Curriculum Policy

THE WHOLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Our Whole School Curriculum aims to enable each pupil to achieve his or her full potential in all subject areas based on the following principles/needs:

• it is provided on a full time, supervised basis for students of compulsory school age. Early Years children and Sixth Form students experience an age-appropriate programme of activities
• it is balanced and broadly based, giving experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, and aesthetic and creative education
• it provides personal, social and health education, together with Citizenship, reflecting the school’s aims and ethos
• the subject matter is relevant and appropriate for the ages and abilities of all pupils, allowing every child to make progress
• it encourages pupils to develop independent learning strategies
• it is based on assessments of pupils
• it prepares students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life
• it offers appropriate careers guidance in dedicated lessons (Senior School)
• the principal language of instruction is English

Within this curriculum pupils will:

• be given opportunities for the progressive development of skills in numeracy, literacy and oracy, encouraging their practical and creative use

• be taught explicitly how to develop literacy skills relevant to different subjects, by learning how to write in the forms and language of their subject, how to read critically the range of texts in their subject and how to use speech, reading and writing to learn

• investigate and master scientific and technological ideas, including information and communications technology
• develop a knowledge of the local, national and global heritage and being aware of other issues, times and place.

• be encouraged to have respect for religious and moral values, respect for each other, and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life

• be provided with opportunities in Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Physical Education for the development of aesthetic appreciation, personal skills and healthy, discriminating use of leisure time.

• develop manipulative, perceptual and “thinking” skills

• learn how to acquire knowledge from a variety of sources and develop the ability to use this knowledge in analysing and solving problems.

Across the school, pupils are encouraged to use their initiative and reasoning ability and to develop a self-disciplined approach to their studies.   Comprehensive library and computer facilities enable them to pursue special interests, research projects and acquire a wide general knowledge.   Every student is offered the opportunity, several times per year, to take part in educational visits relating to topics studied.

Teaching and Learning

In the context of our on-going partnership between parents, students and teachers, our aim at Our Lady of Sion is to promote and develop within a Christian context, according to each student’s ability:-

• High standards and optimum achievements spiritually, intellectually, creatively, socially, physically and emotionally
• Independence and self-discipline
• A positive, responsive and caring attitude towards themselves, others, the school, the local community and their environment
• A feeling of personal security, enjoyment and belonging

These aims will determine our approach to teaching and learning and:

• Provide a clear statement of practice which will achieve the aims of the school
• Provide balanced and progressive learning opportunities by means of a variety of teaching approaches whilst allowing for individuality
• Set the ground rules for consistency of approach
• Inform, encourage and support work in the class
• Enable teachers to reflect on their work and planning
• Set the context for all the other curriculum policies
• Inform Governors, parents and other interested parties

It is therefore part of our responsibility to arrange the school environment, particularly within the classroom, so that it is conducive to effective learning.

We believe that the classroom environment is most effective when:

• the relevant resources are well-organised and available
• students are working in a secure, consistent and happy environment
• it invites interest and stimulates curiosity
• it celebrates achievement
• it recognises effort
• it challenges
• there is a collective responsibility for it
• the space is well managed
• the arrangements support the work in hand
• it facilitates a range of learning approaches including first-hand and practical experiences
• the students can find and return resources easily
• the resources are of good quality and suited to the work in hand
• students have day-to-day responsibility for its appearance

We need to take into account how pupils learn.   We believe that pupils learn most effectively:

Learning
• through first-hand and practical experiences
• when they are engaged in relevant activities
• when they see purpose in their learning

Approaches
• through individual and group activity
• by building on, and reflecting on, experiences
• where learning is taken beyond the school

Organisational
• when tasks are carefully structured
• when time is made available for learning to be fully developed
• by practice, repetition and reinforcement
• by being appropriately challenged and extended

Environmental
• when the relevant resources are well-organised and available
• when they are working in a secure, consistent and happy environment
• when they are motivated, involved and enjoy what they are doing
• when initiative is encouraged, success is celebrated and effort is acknowledged.

• It follows from this that we need to encourage the pupils to develop the most suitable attitudes and behaviours for learning to take place.
• We believe that pupils learn most effectively when they are:

• involved and self-motivated
• confident and happy
• secure, both physically and socially
• interested, determined, willing, positive and committed.

We also believe that pupils learn most effectively when they can:

• manage their own behaviour and organise themselves
• follow instructions, listen and communicate
• persevere and concentrate
• work independently or collaboratively, as necessary
• understand and achieve what is set
• observe carefully and accurately
• reflect and evaluate
• apply previous learning
• use a range of study skills
• use their fine and gross motor skills

Policies

Subject policies are held in the Junior School  by class teachers and the Deputy Head, and in the Senior school by subject leaders and the Director of Studies. 

© Our Lady of Sion School 2009 (JMS/AWH)
The school reserves the right to amend this policy

To see Junior School Curriculum Policy Click Here

To see Senior School Curriculum Policy Click Here

Appendices to Senior School Curriculum Policy:
Appendix 1 - KS 3 Student Self Evaluation Forms 
                 - KS 4 Student Self Evaluation Forms 
                 - Student/Parent Report Comment Sheet
                 - Student/Parent Report Comment Sheet (Sixth Form)
                                                                  
Appendix 2 - Example of Student's Report 

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