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Key Stage 3

Assessment: A sketch book is used to record information and develop ideas.

NC Levels: Most students are expected to achieve at least a level 5 in Art by the end of Key Stage 3 and have progressed by at least one level from Key Stage 2.

Content of Course: The key stage Art course is designed to build on the skills and confidence gained in each of the previous years, whilst providing new challenges and approaches. Students are encouraged to develop independence, self confidence and a belief in their ability to create and innovate. Projects will include work both in 2 and 3 dimension.

Key Stage 4

Qualification: GCSE Level 2

Syllabus: Edexcel Art and Design

Useful website: www.edexcel.com

Assessment: Students must choose one starting point from a choice of seven provided by Edexcel. They have four weeks of preparation time and ten hours of supervised examination time.

Coursework: Coursework is ongoing over the two year course. Students work on a number of units and the best two are selected for assessment.

Content of course: Students are taught techniques and ways of working which build skill and confidence and enable them to work independently and tackle longer more complex units of work. Throughout the course the Sketch Book will play a vital part in reading and developing ideas used in the units.

Design and Technology is both a creative and technical subject. It combines aspects of creative design and applied science. It is about designing and making products in a range of materials that both look good and work well. It is about responding to human needs or design challenges in an innovative way through research and evaluation.

Creative learning in Design and Technology involves using both imaginative design and problem solving skills. It should link to the world of industry and commerce and the technologies they employ. It should include opportunities for learning that are vocationally relevant and allow a spirit of enterprise.

In Years 7 – 9, all students currently follow a rotational course where they experience designing and making themes and activities using food, graphic, compliant and resistant materials through the National curriculum strands of researching, designing, planning, making and evaluating.

In Years 10 & 11, students can choose GCSE courses in Design Technology (Food Technology), Design Technology (Resistant Materials) or the BTEC First Diploma in Art and Design (which is equivalent to 4 GCSE passes at grades A*-C).

Key Stage 3

Drama is taught to all Key Stage 3 students.

Key Stage 3 students have one lesson of drama a fortnight in a drama studio.

They are expected to participate in all activities, learning through engagement and fun.

Students learn all about performance techniques, theatre history and how to write and perform scripts.

Key Stage 4

Students can opt to study drama at GCSE level. We follow the Edexcel syllabus which is examined through two pieces of coursework (60%) and a terminal exam (40%).

It is expected that students will attend extra curricular activities to support their studies.

We are very lucky to have an established team of experienced teachers in the English Department. This has led to some very good results over the last three years especially at Key Stage 3 where the department finds itself in the top 8% of the country when CVA is taken into account.

English is taught in setted groups from the start of Year 7. A great deal of importance is placed on individual target setting and constant monitoring of progress. The curriculum is divided into 3 areas:

• Speaking and Listening
• Reading
• Writing

We place equal importance on each of these areas; making our lessons as enjoyable as possible in order to encourage and stimulate their learning.

At Key Stage 4 students undertake their G.C.S.E. course in Language and Literature. At the moment we study the AQA (Version A) syllabus. Students will take the G.C.S.E. Language examination in November and then we will begin the Literature course. There will be opportunities to re sit the Language should it be necessary.

As part of the course they have to submit five pieces of coursework on:

• Shakespeare
• A pre-1914 novel
• Media
• Original Writing (on a subject of the student’s choice)
• Modern Drama

We begin work on these pieces during the Year 9 course.

Our aim is to help the young people in our care to communicate with clarity, coherence and thought. We also want them to be open to and engage with different ideas and points of view.

The provision for Special Educational Needs is a particularly good feature of De La Salle School. The Extended Learning Faculty is staffed by two teachers, one HLTA, an Admin Assistant, a Literacy Tutor and twelve non-teacher support staff. Work is done with students who have difficulty either within the context of the classroom situation where they receive individual group support, or in a withdrawal situation.

The policy for Special Educational Needs is comprehensive and follows the Essex County Guidelines and the 2001 SEN Code of Practice. The full policy (updated in 2005) can be found in the collection of school policy documents and is available for those who ask.

The Geography Department at this school has three teachers all whom have educational qualifications to a Masters level. The Key Stage 3 programme of study is currently being altered and updated to fit the new Curriculum 2008 requirements, many of which encourage knowledge development through enquiry and skills based learning. The Year 8 and 9 programme of study will be changed over the next couple of academic years but the department currently follow the QCA published syllabus and adapt it to meet the needs of the students and to further challenge the pupils learning.

The Key Stage 4 programme of study will also change in September 2009 and the plan is to introduce the OCR Syllabus A. The current Year 10 and 11 will continue to complete the OCR Pilot Geography GCSE with the last examination for this taking place in the summer of 2010. All the units of study at both key stages have a key focus on assessment for learning so to raise achievement. They all involve a degree of practical fieldwork.

During Year 7, students at De La Salle study, What is History?, the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. During Year 8, students at De La Salle study the Making of the United Kingdom 1500-1750 and the Black Peoples of the Americas. During year 9, students study Britain 1750-1900 and the Twentieth Century World.

During Year 10 & 11, students who choose History as an option study International Relations 1918-1939, Germany, America in the 1920’s and 1930’s and Britain 1906-1918. Students also complete two pieces of coursework on WW1 and Nazi Germany. We currently follow OCR Modern World GCSE.

ICT has become a core subject within the De La Salle community and is taught both as a standalone subject and in cross curricular projects linking with subjects such as Drama, PE, Languages and History. At Key Stage 3 we encourage all our pupils to develop a wide range of skills using Word-processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Desk Top Publishing, Website Design, Multimedia presentations and Control systems. In year 9 all pupils commence on the core unit of the OCR Nationals qualification to consolidate prior learning and at Key Stage 4 all pupils take at least one additional unit to complete one of the three ICT qualifications we offer depending on the pathway chosen by the pupil. In Key stage 4 we introduce a wider and more intense range of projects that include video making, design and presentation of multimedia products and computer animations. We believe it is important that all our students leave our community prepared for the working environment with a wide range of ICT skills.

Outside of lesson time pupils are able to use the ICT facilities to undertake workshops for ICT, PE Leisure and tourism as well as for homework. We also provide a VLE where our pupils can access lessons and resources from any computer outside the school that has internet access. This also provides pupils with e-mail accounts to safely communicate with the teachers and each other and provides another medium on which to submit homework.

GCSE Law

What will I be doing in lessons?

This is a new course starting in September 2006. Law and Justice form the very root of our society today, and understanding of the law leads to a greater knowledge of the culture in which we all live. Lessons will look at all types of law including Common Law, Statute and European Laws.

What will I learn?

The course itself will include:

• The nature and institutions of law – including why we need laws, freedoms and rights as well as legal institutions. It will consider the different types of courts and individual roles within them, e.g. Judges and Barristers.
• Legal processes – Focussing on how laws are made and enforced with particular reference to the process of how cases are brought to trial.
• Law in action – Focussing on contract law, tort and criminal law. For example; the difference between murder and manslaughter.

How will I be assessed?

The course will be assessed through a two hour written examination worth 80% of the final mark and either two pieces of coursework no longer than 1250 words each or one piece of coursework of 2500 words.

What can I do with my GCSE?

The course will benefit those who wish to gain a sound grounding in Law before entering the legal profession at a later date. Other careers that will benefit from this course include those in the police force, prison service and armed forces.

The course will also benefit those considering a career in any type of business, industry, politics and journalism, as well as banking, financial and insurance services.

In short, GCSE Law is an extremely valuable qualification.

The maths department is one of the most successful departments in the school. Each year we have enjoyed record results and the recent tests at Key Stage 3 rank us in the top 2% of schools in the country.

With the introduction of the New Framework, we have new textbooks at Key Stage 3 and every learner now has their own homework book and CD ROM. The focus is on maths skills and processes, creative problem solving and the application of maths in the real world.

At Key Stage 4, we follow the Edexcel Linear 2-Tier course which examined at the end of Year 11 in the form of two exams (calculator and non-calculator).

All students are set according to ability across six sets. Regular assessments inform teachers, parents and learners of individual progress and any necessary action to improve performance is undertaken together.

The Maths Department is open every lunchtime to learners for extra support and there is a Maths club after school on Thursdays.

General Information

French is taken by all pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 as a first language.

In year 7, 8 and 9 pupils from sets 1, 2 & 3 have the opportunity to study Spanish as a second language.

In year 10 pupils must take at least one foreign language.

Additional Languages

At De La Salle we offer Chinese and Russian for any students interested in developing their language skills, outside the ‘normal’ curriculum time. In the future we intend to offer courses in Latin, Arabic and Yeribu for the wider community. Courses in beginner French, Spanish and Chinese are offered to staff and the wider community after school hours.

Aims

The Department aims to:

• Inspire a love for language learning
• Provide high quality learning in a caring environment
• Develop skills in oral communication
• Enhance the career prospects of our pupils
• Encourage learners to become life-long learners of languages
• Develop links with school in France and Spain
• Promote understanding of other cultures and languages
• Develop opportunities for pupils to experience the culture and language first hand through increased involvement in study visits abroad.

Online Resources: www.musicatschool.co.uk

Key Stage 3

Assessment: Ongoing throughout the year on a variety of topics in pairs and in larger groups. The annual music exam takes place during exam week and assesses practical, listening and theoretical skills.

NC Levels: Most students are expected to achieve at least a level 5 in Music by the end of Key Stage 3 and have progressed by at least one level on Key Stage 2.

Content of Course: Students develop performing skills on a variety of instruments including tuned and untuned percussion and keyboards. Students compose in pairs and in larger groups in a variety of styles and students also listen to and analyse Music in a variety of styles.

Useful Website: www.samlearning.co.uk

Key Stage 4

BTEC in Performing Arts

Qualification: BTEC Level 2

Syllabus: Edexcel BTEC First Diploma and Certificate

Useful website: www.edexcel.com

Assessment: Continuous assessment based on completion of portfolio based evidence.

Content of Course: This course allows you to develop a broad-based knowledge, understanding and experience of the performing arts, including music, drama, musical theatre and technical theatre. You may choose to follow Performing Arts or Music optional units. There is a lot of emphasis on group work within this course. You will be working to develop our confidence, responsibility, reliability and team work skills to help you become a valuable team member in preparation for our final portfolio submission.

Aims of the Physical Education Department

Physical Education at The De La Salle School is regarded as an important subject. It is not simply about ‘letting off steam’, but a subject that can educate a child through a variety of physical activities.

Research has shown that young people today are becoming increasingly unfit, overweight and far more likely to get degenerative diseases in adult life because of their inactivity as children.

Poor diet, endless hours in front of the television or home computer and being transported around by car, bus and train, all underline the necessity for regular physical activity in schools.

By maintaining a basic level of fitness and good health, the children would not only gain huge physical benefits, but also learn important social skills as individuals and as a part of a team. They learn tolerance, co-operation, how to accept and hold responsibility and how to win and lose gracefully, to name a few.

The physical Education department at the De La Salle School aims:

• To provide high quality PE provision for all learners in our care, irrespective of ability.

• To motivate and enthuse young people so that they enjoy participation in our subject.

• To develop skill, knowledge and fitness levels to a high standard in all key stages.

• To provide an extensive extra-curricular programme of clubs, teams and competitive fixtures to enable pupils to further develop their talents and interests.

• To facilitate and provide pathways for pupils so that they can continue their involvement in PE and sport in and out of school. Excellent links with clubs are essential and constantly being developed and extended.

• To ensure that pupils understand how exercise and sport contribute to health, and teach pupils the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

• To develop positive attitudes: co-operation, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, respect and understanding of others, and the ability to cope with success and failure within a culture where pupils feel they can succeed.

• To develop numeracy, literacy, citizenship and ICT skills where appropriate in PE lessons.

The facilities at the De La Salle School

The Physical Education department offers excellent sporting facilities.

Outdoor facilities: 2 football pitches, 1rugby pitch, 2 MUGA pitches with 3 outdoor basketball courts and 2 netball courts.

Indoor facilities: 1 sports hall (3 badminton court) and 1 gymnasium.

At De La Salle Religious Education is fundamental to the schools very identity and existence. With four full time members our department works passionately to empower all of our student’s by offering a challenging and diverse curriculum to nurture potential and celebrate progress.

R.E. lessons are given to all student’s across key stage 3 and 4 using the syllabus outlined by the diocese of Brentwood and is a compulsory academic subject using the Icons series (a complete religious education programme for 11-14 students). In year 7,8 and 9 students explore in innovative ways the key elements of Christian belief, the teachings of Jesus Christ the human person, the Church and the Sacraments – all according to the Roman Catholic Tradition. We also strive to touch the hearts of our students with particular care for the poor or needy, and develop their potentials to the fullest through a Christian education which finds it roots in the La Sallian spirit of Faith, hope and love.

A variety of teaching and learning styles and resources are used to realise these aims. Pupils explore issues through debate, religious discussion and group work.. Drama and role play are used extensively in Year 7 to 8 alongside film, art and music to stimulate discussion of religious issues. The Re department is also interactive in the use of ICT however, research and essay writing still retain a high priority.

At key stage 4 students follow a modular approach at GCSE. 50% of their final grade is achieved in year 10. Students examine the gospel of Mark in depth and so develop excellent understanding of the scripture that underpins R.E. in general. In year 11 students explore contemporary moral issues from Religious and non religious perspectives.

There is no coursework in GCSE RE therefore exam preparation is a permanent and on going aspect of all lessons.

Welcome to Science

Have you ever wondered…? Are clones really like they are in the movies? Can you get cancer from too many additives? How do we know black holes exist when they are completely black? What is the cleanest, greenest fuel for a car?

Science touches every part of our lives, whether we are looking at how your body works or what the fuels of the future will be. The way science is taught has changed over the years. The emphasis is now on “how Science works” – how does Science actually impact on our lives and encouraging students to think critically about information given to us. The De La Salle Science Department are all dedicated to not only delivering a rich and challenging curriculum but facilitating learners with skills to take with them through life- critical thinking, analytical skills, problem solving and the ability to question the world around them. From Years 7 to 11 we know the importance of learning by doing in Science and know how much the students enjoy practical work.

At Key Stage 3 we teach Biology, Chemistry and Physics following the QCA scheme of work. The content has changed to make learners see how the topics are relevant to their lives. We are a team of well qualified, enthusiastic and approachable teachers in Science. We hope we will be able to inspire some future scientists.

Key Stage 4 follows the Edexcel 360 Science syllabus. It is a modular course. In Year 10 students complete their GCSE Science and in Year 11 they do a second GCSE in Additional Science. Like Key Stage 3, the GCSEs cover Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

For GCSE Science the course is assessed throughout the year by external exams (60%) and internal assessments (40%). The Biology, Chemistry and Physics units are each assessed by two multiple choice exams. Each exam makes up 10%of the final grade. The remaining 40% is internally assessed and includes marks from practical assessments.

The assessment is slightly different for GCSE Additional Science. There are 3 main units- Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each is assessed by a multiple choice exam (10% for each). There is then a further structured style written exam for each topic (10% each). The remaining 40% comes from internally assessed activities and practical skills.

The vast majority of students at De La Salle enjoy Science and as results are improving and we are seeing more and more successes. We hope that the support and encouragement we give the learners will spur some on to study Sciences to A-Level and hopefully beyond…

During Year 10 and 11, students who choose Sociology as an option follow the AQA Sociology syllabus, which covers the following topics: Family, Education, Social Control, Work, Power and Politics, Migration and Movement, Stratification and Poverty and the Welfare State.

Travel and Tourism BTEC First Certificate/Diploma

What will I do on the course?

You will learn about:

• The different sectors of the travel and tourism industry including the career opportunities available
• How to deliver excellent customer service
• How to plan and run events, which includes taking part in an educational visit in the UK which you will organise
• Job search and employment skills with a one week work experience in the tourism industry
• Plan holidays to meet customer needs
• Marketing skills including how to produce promotional products

You will take part in class work, group activities, role play, research, presentations, visits to attractions and destinations. You will also learn how to deliver a resort rep’s transfer speech and welcome meeting as well as a cabin crew safety briefing. You will also study Essential Skills in number and communication.

What will this course prepare me for?

You will develop study and life skills that will prepare you for more advanced study or into employment in the travel and tourism industry. Many of our students continue their studies on the Travel, Tourism, Airline and Cruise Operations or Hospitality Supervision courses. Alternatively, there are a wide variety of job opportunities and you could find yourself working for airlines and airports, tour operators, travel agents, visitor attractions, visitor centres and many more.