The Rossett Curriculum

Our curriculum is a major strength of the school. The curriculum at Rossett is one which offers a wide range of opportunities so that every young person is
stimulated and provided with a purposeful, meaningful and relevant education.

Rossett prides itself in creating small teaching groups which give individual attention where needed.

Students with special learning needs are supported by our Teaching Assistants in the classroom. In addition we have a learning support centre ‘The Bridge’. This is a multi-functional area, which supports our ethos of hard work and effective learning within the classroom and of appropriate behaviour about the school.

As part of our commitment to broadening opportunities for Gifted and Talented students we have introduced a variety of enrichment activities including Latin, ‘fast track’ courses in French and Spanish, (27 students taking A level Languages in Year 10 this year), Science Week and a Summer School for Years 6 to 10.

Opportunities for extension and enrichment are built into all our schemes of work so that work is always
provided at an appropriate level.

Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 (9 core)

The main features are:-

• Years 7-8 studying English Maths & Science with teacher marked assessments at the end of Year 9 to support setting in Year 10.
• During Years 7 and 8 a broad range of other subjects French or Spanish, Geography, History,
  Religious Studies, ICT, Design Technology, Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Citizenship
  and Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHEE) are studied.

Key Stage 4 - Years 9 (options) 10 & 11

The Main features are:-

• In Year 9 all students choose two GCSE (or equivalent) subjects to study to completion at the end of Year 9.
• Years 10-11 study the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and ICT to GCSE (level 2)
• Personalised learning through various pathways including vocational and other courses
• One option subject taken in each of Years 10 and 11 for 5 hours to completion in that year
• 20 hours per week of English, Maths, Science, ICT and PE in Years 10 and 11
• Opportunity to take level 3 courses in Year 10 or 11 where appropriate

The detail of this new curriculum is to be found in the Year 8 Options Booklet. A Year 9 Options supplement includes details of additional courses offered for study in Year 10/11(eg the new Diplomas). A set of Frequently Asked Questions should assist understanding of what is inevitably a complex structure.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)

The Main features are:-

• Own specialist teaching area and facilities.
• Wide range of courses to maximise progression from KS4.
• Over 30 courses available including many vocational options.
• Collaboration in subjects with a low uptake and the likelihood that this will be further developed as the new National Diplomas come on stream from 2009.

Read more about the 6th form here.

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)

The six PLTS encourage students to become:

• independent enquirers
• creative thinkers
• reflective learners
• team workers
• self-managers
• effective participants

Whilst all of these skills are fostered in the general curriculum in Years 7 & 8 the focus on GCSEs in the Year 9 optional subjects has prompted Rossett to introduce a series of courses in Year 9 to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop their PLTS.

The PLTS will be delivered by Music, Drama, Art, Technology and Philosophy teachers in a series of six week courses. Each Year 9 student will complete at least twelve of these courses. The courses will be innovative and practical, encouraging students to develop their thinking skills through group work, discussion and personal endeavour.

The Rossett School day