Barbara Priestman School delivers a full National Curriculum and additional specialist subjects, skills and therapies.

The curriculum may be altered and adapted to meet the needs of individual pupils.

Each subject leader has written a short explanation of their subject below. If you wish to have more detail, we will be delighted to arrange a meeting.

English

We believe that access to literature, drama and the media is an entitlement for all and we endeavour to provide a wide, varied and appropriate curriculum for all of our students. We offer GCSE English and our aim is that all students achieve accreditation through GCSE, Entry Level Certificate or communication skills within the Asdan Awards Scheme.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a core subject of the National Curriculum. We follow the National Numeracy Strategies for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3, with pupils working at a level appropriate to their ability not necessarily their chronological age. Our main intention within Mathematics is to promote a positive attitude to the subject and to enjoy it.

Pupils are given the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications during Key Stages 4 and 5. These include GCSE, Entry Level Certificate, three levels of ASDAN, GNVQ and Young Enterprise.

Science

Science is delivered throughout the school and is based upon the QCA scheme. The philosophy is to stimulate the pupils into developing their awareness of the world around them, whilst preparing them for appropriate qualifications.

Where possible the pupils will be involved in experimental activities to provide greater depth of experience and understanding. Pupils have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications. These range from Entry Level certificates to three levels of ASDAN.

Design & Tech

This subject emphasises the importance of creative capability and provides opportunities for pupils to develop their powers to innovate, make decisions and to attempt new solutions. Technology as a discipline involves many subject areas and the Technology team approach design situations from this multi-disciplinary perspective to the benefit of all pupils. Technology is taught throughout the school with reference to the Programmes of Study of the National Curriculum at each appropriate key stage. Depending upon the ability of the individual student and the suitability of the course, the department assists in the delivery of GNVQ, GCSE, Entry Level Certificate, Unit Award Scheme, Young Enterprise, ASDAN Youth Award Scheme, ASDAN Towards Independence and ASDAN Transition Challenge as a means to accreditation.

Art and Design

All Pupils at Barbara Priestman School are given the opportunity to study art and design. This includes opportunities to work on projects related to graphics, ceramics, fine art, photography and textiles. Visits are arranged to places of interest when appropriate and courses of study leading to GSCE, Entry Level or ASDAN are available.

Food Technology

National Curriculum guidelines are followed throughout the key stages and pupils then follow an appropriate accreditation route.

The foundations for healthy eating are introduced and continue throughout the Key Stages to develop knowledge and understanding of nutrients, digestion, and food production.

Food Technology is taught in a well-resourced kitchen and involves the use of food as a design material and the development of food preparation skills with particular reference to future independence in the home and an awareness of commercial food production. GCSE and Entry Level Food and Nutrition are offered along with the AQA Unit Award Scheme and ASDAN Awards ensuring all pupils achieve accreditation for their work.

ICT

Barbara Priestman School continually updates both hardware and software to ensure the pupils work with the best possible resources within the ICT curriculum. Pupils have specific ICT lessons and also use ICT in other lessons. The specific ICT lessons enable the students to gain skills that can be transferred to other lessons throughout school. A range of ICT accreditation is offered including GCSE, Entry level, of ASDAN, CLAIT and The Nationals. We have a full time ICT technician who manages the resources, supports in classes and delivers training to the staff.

PE

Physical Education throughout the school is adapted to cater for a range of needs and is drawn from the National Curriculum. Athletics, swimming and games are delivered. Pupils are also eligible to enter regional competitions and time is provided in PE lessons to accommodate preparation and training. Pupils are encouraged to participate in a variety of games and the school is continually developing opportunities in this area. Table cricket and New Age Curling are two recent examples of games introduced for the less able pupil.

Modern Foreign Language

All pupils in Key Stages 2 and 3 study MFL [French]. At Key Stage 4 this is optional. If pupils wish to continue MFL in Key Stage 4 we can explore links with local mainstream schools where an accreditation would be possible.

Pupils study four elements, which conform to National Curriculum Programmes of Study. These elements encourage speaking and listening, reading and writing skills. Our aim is to encourage all pupils to develop their skills and gain success.

History

At Barbara Priestman our aim in history is to fire the pupils' curiosity about the past in Britain and in the wider world.

History is taught throughout the school in line with National Curriculum requirements. Schemes of work are designed to stimulate and encourage pupils to investigate, interpret and evaluate historical information. Differentiation allows all pupils access to the subject at a level appropriate to their needs.

History is taught as a distinct subject and pupils study units of work specified for their particular year group by National Curriculum requirements.

Geography

Through the study of Geography students at Barbara Priestman School develop an understanding of the relationship between man and his environment. Geography is taught throughout the school following the National Curriculum for the subject. Differentiation underlines all planning and provides access for all pupils to the subject at an appropriate level. Geography is taught as a distinct subject and pupils study units of work specified by National Curriculum requirements. Depending on ability, students of Humanities may study for GCSE, Entry Level and ASDAN awards.

RE

RE makes a vital contribution to the education of our children at Barbara Priestman. In the caring environment of our school RE seeks to develop a positive attitude towards other people, respecting their right to hold beliefs different from their own and towards living in a society of diverse religions.

The subject is taught throughout the school following the Sunderland Agreed Syllabus. The main religions practiced are covered in the programme of study for each year group. These religions are Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

Music

Barbara Priestman School has a modern and vibrant music department offering a broad range from medieval music to music technology. The curriculum is taught through practical activities throughout the school, with the main focus being on developing focus confidence, self-esteem and enjoyment of the subject. We have a wide variety of music resources and a range of lunchtime clubs are available, such as keyboard skills, singing and performing as a band. Our school choir has just taken part in producing a CD and a number of pupils attend the City of Sunderland Youth Orchestra outside school time.

Personal Social and Health Education / Citizenship (including sex education)

PSHE is taught throughout the school and follows National Curriculum guidelines. Our aims are to develop social and inter-personal skills and prepare pupils for adult life.

The subject encompasses Citizenship, Careers and Sex Education and is tailored to meet the individual needs of the pupils.

Elements of PHSE are also contained in the following activities: -

Residentials

Charity and Fun days

Assemblies

School Council

School clubs

Sex Education

We work very closely with outside agencies to provide our students with the knowledge to cope in life, with regard to personal relationships. Sixth form pupils under take an accredited course of sex education and relationships. Any parent who does not want their child to take part in these lessons can withdraw them if they so wish.

Careers

All pupils in school have the opportunity to study careers. Work Related Learning is built into a range of subjects and work experience is offered to pupils at the appropriate time. Our Connexions Officer works closely with pupils and parents as they prepare for life after Barbara Priestman.

Citizenship

All students follow a programme of study for Citizenship. Topics that are covered include Bullying, The Law, The Environment and Human Rights. ASDAN offers accreditation for this subject.

SMSC

Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural development is delivered as an integral part of the whole curriculum.

Collective Worship

Collective worship is an important part of the life and ethos at Barbara Priestman School. Each Monday we meet together as a whole school to celebrate the success of individuals and groups.

Each Friday we meet together as a whole school to consider moral behaviour, local, national or international issues which are relevant to the pupils. As a result of the issue considered we identify a ‘Thought for the Week', which is displayed in the main corridor and in each classroom.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays we have hymn practice and on Wednesdays classes or departments meet together and teachers plan relevant topics according to the calendar.

Residential Experiences

Every year during the Summer term, groups of children take part in various residential experiences.

These range from self-catering experiences for the more able pupils to fully supported residential for the least able. All pupils are involved in the organisation of the residential and use their knowledge gained as evidence for their ASDAN files.

Arrangements for internal appeals about assessment decisions and enquiries about exam results.