Prospectus
Sections:
Aims & Objectives
Organisation
Curriculum
Post 16
School - Parent Links
Curriculum
Classes and Subjects
For teaching purposes, on entry to the school the year group is divided into two half-year bands of parallel ability. Within each of these bands there are four teaching groups, based on ability. Mathematics and science are set across the half-year band from Year 7, and pupils are set in English from Year 8. This allows pupils to be taught with others of similar ability. In this way class teachers and Heads of Department can ensure that work is differentiated to meet the academic needs of the pupils.
Pupils in Year 7 study the subjects of National Curriculum: science (biology, physics and chemistry), mathematics, English (language and literature) with drama, technology, information technology, a modern language (French or Spanish), history, geography, art, music, and PE. They also have a period of religious studies and philosophy (RSP) and a period of personal, social, careers and health education (PSCHE). The curriculum continues in Year 9 except the top two groups in each half-year group study German as a second foreign language.
At GCSE, as well as offering the subjects listed above, the school also offers business studies, media studies, economics and drama as a separate subject, child development, and Latin. Religious studies and philosophy (RSP), information and communication technology (ICT) and PE can be taken at GCSE. Pupils can also take the three separate sciences at examination level.
Own Learning
We try to encourage pupils to take responsibility for the work they do at home – own learning. All pupils have a pupil planner so they can record their work on a daily basis, and parents are able to see what has been set. Work at home can take various forms, it may be written work, it may be learning, or even research via the internet. We want to impress upon our pupils that learning takes place beyond the confinements of the school day.
Equal Opportunities
All pupils regardless of gender, race, ability and physical needs are valued and given access to the curriculum. The school has an equal opportunities co-ordinator to monitor work in this area. Each department has a policy for ‘Gifted and Talented' children who are given opportunities to stretch themselves with extension activities.
Special Education Needs (SEN)
The school's Special Education Needs Co-ordinator has responsibility for implementing Benton Park 's SEN policy (the full document is available at the school) and the DfES's SEN Code of Practice. In this way, all pupils are monitored very carefully in terms of their physical, academic, behavioural and emotional well being, to ensure that all needs are identified, assessed, and provided for.
The school has a large team of Learning Assistants who provide additional support within the classroom for pupils who have been identified as having special needs.
Personal, Social, Careers and Health Education (PSCHE)
(Including sex education)
All pupils follow a comprehensive PSCHE programme, which covers a variety of topics to encourage pupils to discuss the wide social, moral and political issues of the day, so that they leave school as well-informed young people ready to face the challenges of adult life. Citizenship is also taught as part of this course.
The school has excellent links with Leeds Careers Service (Connexions) and a particular emphasis is placed in Years 10 and 11 on careers education and guidance. During Year 10 all pupils will go out on a two week work experience placement.
The school complies with the Government guidelines on sex and relationships education. Copies of the school Sex and Relationships Policy are available to parents on request.
Citizenship Education
Citizenship education gives pupils opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in society at local, national and international levels. It helps them to become informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens who are aware of their duties and rights. As a subject citizenship promotes pupils spiritual, moral social and cultural development, making pupils more self-confident and responsible both in and beyond the classroom. The topics covered encourage pupils to play a helpful part in the life of their schools, neighbourhoods, communities and the wider world. Citizenship education also encourages the development of respect for different national, religious and ethnic identities and develops pupils' abilities to reflect on issues and take part in discussions.
At Benton Park School we currently provide significant opportunities for citizenship education across the school curriculum, to help Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils grow into confident and responsible members of society.
Religious and Philosophical Education
Religious education is pert of the school's curriculum and the syllabus followed is that agreed by the Leeds Standing Advisory Council for RE (SACRE). As far as accommodation and resources permit, all pupils are involved regularly in a school assembly.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has an active extra-curricular programme.
The music department encourages an involvement in music of all types – classical, jazz and pop. The school concerts include this wide range of music.
Sport is a real highlight at Benton Park . Pupils are given every opportunity to compete in the sport of their choice, at the highest possible level. There are extra-curricular activities in netball, hockey, rugby, football, cricket, athletics, swimming, cross country, basketball, gymnastics, rounders, tennis, cycling and so on. The school boasts city champions, county champions and national champions.
The annual ski trip is a highlight in the school calendar.
The PE department has just been awarded the prestigious Sportsmark award for the second time.
Our annual school productions continue to be ambitious and varied ranging from musicals to Shakespeare.
Students participate in the Maths Challenge, the English Speaking Board competition and the Youth Parliament debate. Departments also offer an extensive programme of visits.
Involvement in these activities provides a different dimension to pupils' education.