Curriculum
The curriculum at Oldfield School has been shaped by the requirements of the National Curriculum.
The central philosophy on which the curriculum of Oldfield School is based is that all students are of equal worth and that each has an entitlement to a properly planned and delivered education that is broad, balanced, relevant, coherent and differentiated.
At Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum (Years 7, 8 and 9) all students follow courses in the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- French (in Year 7)
- French or German in Years 8 and 9
- Geography
- History
- Art
- Music
- PE
- Religious Education
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
- Dance
At Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) of the National Curriculum in addition to PE, PSHE and Religious Education students follow courses in:
- English
- Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Science
- ICT
In addition to these compulsory subjects students are able to choose further courses from a list similar to:
- Art and Design
- Business Studies
- Child Development
- Dance
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Media Studies
- Music
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
The school day consists of five one hour lessons.
All students are entered for public examinations, a full policy document on examinations is available from the school.
Oldfield School is anxious to keep parents fully informed of curriculum developments. From time to time meetings and workshops are arranged to demonstrate changes in teaching and learning styles. Curriculum details with current range of option choices are available on application.
Teaching and Learning
The curriculum is delivered through eight faculties. These are: Art, Music and Technology, ICT, English, Humanities, Maths, Modern Foreign Languages, PE and Science.
Each faculty is led by an experienced teacher. The Heads of Faculty are always pleased to meet parents by appointment or to answer queries by telephone when teaching commitments allow.
Homework is an integral part of the teaching and learning process. This work appropriate to the age, ability and needs of individual students, is a vital part of their education. Not only does it extend studies undertaken in school but it teaches self-discipline and a sense of responsibility.
The school has developed a careful procedure for the involvement of parents in the monitoring of homework.
On entering the school, students in Year 7 are placed in mixed ability tutor groups. During their first term they are set by ability in their teaching groups for Mathematics - in this subject setting by ability continues throughout their time in the school. Setting by ability occurs in Years 8 and 9 in Modern Foreign Languages and Science. By Year 10 all subjects take account of student performance in making up their teaching groups and although the majority set by ability some decide to teach mixed ability groups.
