The most able pupils are grouped together in ‘express’ sets and are provided with further challenge, excitement and reward through our Gifted and Talented Programme. The needs of all other pupils are supported equally well through our learning enrichment schemes. We have a well established Pupil Support faculty, which includes Special Educational Needs. Pupils are taught in average class sizes of approximately 20 for English, Mathematics and Science. Most teaching and learning at Key Stage 3 takes place in groups of this size. All pupils at Key Stage 4 take: GCSE English, Mathematics and Science, Physical Education, Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship. In addition to these compulsory subjects, pupils at Key Stage 4 are given the opportunity to take BTEC/OCR First Diploma courses which are equivalent to 4A* - C grades or the new Diploma in Engineering which is equivalent to 7 A* to C grades.
We offer alternative vocational courses such as ASDAN COPE and, in collaboration with other educational providers, Motor Vehicle Maintenance.
Kingsdale Sixth Form will re-open in September 2010 subject to DCSF approval. Please see our website for further details.
GCSE option subjects include: Art, Business Studies, Dance, Drama, Food Technology, French, Geography, German, History, Information Technology, Music, PE, Photography, Physics, Product Design, RE, Statistics and Textiles. Speakers of mother tongue languages achieve excellent results.
All Key Stage 4 pupils at Kingsdale are given the opportunity to take a BTEC/OCR First Diploma (Level 1/2) or the new Diploma in Engineering.
Kingsdale Foundation School has been involved in the development of the new Diploma in Engineering and offers the course at Level 2. The school is also involved in the development of a number of other new Diploma courses including Creative & Media and ICT.
BTEC/OCR qualifications currently offered at Kingsdale include: Business Studies, Drama, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Information and Communication Technology, Media (Production and Communication), Music, Travel and Tourism, Vehicle Technology. These courses develop pupils’ ability to take responsibility for their learning and to work with others. The courses teach and reinforce the Key Skills of ICT, communication and numeracy. BTEC/OCR/Diploma courses are linked to the world of work and pupils have opportunities to widen their understanding of professional practice.
Homework |
Religious Education |
At Kingsdale we believe that homework is an essential ingredient in maximising pupil progress. The school runs daily homework clubs and a range of after school revision classes. These are well attended and pupils continue to see the benefits in their exam results. |
Religious Education is used to enhance pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural and social development by encouraging an awareness of the fundamental questions of life raised by human experiences, how religious teachings can relate to them and ways of living in a multi-faith society. Parents and carers can write to the Headteacher to request withdrawal either from Religious Education lessons or Collective Worship. |
Ethnic Minority Achievement Department (EMA) |
Pupils with disabilities |
Kingsdale School welcomes pupils coming to settle in the UK. The EMA department works closely with subject teachers to maximise levels of achievement for pupils from all ethnic minority communities. The department also caters for the needs of pupils for whom English is an additional language. |
All children with disabilities have a programme of support arranged to suit their needs so that they can have, where possible, full access to the curriculum. Our refurbishment programme has enhanced physical access to most areas of the school. |
Parents and the school |
Saturday School |
We want you to be kept informed about your child’s progress. We welcome your opinions about what we do and the changes we plan. We will inform you about your child’s progress through their journal, termly achievement and effort grades, annual reports, consultative evenings and by letter, email or phone calls. We encourage you to attend our Parents’ Forum that meets monthly, providing an opportunity for parents and staff to meet informally to discuss a wide range of topics. |
Kingsdale’s Saturday School offers pupils the opportunity to improve their skills and to develop new areas of expertise. A wide range of subjects is on offer including examination revision classes at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. |