Art&Design	Business	C/Dev	Drama	English	Geography	H&SC	History	ICT
Languages	Maths	Media	Music	PE	RE	Science	Skills	Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Broad, balanced curriculum"

The School offers a broad balanced curriculum with open entitlement to all pupils and a wide range of learning opportunities for pupils of all ages through a two-week timetable of 50 one-hour periods.

All pupils study a common curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9 consisting of English, Mathematics, Science, a Modern Foreign Language (French, Spanish or German), Technology, Drama, Music, Art, P.E., ICT.  Geography, History and Religious Education (Humanities) will be delivered through a skills based curriculum for Year 7.

Information and Communication Technology occurs as a discrete lesson for three periods a fortnight in KS3 and two hours per week in KS4. ICT is also delivered through and within other subject areas (cross-curricular). The school has a computer network of over 250 pentium computers to enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum.

In Year 9, pupils are able to opt for courses of study during Year 10 and 11, including academic and vocational subjects.  Every student has four option choices.  In their final two years nine subjects are studied for examination, besides Physical Education, ICT and RE.

Our links with Solihull College helps us to provide a work-related course at Key Stage 4.

The curriculum for both key stages is organised in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum.

At Key Stage 4, subjects are examined at GCSE, OCR, BTEC and Diploma level.  In addition, credit is also given to a small group of students on work‑related programmes.

The National Curriculum - what it sets out

The National Curriculum is a framework used by all maintained schools to ensure that teaching and learning is balanced and consistent. It sets out:

• the subjects taught
• the knowledge, skills and understanding required in each subject
• standards or attainment targets in each subject - teachers can use these to measure your child's progress and plan the next steps in their learning
• how your child's progress is assessed and reported

Within the framework of the National Curriculum, schools are free to plan and organise teaching and learning in the way that best meets the needs of their pupils. Many schools use the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) Schemes of Work to plan their curriculum. These help to translate the National Curriculum’s objectives into teaching and learning activities.

Key Stage 3 & the National Curriculum

Children attending a state school from ages 11 to 14 (Years 7 to 9) follow Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum.

Key Stage 3 compulsory National Curriculum subjects are:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Design and technology
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• History
• Geography
• Modern foreign languages
• Art and design
• Music
• Citizenship
• Physical education

Schools also have to provide:

• Careers education and guidance (during Year 9)
• Sex and Relationship Education (SRE)
• Religious education

Parents can choose to withdraw their child from all or part of the religious education curriculum and the non-statutory elements of SRE. See the section on ‘SRE and religious education’ below.

Depending on the school, your child may also have lessons in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

Choices in Year 9
During Year 9 your child will choose which subjects they will study at Key Stage 4. Their studies in many of these subjects will lead to nationally recognised qualifications like GCSEs.
They will need to choose subjects they enjoy and can do well in, but should also try to get a balance of subjects - this will give them more options when deciding on courses and jobs in the future.
The school will give you information about options in Year 9. Your child may find it helpful if you talk over these choices with them.

Key Stage 4 & the National Curriculum

Pupils in Years 10 and 11 are usually between the ages of 14 and 16 years old. At the end of Key Stage 4 most pupils sit national examinations, usually GCSEs. Your child will also be able to choose from a growing range of vocational qualifications.
In Key Stage 4, your child will study a mix of compulsory and optional subjects. The subjects they will have to do are:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Physical education
• Citizenship

In addition, pupils have to take careers education and work-related learning. Schools must also offer religious education, SRE and at least one subject from each of the four 'entitlement' areas.
The entitlement areas are:

• Arts subjects
• Design and technology
• Humanities
• Modern foreign languages

Curriculum information courtesy of www.direct.gov.uk (12/10/09)

ASDAN

ASDAN is an advancement of education, by providing opportunities for all learners to develop their personal and social attributes and levels of achievement through ASDAN awards and resources.

ASDAN Cope Award

As from September 2010 a group of students will commence a new BTEC Workskills qualification which is more vocation only focused.

The School Garden

ASDAN students have been responsible for setting up the school garden. A successful bid for £3000 was gained in 2009 and we were able to purchase garden tools and vegetable beds. Year 7 skills group (KS3) have also had the opportunity to develop skills in the garden, access to the green house, gaining knowledge in recycling garden waste and the hope is that through the garden Light Hall can forge further links with the community.

Students who worked in the garden this year have successfully produced a good crop of tomatoes, potatoes, courgettes, runner beans, beetroot and marrows. We will now be spending some time clearing up the area and starting again. Year 7 were also involved in some gardening activities during the Summer term and this year the new Year 7s will have the opportunity to get involved in the school garden as it continues to be a part of the Skills programme.

Let's Grow Morrison's

We are also collecting the Let’s Grow Morrison’s Stores vouchers so contributions would be most welcome. If there is anybody out there clearing any old stuff from their gardens - patio slabs, tools, pots, plants or anything including gardening tips that could be of use to us then please let me know.

Beetroot and Chocolate Cake

Some of the vegetables - including beetroot, tomatoes and cabbage - have been handed to the Light Hall kitchen . At the recent Light Hall Open Day, the Head Chef made a beetroot & chocolate cake for parents which was very well received.

For more information about ASDAN and The School Garden please contact s207kcole@lighthall.solihull.sch.uk