Curriculum

CURRICULUM

 

At Settle College we aim to provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum for all students. We operate a ‘Stage not Age’ curriculum for option subjects.  Students embark on GCSE or BTEC courses in Year 9 selecting two option subjects which are examined at the end of Year 9.  All Year 9 students also begin GCSE courses in English, Maths & Science having completed Key Stage 3 in Year 8 at the Middle Schools.    In Year 10 students select another 2 option subjects which they complete by the end of Year 10 and in Year 11 students can continue their GCSE/BTEC studies by opting for another 2 subjects or they can chose to study some AS Level subjects.  GCSEs in English, Maths and Science are studied over a period of 3 years ( Years 9-11), although some students may complete their core studies by the end of Year 10. 

The Core Curriculum consists of the following subjects:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • PE
  • PSHCE
  • Continuity Language in Spanish or French
  • RE Short Course (completed by the end of Year 10)

Students in Year 9, 10 and 11 can select options from a range of courses including:

  • French
  • History
  • Geography
  • Art (BTEC)
  • Sports Studies (BTEC)
  • Performing Arts (Acting) (BTEC)
  • Performing Arts (Dance) (BTEC)
  • ICT
  • Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE)
  • Talkabout

As a Technology College, all students are also expected to study a Technology subject either in Year 9, 10 or 11 from the following options:

  • Product Design
  • Graphic Products
  • Catering
  • Textiles

Students also have the opportunity to study for additional courses such as the Level 2 Certificate in Health and Nutrition, Adult Literacy and Numeracy Tests.

 

Special Educational Needs

 We have a highly respected team of Teaching Assistants led by Mrs J Lodge.  Their work has won recognition throughout North Yorkshire and beyond.  We are able to offer support to students with a range of learning difficulties.  Parents are invited to contact Mrs Lodge directly to discuss specific issues. The College has recently been awarded the inclusion Quality Mark for our work on raising the achievement of boys.

Able, Gifted and Talented

At Settle College our aim is to raise aspirations and achievement for all of our students.  We ensure differentiation in all learning and teaching programmes.  Able, gifted and talented students are identified and have access to an enrichment programme which is challenging and supportive.  Through our enrichment programme we expect all our students, regardless of their ability, to develop lively, imaginative and enquiring minds.

Sixth Form

In the Sixth Form, students can choose from a range of academic and vocational routes (see separate Sixth Form Prospectus).

Religious Education

Religious Education aims to make a distinctive contribution to pupils’ spiritual moral, social and cultural development.  It can help students to value themselves, their families and their relationships and also to value the diversity of the communities and society in which they live. The key aim of the department is to enable students to reflect upon, develop and to affirm their own beliefs, values and attitudes through exploration of shared human experiences and by considering the place of religion within the contemporary world.  Central to the work of the RE Department is the question, "What does it mean to be human?"  

PSHE and Citizenship

PSHE  (Personal, Social and Health Education) is vital in the development of the whole person.  Settle College follows the nationally agreed curriculum, which covers a wide range of topics designed to develop students’ sense of self and responsibility.  Students explore their own physical and emotional development, covering issues such as adolescence, sex education and sexual health, drugs and alcohol abuse and emotional intelligence.  They get the opportunity to discover their role in the wider world, looking at human rights, Government and the law.  Further opportunity is given to study life skills, including money management, careers and preparation for work experience.

Citizenship is delivered primarily through RE and PSHE lessons.  Students learn to evaluate their rights and responsibilities and are encouraged to reflect this in their day to day behaviour, long term aspirations and concern for their community and the wider world.  Students are ultimately asked to really consider what it is to be a ‘global citizen’.  Opportunities for students to practically experience these ideas are currently in development with our global link schools.