Curriculum

We believe that successful learning depends upon catering to the specific needs of every individual child. To achieve this, we have developed a wide range of courses and curriculum ‘pathways’ that match to the different learning styles and abilities of our pupils.

Year 7 have transition classes for some pupils, alongside the standard provision. This supports pupils in embracing the changes from primary to high school. This year, all Year 7 pupils will have an induction programme over the first half term, with a range of activities aimed at helping pupils familiarise themselves with our school.

In Years 7 and 8 pupils have lessons in Mathematics, Science, English, PE, ICT, Languages, Technology, RE, History, Geography, Music, Performing Arts, Art and PSHCE.

In Years 9, 10 and 11 pupils access one of four pathways, each of which gives pupils variety in courses and accreditation, whilst providing access to at least 8 GCSE / BTECs / equivalents.

Extensive curriculum enrichment and support strategies that reach across the full range of ability from ‘Fast Track’ opportunities for our gifted and talented pupils, to the intervention work to enhance competency in the core skills, are also available.

As a school we have also introduced whole school ‘personal effectiveness’ days, where all pupils participate in a carousel of vertical learning. During this programme, we will deliver the Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education (PSHCE) including Enterprise and the Careers curriculum, running both generic learning and specific age related sessions as appropriate for each year group.

The overriding philosophy behind our Curriculum delivery is the principle of ‘Every Child Matters’ and we are confident that this approach will lead to significant improvement in motivation, achievement and engagement for all our pupils. Teachers are able to support pupil needs leading to increased confidence and improved attainment.

Extended Learning

Carr Manor believes that pupils should have opportunities outside formal lessons to extend and become more independent in their learning. For pupils in years 9 – 11, specific tasks and activities are set on a regular basis in all subject areas. In years 7 – 8 pupils complete three cross curricular projects per year, one set each term. These are available as booklets or online. We encourage parents to familiarise themselves with these projects and encourage their children to participate. We also encourage pupils to attend after school clubs, revision classes, join sports teams and access on line resources SAM Learning and BBC Bitesize.

Examinations and Assessments

Each child joining Carr Manor High School (either at the start of Year 7 or throughout the school year) is assessed using a Cognitive Ability Test (CAT) which identifies their current academic level and enables us to place them in an appropriate learning group. Pupil progress is monitored in each lesson and reported upon at the end of each half term via a ‘Progress Report’.

Teachers assess pupil’s progress, effort, attitude to learning and organisation using a scale of 1 – 4 whereby:

• ‘1’ represents very good (above target)
• ‘2’ represents expected (on target)
• ‘3’ represents review (not secure)
• ‘4’ represents poor (below target)

These progress reports are discussed individually with each child in school and sent home for parents / carers to celebrate achievement and / or provide support if required. A letter accompanying the Progress Report provides an overview of the pupil’s development and offers guidance to parents / carers and pupils.

Each half term one year group also receives a full written report, again identifying progress against key targets. This includes comments and targets from all subject teachers, the coach, Pupil Development Manager and Senior Leadership Team

At the end of each full term (3 times a year) we hold Merit and Commendation Assemblies to celebrate and reward individual pupil achievement through the issue of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Standard Merit Certificates and prizes. Pupils can also be nominated for a Special Commendation at these presentation Assemblies. Recognition is also attributed to those pupils who have achieved 100% school attendance.

Pathways

In the past, there has always been a traditional approach to education, where all pupils followed a similar pattern of lessons in a similar number of GCSE courses.

We have changed our curriculum model at Key Stage 4 to offer a programme of study with more variety and relevance. We have, for our year 9, a ‘pathway’ curriculum, which means we are now grouping pupils into four pathways:

S Pathway
H Pathway
M Pathway
C Pathway

By allowing pupils to start their GCSE courses and vocational programmes a year early in Year 9 instead of Year 10, the changes should ensure that every child will have a more relevant curriculum, which will suit their individual needs and talents.

S+H Pathway

The S+H Pathway is designed for pupils who are expected to be successful at GCSE and go on to study Advanced, or in some cases Level 3 Vocational courses in the 6th form or at college.

Our experience shows that this leads to a significant improvement in motivation, achievement and attainment for all pupils: pupils following this pathway will benefit from being in classes with other motivated pupils of similar interests and aptitudes. Teachers are able to target work more specifically, subsequently leading to increasing efficient and effective teaching and learning.

M Pathway

The M Pathway is designed for pupils who are more likely to study a combination of GCSEs and/or vocational courses, such as AVCEs and BTECs. This may lead to further education in the 6th form, or at college, studying 'A' Levels or Vocational courses, or to immediate entry into employment, depending upon progress made at Key Stage 4.

Our experience shows that this leads to a significant improvement in motivation, achievement and attainment: pupils following this pathway will benefit from a core of traditional subjects, whilst simultaneously building on their key skills, and gaining some of the skills and qualifications necessary to prepare them for further education or the world of work.

C Pathway

The C Pathway is designed for pupils who are more likely to enter into immediate employment, or follow Vocational courses after Year 11. This will lead to an individualised, and therefore more relevant, curriculum for each child.

Our experience shows that this leads to a significant improvement in motivation, achievement and attainment: pupils following this pathway will benefit from a core of traditional subjects, whilst simultaneously building on their key skills, and gaining the skills and qualifications necessary to prepare them for the world of work.


Click here to download the 2011 curriculum flyer.

Click here to download the C Pathway booklet
Click here to download the M Pathway booklet
Click here to download the H Pathway booklet
Click here to download the S Pathway booklet

Click here to download the Year 10 Focus Evening booklet
Click here to download the Year 11 Focus Evening booklet