular clubs at lunchtime or after school. Alternatively, if an additional language is spoken at home, we provide the option of being able to achieve and extra GCSE for students that speak a second language.
The MFL department consistently achieves excellent results at GCSE compared to other schools nationally and lessons are challenging, fun and engaging. We ensure that our students are good communicators and tolerant of other cultures and backgrounds.
The department also provides a variety of cultural and educational trips to France and Spain. These trips have been hugely popular in recent years and they enable the students to consolidate what they have learnt in the classroom.
Where demand is high, the department offers A-level courses such as the current Spanish A-Level course that has been running for the last five years.
The MFL department has high expectations of their language students and we constantly reinforce the need for good behaviour and independent learning skills within the classroom.
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Music
Music
Our music curriculum gives students a rich and exciting grounding in the wonderful world of music, whatever their starting point.
Imagine a party, wedding, jubilee, memorable journey or a holiday without any music… it is quite simply the invisible backdrop of all the truly great moments in our lives.
Music is a unique and powerful way to express yourself and helps you discover even more about our amazing world. Regular, weekly musical activity activates the young and developing mind in ways that develop incredibly vibrant and stimulating connections. Music is analytical, emotional, physical and cultural all at the same time and it really does make an incredible difference to experience the thrill and fun of music making as a learner.
All students use quality musical instruments and state-of-the-art Apple Mac computer systems to explore music through composing, performing, listening and appraising in tasks that are engaging and motivating. Music lessons often draw links to other subjects such as maths, English, art and geography to enrich the understanding students gain from their musical learning.
We see extra curricular music-making as an extension of classroom activities and encourage all students who are learning to play an instrument to bring it in to lessons and get 'stuck in', to show their peers the wonderful sounds they are working on with their instrument!
In each and every lesson we want students to really get the chance to feel 'musical', not merely to 'learn about music' but to experience the true joy of it!
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Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy & Ethics
This course meets the National Curriculum requirements for the teaching and learning of religious education.
A variety of topics are covered within the course, for example: the nature of belief, death and the afterlife, religion and science, religion and medical ethics, religion, peace and justice and religion and human relationships.
The course is taught with an emphasis on enhancing students' critical thinking and reasoning skills, as well as their knowledge of a variety of cultural perspectives and social, moral and spiritual development. We also emphasise the highly valuable transferable skills that students can develop through studying RE and Philosophy and Ethics which can promote success across a range of subjects.
Students are expected to keep up to date with current events in the areas being studied and include topical issues in their written work and examinations.
We have good links with the Beaconsfield family of churches and local Christian youth groups.
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Physical Education
Physical Education
The curriculum offers students the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities and personalise their own learning based upon their strengths and interests.
As students progress through the key stages, leadership and volunteering becomes a larger part of their curriculum, empowering students with responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
The extensive extra-curriculum programme caters for all students and gives them exciting and new opportunities to take part in sport outside the curriculum. We are extremely proud of the achievements of our sports teams that compete in local and national competitions.
Key Stage 3 Physical Education
Students at The Beaconsfield School have the opportunity to experience a variety of activities at Key Stage 3 (12 activities throughout the year). They take part in two timetabled PE lessons throughout the week, and have further opportunities to be active and have fun in the various PE opportunities at lunch time and after school. Competitive team practices take place after school and some lunchtimes.
Key Stage 4 & 5 Physical Education
In Years 10 and 11, students experience core PE which is a progression from the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Students are offered nationally recognised courses in Key Stage 4 which include GCSE and Sports Leaders Level 1 & 2. At Key Stage 5 we offer BTEC level 3.
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Psychology
Psychology
An increasingly popular subject, this IB diploma in Psychology is a fascinating area of study. It will help you understand human behaviour and mental processes and allow you to better understand how we think act and feel. Most importantly students of psychology will gain a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behaviour; making them culturally competent and globally engaged citizens.
During the course, you will examine the different influences that create mental processes then explore how these influences show themselves in real life situations. It puts particular emphasis on being scientific, analytical, rigorous and ethical; what you learn is based on research and you will also conduct research to test your own ideas and to challenge the ideas of others.
At the Beaconsfield School we cover the three core approaches to psychology by following a themantic units of study. In Year one you will look at Social Influence, Criminology; and PTSD. In year two you will look at the topics of Love & Marriage, Globalization & Behaviour; and Technology and Cognition.
The skills and knowledge of psychology are relevant to any career involving contact with other people. Whilst they will be particularly relevant to such careers as teaching, medicine, personnel management and social work, they are also relevant to careers in business, customer relations, the police, journalism, advertising, and the law. An IB Diploma in psychology can help you into work but is also recognised as a sound preparation for university.
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PSHE
PSHE
Students studying PSHE at The Beaconsfield School will be enthusiastic and motivated to develop and improve their personal and social skills, as well as helping them to understand themselves better and to communicate effectively in a range of personal, social and educational situations.
Students will develop and hone skills in teamwork, characterisation, communication and analysis.
Key Stage 3
Summary of Curriculum
This programme of study is based on the Key Steps course run by ASDAN. Students will complete 9 modules:
- Identity
- Community
- Health
- Citizenship
- Environment
- Personal Finance
- Enterprise
- Values and
- International
These challenging modules will provide an excellent opportunity for students to develop the skills of:
Teamwork
Learning
Coping with Problems
Use of IT
Use of English and
Use of Maths
These modules will deliver a range of topics which relate to life skills and personal, social development. The programme gives students the opportunity to put what they learn into practice in a variety of contexts in which they find themselves in modern UK society.
This means:
- They will explore and develop knowledge and understanding of a range of career and study choices.
- They will learn transferable skills such as creativity, self-confidence, communication, evaluation and teamwork.
- They will be encouraged and have the ability to apply the skills they learn to other subjects at school.
- They will be helped to prepare for the world of work and post 16 education through their own personal development of the skills and knowledge which will allow them to experience personal success on their developmental journey.
- They will be encouraged to start on a lifelong learning journey through gaining an understanding of having a healthy lifestyle, being able to manage money, confidentially deploying digital online skills, and having a knowledge and understanding of presentation skills and career planning techniques.
Key Stage 4
Summary of Curriculum
This programme of study is based on the PSHE Short Course run by ASDAN. Students will complete 11 modules:
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Keeping Safe and Healthy
- Social media
- Alcohol
- Tobacco and Drugs
- Sexual health
- Respectful Relationships
- Families and Parenting
- Financial choices
- Careers and your future
- Living in Modern Britain
This course that enables Key Stage 4 students to develop the transferable skills of Leadership, Teamwork, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative and Communication. With flexible delivery methods and curriculum content, the programme is ideally suited to meet the needs and interests of young people by building confidence, self-esteem and core employability skills to prepare them for life beyond Year 11.
The programme enables students to:
- build their self-esteem and become confident young adults, equipping them for the working world.
- develop their skills in teamwork, communication and analysis.
- improve their personal and social skills, as well helping them to understand themselves better, to manage their money and to communicate effectively in a range of personal, social and educational situations.
- This also helps them to be aware of safeguarding issues to better protect themselves and gain the skills to manage potentially difficult situations.
- This programme also gives students the opportunity to put what they learn into practice in a variety of contexts.
Key Stage 5
Summary of Curriculum
Whilst the statutory requirements do not apply to sixth form colleges, 16-19 academies or Further Education (FE) colleges, although schools are encouraged to support students by offering these subjects.
At The Beaconsfield School, our Sixth Form PSHE curriculum consolidates and builds on the topics they have covered during Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
We focus on:
- Healthy relationships,
- physical and mental health and
- living in the wider world.
In addition, students work on their Post-18 options including UCAS applications and Apprenticeships and take part in careers related learning where they can learn about a range of careers and opportunities, engage in work experience and develop their CV and interview skills.
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The Food Preparation and Nutrition Department is a busy, vibrant and popular department. The focus is to promote a love of food, an
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Resistant materials
Resistant materials
Key Stage 3
The aim of resistant materials in Key Stage 3 is for students to develop a base of skills in which they can adapt and enhance throughout each year. Students learn how to create quality products using a range of materials, tools and machinery.
- In Year 7 students create an African mask, the aim of this project is for students to gain an understanding of softwood and grain direction, identifying the correct tool and technique for each process. Here students will learn sawing, filing, using the pillar drill and varnishing; and how they can be adapted to suit other projects.
- In Year 8 students will make a moneybox and an electrical circuit badge. The aim of these projects are for students to gain an understanding of MDF, Hardboard and simple circuit building. They will identifying the correct tools and technique for each processes. They will understand the importance of a high quality product and the manufacturing requirement which go into achieving this.
- In year 9 we begin to cover specialist skills to ensure students are prepared for the step up to GCSE. The students will understand how mechanisms are used in every day objects and design and make a range of mechanical toys. As well as this the students learn how to make lap joints and increase their skills using CAD/CAM. We also progress the students on to machinery such as the lathe and mortise machine to ensure full confidence during practices.
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Science
Science
Science at The Beaconsfield School is exciting, interactive, current and relevant to all different learners. We deliver a science curriculum that is tailored to the learning styles and needs of the individual students. The stimulating, enjoyable and memorable learning journeys of the students equip them with the necessary skills to continue to be lifelong learners ready to face future challenges.
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Textiles
Textiles
Key Stage 3 Textiles
Year 7
The project set in Year 7 is a design and make project where the students are designing for themselves. The students initially crate a small product where we can assess their making skills based on the design & technology criteria.
We then move onto a project following the design process taking a set design brief through the following stages; research, creating a product specification, generating design ideas, developing them to a final design, planning how to make the product and making the product. Then we test and evaluate the product against the specification and initial brief.
We include some CAD/CAM in this project. The students produce a high quality product at the end of this process, whilst learning the theory behind the textiles materials and processes.
Year 8
In Year 8 the students follow the same design process but they design for a customer, this project again follows a set brief which includes the need for smart materials to be designed into their product. The project is studied over 9 weeks.
Year 9 - Introduction to GCSE Design Technology
This course is delivered over 18 weeks, students focus in two material areas of their choice, the textiles option includes the reinforce ment of skills learnt over the previous two years and introduces a wide range of new skills and processes including CAD/CAM and smart materials the skills are developed to be ready to take on the GCSE. The skills are introduced through approx. 15 mini practical projects. The students experience what a GCSE in Design & Technology Textiles would be like, providing the students with a good base to be able to take on the rigor of GCSE and achieve highly.