The National and Secondary Curriculum
The Secondary School Curriculum
Pupils move on to secondary school at the age of 11, at the end of year 6.
The curriculum consists of everything planned, implemented and encouraged by schools to promote the development of the opportunities, experiences and responsibilities for life.
The secondary curriculum builds on the work pupils have done in the primary school.
Each pupil's records transfer with them, including results of national curriculum tests and teacher assessments, so that secondary school staff then know in detail what each pupil has achieved both inside and outside the classroom.
The curriculum at Key Stage 3 - (years 7 - 9)
The core subjects (English, maths and science) and foundation subjects (history, geography, modern foreign languages, information communication technology, design and technology, art, music, and physical education) will be studied by pupils until the end of Year 9.
Pupils will also be taught citizenship from September 2002. This is called PSE (personal, social education) at present.
In some schools subjects may be grouped together especially in Year 7 as part of a foundation course. Religious education is part of the curriculum. Parents have the right to choose whether or not to let their child take part in religious education lessons.
The curriculum at Key Stage 4 - (Years 10 -11)
In addition to religious education and physical education all pupils must study English, mathematics, science, a modern foreIgn language, design technology and information technology. They may also study other subjects from a range of options which could include vocational courses, GNVQs (General National Vocational Qualifications).
Most pupils follow a two year course in each subject leading to an examination for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), or a GNVQ at the end of Year 11.
Some subjects can be taken as a short course at GCSE.
The National Curriculum lays down many of the subjects which must be studied but there will be some opportunities for pupils to choose particular studies, for example a second foreign language, or to go further with subjects which particularly interest them. The subjects a young person chooses can affect what career choices he or she can make.
Teachers at your child’s school can give you more advice about options available and which of them are best for each individual.
As well as the subjects studied, importance is given in Salford schools to developing understanding of cross-curricular themes such as citizenship, health education, economic and industry related education, careers education and guidance and environmental education.
These themes are taught within Personal and Social Education (PSE) lessons, or Citizenship lessons and through other.subjects and special events throughout a pupil's school career.
An important part of the curriculum of all pupils is helping them to understand the worlds of business and industry. This is done through many of the subjects studied and is further developed by work experience placements with local companies in Years 10 or 11.
This page was last updated on 20 December 2004
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