Our Curriculum
All pupils have an entitlement to study a broad and balanced range of subjects. Classwork at Biddick School is structured to cater for all ability levels and learning needs, and wherever possible there is an emphasis on individualised learning.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and are well supported by a highly committed and skilled staff, excellent facilities and an extensive range of resources. This guarantees that equal opportunities are provided to all.
The National Curriculum
The National Curriculum provides a framework for the development of pupils learning throughout the school. The basic requirements include ICT, religious education and three ‘core’ subjects: English, Mathematics and Science. At secondary level, there are seven ‘foundation’ subjects: Art, Geography, History, a Modern Foreign Language, Music, Physical Education and Design Technology.
Attainment Targets
The attainment targets of the National Curriculum provide statements against which children’s progress will be assessed. The purposes of the Standard Attainment Tests (SAT5) in the National Curriculum, and those used by the school, are to monitor progress, diagnose weaknesses, and to give staff an indication of pupils’ future learning needs.
We will always discuss your child’s achievement and performances with you and ensure that you receive results of any National Curriculum Assessments.
Biddick School Curriculum
Each year group is divided into 8 tutor groups each having children of the full range of abilities.
In Key Stage 3 (Year 7, 8 & 9)
All pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 study: English, Mathematics, Science, Design Technology, History, ICT, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, Religious Studies, Music, Art & Design and Physical Education, Dance & Drama are taught in Years 7/8. A timetabled Tutorial / Citizenship lesson is also taught each week in Years 7,8, and 9. Year 7 pupils also have a Thematic lesson each week.
KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM SUBJECTS
Further information is available from the Curriculum Deputy Head Teacher
In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)
In Years 10 and 11 core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, Integrated Humanities and Physical education. There are three optional subjects that pupils choose. A school ‘options’ brochure entitled ‘Upper School Curriculum’ is distributed to parents of pupils in Year 9 each February. Parents are always involved in any decisions. All pupils are entered for GCSE examinations. We also offer a range of vocational qualifications.
Click the links below to access further information offered regarding the extensive range of subjects offered to pupil in KS4 -
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ON KS4 OPTIONS
INFORMATION REGARDING COURSE CONTENTS
Harraton Skills Centre
Our recently opened Harraton Skills Centre was praised by OFSTED as an “innovative step” to “broaden the Key Stage 4 curriculum”. A range of accredited courses are offered to K54 students. They include Construction, Hairdressing, Motor Vehicle Studies and Engineering.
Cross Curricular Dimensions
In addition to the National Curriculum subjects, Biddick School addresses cross- curricular themes and issues that include:
- Enterprise
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Identity and Cultural diversity
- Community participation
These are explored within subject teaching, but are also included in the Thematic Learning Programme and curriculum weeks
Throughout the school we make considerable use of Information & Communications Technology and pupils have experience of a variety of computers, software and their applications. They are encouraged to learn key-board skills and to apply IT skills as part of their normal working routine.
Religious Education And Collective Worship
Our religious education curriculum is taken from Sunderland’s Agreed Syllabus, which has been discussed, agreed and ratified by The City Council, local teachers, and representatives of all major local faiths and denominations. Although Christian- based, it also ensures that our pupils gain some awareness and understanding of other world religions. There are varied arrangements for daily worship.
All parents have a right to withdraw their child from the school’s daily act of collective worship, or from Religious Education. If you want to withdraw your child from these parts of school life, please arrange to see your child’s tutor or write to the head teacher.
Sex Education
The content of our sex education teaching has been drawn up in accordance with Sunderland City Council’s guidelines and has been approved by the school’s governors. It includes education about HIV / Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases.
It is part of the cross-curricular theme of Health Education and is therefore taught through most of the complete range of subjects. The form ranges from talks and films from outside agencies to the discussion of moral issues through structured work, which reflects the development stages of our pupils. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from this programme.
Work Related Studies, Careers Education & Guidance
.jpg)
Careers education is implicit within the whole- school curriculum but is given particular emphasis from Year 9 onwards, We work closely with Connexions. A section of the library contains a Careers Resource area.
All Year 10 pupils have a one-week Work Experience placement in the summer of Year 10. A Record of Achievement is prepared by each pupil to provide a rounded picture of individual achievements and is taken with them for development beyond 16+ age range.
Special Education Needs
Student Support Department exists to support pupils and staff in respect of Special Needs issues and advice.
We always try to emphasise individualised learning throughout the school to match pupil ability and circumstance. We are careful to ensure that those who receive additional or special learning help are not made to feel "different".
Pupils who have special learning difficulties or other special needs are catered for in a variety of ways.
Some withdrawal takes place from time to time to provide extra support. Equally so, extra support is supplied within the normal timetable From time to time, by one teacher working alongside another. There is flexibility in this arrangement as individual circumstances change throughout the year.
The school follows the SEN Code of Practice with great care and practice.
Extra Curricular Activities
Usually these activities take place during the lunch period or after school as follows:
Aerobics - Art workshop - Athletics - Badminton - Basketball - Rugby - Drama club - Film club - Comic club - Writers club - Choir - Folk club - Computer studies - Dance club - Design workshop - Guitar group - Singing - Hockey - Humanities clinic - Language club - Maths clinic - Netball – Orchestra - Recorder group - Cycling - Skiing - Wind band - Soccer - Spelling clinic -Street dance - String group - Tennis club - Volleyball - Running - Gymnastics - Whistle group - Rock climbing - Duke of Edinburgh
.jpg)
Many of these take place at separate levels for each year group. Virtually all are open to anyone who is interested. For instance, soccer training is open to all, irrespective of whether they are, or are not, a likely team member.
Many community clubs provide regional and national opportunities in participation, officiating and coaching.
Revision Classes
Booster classes, summer schools and coaching sessions support work done in the normal school week. These may run in holiday time.
Post 16: Key Stage 5
The school works closely with our sixth form at the Usworth Sixth Form Centre. For example a number of staff teach in the centre and this helps curriculum progression. The Sixth Form centre is well equipped and offers a wide range of academic and vocational courses.
