Curriculum

Transfer from Primary

We have well-developed arrangements with our Partner Primary Schools for a happy transfer to the High School. There are many visits between the schools, and teachers work alongside each other on many exciting and enjoyable ventures, particularly the Year 6 transition events. These give our primary children the opportunity to experience the school and feel comfortable in their surroundings when they come to us. We liaise closely with our Primary School colleagues, so that we know much about the learners and the work they have done. Our aim is that the learning should follow on seamlessly from the work done at the previous school. In the summer term of Year 6, an evening is set aside for parents to meet the staff, and to discuss the transfer to the High School. Learners starting in Year 7 spend a day with us in order to meet their form tutor and some of their subject teachers, and to get to know their new class and the school building.

Key Stage 3 - Years 7-9 (11-14 Yrs)

In the first three years we introduce learners to each aspect of the curriculum facilitating effective choices later on. We encourage each learner to achieve their personal best performance through challenge and close monitoring and work hard to develop personal, learning and thinking skills as well as subject knowledge. All learners follow the National Curriculum. In Year 7 most lessons are taught in the Form group, or in smaller mixed-ability classes. Arranging groups by ability is introduced towards the end of the first term of Year 7 in Mathematics. During Year 9 learners make their option choices through our ‘Next Steps’ guidance. All learners will take school examinations in all subjects at the end of year 7, year 8 and year 9.

Key Stage 4 - Years 10-11

Learners may choose from a wide range of subjects, both academic and vocational, matched to their personal strengths and ambitions. Our extensive choice of GCSE, BTEC, vocational and Diploma-based courses and Young Apprentice programmes is further supported by opportunities for learners to undertake study and work-related learning in different settings where appropriate. As an Engineering College we expect most of our learners to study a technology-based subject from the wide variety on offer and provide individual guidance on making the right choices for future pathways. Year 10 learners may take some modular GCSE examinations during year 1 of their GCSE study and will take school examinations in each of their subjects in the summer term. Mock GCSE examinations will take place in December of Year 11, with final GCSE examinations beginning in May of Year 11. Link to courses

Special Educational Needs

Great Sankey High School operates a whole school inclusive approach for learners with special educational needs. All staff are responsible for meeting the needs of learners. The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) works with a team of teachers and Teaching Assistants to provide both in-class support and specialist teaching outside normal lessons. There is close liaison between subject teachers and with Learner Services to support learners’ physical, behavioural, emotional or social difficulties. The partnership between learners, staff and parents is vital in order to help each individual gain maximum benefit from the curriculum and we welcome visits from prospective learner’s parents. Our school is single-storey, with ramps to all external doors. We are the designated school for visually impaired learners in Warrington and we welcome differently able learners from our area. A full version of the School's SEN Policy is available on request.

Homework and Independent Learning

Homework is set for learners in all years, in a form appropriate to each subject area. We aim to vary the type of homework learners do, and this may be a longer, project type assignment or work which brings together elements of a number of different subjects. We expect learners to be able to work profitably both on their own and with groups of friends, and to develop a habit of study when unsupervised. Reliable performance on homework is a key to academic success. All learners have a Planner and we ask that Parents and Teachers sign it each week.

LRC

We have a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre with over 25 000 titles, PCs with secure internet access and a Sixth Form Study with University Prospectuses and Careers Library. Learners are introduced to all the aspects of the LRC in their first few weeks with us as part of their transition programme.

We encourage flexible and independent learning through open access to the library before, between and after lessons. Volunteers act as library assistants, which is a useful experience of responsibility. All learners are given a subscription to an internet based revision and exam practice available all day, every day.

Our growing use of internet based learning resources is vital in assisting learners to develop their ability to manage information, to be discerning in their research and for us to ensure engaging and relevant resources are available to all.

Key Stage 5 - Our Sixth Form: 'Barrow Hall College'

At Great Sankey High School we have a strong Sixth Form tradition with an excellent record of academic success. The vast majority of learners return to our Sixth Form where they are guaranteed high quality teaching and a superb range of courses and facilities. We prepare learners for University entrance, college diploma courses and direct entry into business at management-training levels. ‘Barrow Hall College’ provides high quality facilities and a separate study, social and dining facilities.

The majority of learners will follow AS and A2 courses in 3 or 4 traditional academic subjects or cutting-edge vocational subjects, however each learner is an individual and, therefore, there are many different permutations of courses. There is also the opportunity for learners to follow a foundation course that will provide a bridge from GCSEs to A Levels or specialist vocational courses. Some learners may study for up to 3 years at BHC.

The Enrichment offer at the College is excellent with over 20 different enrichment activities. This, coupled with a personalised PSHE programme, allows each of the learners to prepare for their next step, university, apprenticeship, employment or other varied pathways. Please refer to our Barrow Hall Prospectus for detailed information about the Sixth Form. In recognition of the high standards and forward-thinking curriculum, Barrow Hall College has secured Learning and Skills Council funding for a new College building which will open in 2011.

Admission Arrangements for Barrow Hall College

Anyone considering applying for a place in Barrow Hall College should obtain a copy of the College Prospectus. Admission criteria are published annually. Each applicant has an individual guidance interview to make informed decisions about suitable courses before a place is offered.