featherstone.wakefield.sch.uk
Prospectus
Citizenship and Work Related Learning
Art
• Two purpose built, fully equipped classrooms with two fulltime specialist art teachers
• Excellent IT facilities with state of the art software and equipment
• Excellent A* to C pass rate at GCSE
• At Key Stage 4 GCSE Art and Design and a BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design are offered as options
• A broad curriculum is taught incorporating clay, sculpture, print, surface design drawing and painting
• High expectations and a culture of producing high quality folders of work and display around school is nurtured
• Wider links to the community are developed, involving junior schools and working with artists from the local
areas
Music
• Excellent IT facilities (keyboards linked to hi-tech computers)
• Well resourced with soundproof rooms for practising instruments
• Students tell us they are happy with the delivery of the subject
• Plenty of extra-curricular activities
• The subject is supported by specialist and nonspecialist staff to maintain its high profile in college
• Pleasant learning environment
Citizenship and Work Related Learning
• The College recognises its vital role in ensuring that when they leave students will be good citizens and prepared for life in the 21st century
• Citizenship is delivered within Technology at Key Stage 3 and within the Humanities option at Key Stage 4
• It is also delivered to all students in tutor periods each morning and in `Stop the Clock` sessions when the normal timetable is suspended for a whole morning
• The Citizenship programme in Year 7 involves Emotional Intelligence and in Years 8 & 9 Sex Education is provided
• Students have the option of choosing a work-based learning programme leading to NVQ Level 1 or 2 qualifications
• At Key Stage 4 all students have two full weeks of Work Experience
• The College is committed to `Every Child Matters` and key features of Citizenship are being healthy, secure and economically aware
• A variety of outside agencies (eg Police, Health Authority, Fire Service and Connexions) are used to ensure that the advice given is fully informed and current
• Students receive a wide range of careers education and post 16 progression taster classes are provided
• Enterprise events take place at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 and all students take part in financial literacy lessons
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English
• Excellent Key Stage 3 and GCSE results in English which are amongst the best in the Wakefield area
• All students study English Literature at GCSE with excellent results (usually schools/colleges only enter the most able)
• Interactive whiteboards offer dynamic lessons with plenty of inter-activity to generate a sense of enjoyment
• A very stable department with a balance of youthful enthusiasm and tremendous experience of GCSE examinations at the highest level
• Very high expectations of behaviour and performance which encourage independent research on a range of important issues
• Regular theatre visits, a literacy club and STEPS classes to cater for all ages and abilities
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Geography
• Adventurous and exciting GCSE field trip to Ingleborough
• Interactive and stimulating lessons using the smartboard
• New resources and textbooks
• Established and experienced staff
• A broad GCSE curriculum with equal attention paid to human and environmental issues
• Rewards for individual contributions to the subject in the form of departmental postcards which are sent to parents to celebrate achievement
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History
• New interactive whiteboard which allows the whole class to access a wide variety of information
• New textbooks at Key Stage 3 offer a colourful and informative introduction to key topics
• A brand new GCSE course offering exciting new ways of assessing students
• A varied curriculum which covers over one thousand years of history
• Emphasis on developing key skills to help students understand the world around them
• Lots of opportunities given to students to monitor their own success and give them a clear sense of achievement
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Mathematics
• Interactive whiteboards in every maths classroom, with visualisers and many items of software to complement the four main topic areas in mathematics
• Visual, auditory and kinaesthetic approaches in lessons ensure every learner has full access to the curriculum
• Gifted and Talented students in mathematics may take part in national and regional competitions and be eligible for master classes in conjunction with Leeds University
• Students undertake the AQA modular GCSE course which allows students to concentrate on one particular section of the course at a time
• Our most able students in Key Stage 4 take AS mathematics in conjunction with Pontefract NEW College
• Very good Key Stage 3 results
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Modern Foreign Languages
• Enhances each student’s ability to become independent and enthusiastic learners of a foreign language
• Promotes the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking as well as encouraging a broader understanding of different cultures
• Offers opportunities to travel abroad with an annual educational visit, combining an adventure holiday with an educational twist to promote greater oral fluency
• Out of college visits to local schools and institutions of Higher Education to take part in specialist Language days
• Experienced, knowledgeable, supportive staff as well as networked links with other schools
• Enables students to learn another language eg Spanish at Key Stage 4
• Regular rewards for stars of speaking, listening, reading, writing, good effort and attitude
• Prepares students for further education and employment opportunities in business, travel and tourism, finance, media, education and marketing - according to recruitment agencies, people using languages at work earn on average 8 - 20% more than their colleagues
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PE
• Excellent and extensive playing fields and astro-turfpitches to accommodate a whole range of track, field and ball games
• Brand new sports centre featuring the very best of facilities for college and community
• Swimming pool with access for both college and community
• GCSE Physical Education is offered to all students
• BTEC First Diploma in Sport (Performance) is offered as an option
• College teams regularly participate in local and national competitions in a range of sports
• We celebrate the local pride in sporting excellence with a huge range of rewards in all years sponsored by the PTFA
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Performing Arts/ Drama
• Brand new hall with professional sound and lighting system purpose built for the teaching of dance and drama
• BTEC course equivalent to four GCSEs
• Opportunity to take part in performances throughout the college year
• A different way of learning about social issues - the role of the citizen in modern society
• Learning the skills of working with others in a creative environment
• Opportunity to attend extra curricular rehearsals to further develop drama and dance skills
Religious Education
• Years 10 & 11 students follow a course which addresses important current issues such as Abortion, Multi-Faith Society, Divorce, The Welfare State, Global Warming, Capital Punishment and Genetic Engineering
• Key Stage 3 students study the six major world religions as well as issues such as War, Prejudice, Poverty and The Origins of the Universe
• A well resourced department with many religious artefacts to enable kinaesthetic learning
• Students are able to develop positive attitudes to the beliefs, values and cultures of others and to recognise and acknowledge their own bias
• Learning takes place in a bright, colourful, student friendly environment
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Health & Social Care
• A BTEC course designed to prepare students for a potential career in the caring professions by addressing the skills required by employers
• The course is worth four GCSE passes at grades A* - C
• The subject covers Health, Social Care and Early Years Provision, Promoting Health and Wellbeing and Understanding Personal Development and Relationships
• All assessment is through the completion of six modules of coursework - there are no final examinations
• Excellent preparation for further education in a practical occupation such as nursing, social services or any work with children
• Excellent resources in the delivery of this exciting new course
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Science
• A variety of GCSE Science courses offered includingcore, additional and applied Science
• Excellent new rooms offering the highest specifications forscientific study
• Interactive whiteboards to aid all our learning and create avisual impact for students in every laboratory
• A dedicated IT suite to enable students to experience independent learning
• Fast improving SAT results to confirm the progress in the department over the past three years
• Improving GCSE grades with the best module results everin core science
• A fully staffed department ready to embrace the new technology in the delivery of this important subject
Special Educational Needs
• Fully implemented Code of Practice integrated into work with students
• Excellent specialist support for literacy development
• Specific support group for students whose development of core skills will benefit from additional help
• Good relationships between college and feeder schools that help students move from one school to the next
• Integration/inclusion of students with profound and multiple disabilities
• Genuine involvement with Special Educational Needs Support Service
• Involvement of support agencies with regard to extra curricular activities for physically disabled students
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Technology
• The use of Assessment Walls alongside our Assessment Maps, helping to raise achievement and attainment
• Technology College status has led to hi-tech resources: CNC laser cutter, computerised sewing machines, improved workshops/food room, higher spec computers
• Popular lunch time and after school classes are delivered by a dedicated team of staff
• Technology now offers SIX different courses taught at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
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ICT
• Enables each student to develop their ability and knowledge to their full potential
• Equips each student with the skills needed to use computer hardware and software effectively
• Provides students with both confidence and understanding to use computers in future adult life
• Helps each student to gain the highest qualification of which they are capable
• Focuses on helping students develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of ICT through Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
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