KEY STAGE 3 - YEARS 7, 8 AND 9

In Key Stage 3 the pupils are placed into mixed ability groups. This allocation of pupils allows for flexibility of pupil grouping so that each department may determine the most appropriate teaching organisation to suit its requirements and teaching strategies, and so set work related to the abilities of the individual. The first year is planned to continue and extend the skills introduced in the primary school so that a gradual transition for pupils into the work and atmosphere of a secondary school may be made. National curriculum requirements are ensured by formal liaison between Millfield Science & Performing Arts College and the partner primary schools. A broadly similar curriculum, balanced in content, is followed by most pupils in the first three years.

CORE

English * Maths * Science * Information Communication Technology * R.E. * Citzenship * PE

FOUNDATION

History * Geography * Music * Drama * Dance * Art * French/German * Technology

KEY STAGE 4 - YEARS 10 AND 11

In years 10 and 11, pupils continue to pursue a broad and balanced curriculum. This is ensured by a combination of core and compulsory subjects. A limited guided choice within seven pathways and areas of experience is permitted. Some disapplication takes place to facilitate specialisation and the work-related curriculum. The current Year 10 curriculum is as follows:

CORE

English * Maths * Science * Citizenship * P.E. * R.E * ICT * Technology

GUIDED OPTIONS

Through the pathways approach the following subjects are available:

Art * Music * Dance * Drama * Geography * History * R.E. * Textiles * Media Studies * Resistant Materials Technology * Food Technology * Graphics Technology * French * German * I.C.T. * Media Studies* P.E. * Leisure and Tourism * Performing Arts (BTEC First) * AIDA, CIDA, DIDA (Awards Certificate & Diplomas) * Sport (BTEC First) * CLAIT Certificate ICT

With the exception of P.S.H.E. and vocational courses the above subjects are offered at G.C.S.E. Some are available as short courses worth half a G.C.S.E.

CROSS CURRICULUM THEMES AND SKILLS

Key Skills * Thinking Skills * Financial Capability * Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Skills * Work-related Learning * Education for Sustainable Development

S.E.N.

Millfield Science & Performing Arts College is an inclusive School committed to providing the best learning opportunities for all its pupils including those with Special Educational Needs.

Provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs is in accordance with the DfES Code of Practice (January 2002). Those pupils identified using the Code’s criteria are subsequently provided for through the School’s policy. This complements the School Action, School Action Plus and Statutory Assessments in the Code.

All staff are responsible for the learning of pupils with special needs and set and review targets to ensure progress at least twice a year.

This provision is overseen by the SENCo who manages a team of Learning Support Assistants to meet the demands of pupils’ individual needs across the curriculum.

In addition, Millfield Science & Performing Arts College has a diverse and comprehensive policy for Gifted and Talented through which the very able are identified early and helped to realise their full potential.

HOMEWORK

Homework is set throughout the School and is regarded as an integral part of the learning process. The amount and nature of homework varies according to age, ability and the type of course.
A homework timetable is issued to each pupil at the start of the Autumn term. Each pupil is also issued with a homework diary into which a brief summary of the details of the homework set for each particular night should be written. Parents are asked to check the diary weekly and show that they have done so by signing and dating it.
A study support/homework club operates in school within one of our ICT suites and after school on Thursday evenings to help pupils who need support or a quiet area in which to work.

R.E. AND THE COLLECTIVE ACT OF WORSHIP

Religious Education is included in the curriculum of all pupils. Pupils attend a collective Act of Worship, wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character. Parents may, if they wish, withdraw their children from worship and Religious Education on grounds of conscience by written request to the Headmaster. In such cases, a student would be given independent Study Support/extension work in the Learning Resource Centre.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The P.E. department believes that all pupils, regardless of ability, should be given the opportunity to gain the maximum benefit possible from the programme, facilities and teaching expertise available. Through lessons and extra-curricular activities the department strives to ensure that pupils achieve their full potential. Physical Education has a vital role to play in the total education of each child. It is recognised that enjoyment is an essential ingredient in the learning process and is a factor that remains uppermost in all aspects of the P.E. programme.

The department adheres to the National Curriculum guidelines for P.E., with a wide range of sports on offer, dependent on the needs and abilities of the particular pupils. These activities provide the opportunity to ‘bridge the gap’ between leaving school and taking up leisure activities as part of a healthy lifestyle. The recently constructed multi use games area provides additional space to support the PE curriculum and extra curricular activities.

The activities offered at Millfield Science & Performing Arts College include: * Athletics * Fitness * Cross Country * Dance * Aerobics * Netball * Soccer * Rugby * Field Hockey * Indoor Hockey * Basketball * Volleyball * Cricket * Rounders * Badminton * Gym Floorwork * Sports Aerobatics * Outdoor Education
The P.E. department runs clubs at lunchtime and after school (Apx. 45 mins). With an increasing range on offer, clubs are very well supported by pupils of all ages and abilities. Teams in all major games regularly play inter-school competition as well as a number of National competitions. All pupils are encouraged to participate in sporting competitions, held regularly after school.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION

Millfield Science & Performing Arts College has an up to date Sex and Relationship Education policy, drawn up annually by the governing body and available to parents for inspection. The policy is based on guidance from the DFES, and takes account of the revised National Curriculum and the Personal, Social and Health Education Framework.
The programme is mainly delivered as part of the P.S.H.E. and Science curricula. Issues are also reinforced through English, Drama and Religious Education.
The content of the programme is closely monitored, and any teaching materials used are appropriate for the age and maturity of the pupils. Pupils are encouraged to have due regard to moral imperatives and the value of family life.
Although the policy is inclusive of all pupils, parents/carers have the right to withdraw their son or daughter from PSHE Personal Relationships lessons.
Pupils are encouraged to have due regard to moral imperatives and the value of family life.

PSHE & CITIZENSHIP

Through PSHE & Citizenship lessons pupils are encouraged and supported to develop into self -aware decision makers able to sustain independent and fulfilled lives. Through discussion and participation they will be equipped with the skills to consider how they might make effective contributions to the communities in which they live. The School aim is to build self esteem and a feeling of personal worth, encouraging pupils to develop their own life style whilst respecting that of others, as well as giving them the skills to enable them to ‘learn to learn’ . We aim to equip pupils for their role in society, understanding the responsibilities of being a citizen, parent, consumer and employee.
Key Stage 3 pupils will undertake lessons on a fortnightly basis depending on group and will cover a range of modules including Socialisation, Personal Hygiene, Relationships and Healthy Lifestyles and Learning to Learn activities.
Key Stage 4 pupils will undertake a lesson per fortnight which will include specific Citizenship modules including Crime and its consequences.

CAREERS EDUCATION

Careers education forms part of the curriculum of pupils in all years. The careers course has been structured in such a way that pupils may learn about themselves, their abilities, their strengths and weaknesses, to support them in making informed decisions regarding their own future.
All pupils are encouraged to visit the well resourced Careers/Connexions Library and receive advice from specialist Careers Staff and the Careers/Connexions Personal Advisor.
In addition to the careers course, a two week work placement is offered to all pupils in Year 10.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Most pupils who leave Millfield to continue their education presently do so at Blackpool Sixth Form College and Blackpool & Flyde College of Further Education. Extensive and continuing liaison exists with both institutions.