The National Curriculum is taught at both Key Stage 3 and 4 at St Michael's but with significant opportunities for enhancement reflecting both our status as an Arts College and the particular needs of our pupils.
At Key Stage 3 all pupils study: English, Mathematics, Science, German, Geography, History, Religious Education, Technology, Information Technology, Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Physical Education and a course in SPACE (Social, personal and citizenship education).
At Key Stage 4 all pupils continue to study English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Double Science, German, Religious Education, Information Communication Technology, Physical Education (non-exam course) and SPACE.
In consultation with parents and staff, pupils can also choose two subjects at Key Stage 4 from any of the subjects below.
A number of pupils also opt to take either Expressive Arts as an extra subject after school or Art as an extra subject during lunchtimes. Parents have the legal right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or collective worship.
PUPIL GROUPING
Pupils are placed in ability groups as soon as possible in Year 7. Setting is based on the Key Stage 2 results and the Cognitive Ability Tests which are carried out during the first term. Once setted pupils are kept under constant review to ensure pupils are taught in a group where the pace and level of work matches their ability.HOMEWORK
Teaching and learning are enhanced and reinforced by regular homework. All pupils are given a homework timetable and expected to complete all homework set; failure to do so results in a detention. The demands of homework will vary throughout the five years at St Michael's with longer more complex tasks being set in Years 10 and 11 in line with coursework demands. Homework takes a variety of forms and may include research, learning by rote, consolidation exercises, revision, completion of classwork, reading or making notes. Pupils write down homework in their planners and we expect parents to check these regularly to ensure homework is being completed. Before starting homework tasks set for the day, pupils are required to read through notes made in lessons that day, to check they have understood the work. We recommend that pupils use the Samlearning website and engage in reading to supplement formal homework.
Art - French - Information Technology - Drama - Food Technology - - Music - Music Technology - Media Studies - Dance - History - Catering - Geography - Art Textiles - Graphics - Asdan Youth Award - Leisure & Tourism - Work Related Learning - Applied Business.