Curriculum

Introduction

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum to our students. Whilst meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum, the programmes of study extend beyond those limits and the range of subjects is wider.

In the later years, the curriculum is more flexible, allowing students greater choice in the subjects they study.

Careful counselling ensures that no premature course specialisation takes place, which could limit future career or higher education aspirations. The school is also committed to equality of opportunity.

Public examination success is regarded as a priority for all students at the The John Bramston School. All students can enjoy their learning and gain knowledge and skills which will be essential for them to flourish in 21st century society.

Advanced skills in science and technology are essential to success in the modern world. Our superbly equipped laboratories and workshops provide the opportunity for all children to develop such aptitudes.

The use of computer and network technology is integral to the teaching of all subjects. We also have excellently resourced areas to teach information technology and business studies, with staff who are alert to the changing demands of the financial and commercial worlds together with the technology that supports them.

The cultural development of young people is equally important. The rich and varied aesthetic experiences provided at the John Bramston School increase their sensitivity to our cultural heritage. Students with an interest in performing arts have many opportunities to demonstrate their expertise in public performances, presentations and festivals throughout the year. The excellence of our music is highly acclaimed. We also have superb facilities for all children to study drama and dance.

The school has a well-resourced library where all students can develop their ability to work on their own initiative with the assistance of our librarians.

Students at the John Bramston School enjoy year round access to the superb facilities of the adjacent Bramston Sports Centre. These include heated indoor swimming pools, a sports hall, a gymnasium, dance studio, conditioning room and squash courts. There are also extensive outdoor playing fields and an all-weather pitch.

We have a well-established programme of extension activities for the very able students, designed to challenge and stretch them to their full potential. We also provide a programme of carefully planned individualised learning support for students with other special education needs.

We believe that children, like adults, work best when they are not only given good facilities and equipment but are accommodated in a pleasant and stimulating environment.

We also believe that effective learning can only occur where there is an atmosphere of discipline and calm. This does not happen by chance.

Aims and Objectives of the Curriculum

"In Essex, every learner is entitled to a curriculum rich and varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables each individual to fulfil her or his potential to the highest possible standard, so that all, for the benefit of all, are able to shape their destinies and create a better world."

In response to this vision, the Governors of The John Bramston School have established aims and objectives for the curriculum.

The starting point is the key school aim:

"TO PROVIDE ALL STUDENTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO DEVELOP THEIR FULL POTENTIAL."

The fourteen objectives then follow:

1. To establish a balanced and broadly based curriculum for all students, in accord with all National Curriculum and other statutory requirements.

2. To establish a curriculum organisation which allows flexibility, progress, and continuity for each individual student.

3. To develop a policy of equal opportunity, ensuring that the curriculum is equally available to all, irrespective of ability, sex and ethnic and cultural background.

4. To involve parents at all stages in the learning process, and work towards maximising support for the individual student, at home as well as at school.

5. To strengthen the provision of learning support throughout the school and to ensure that all students who have identified special educational needs have them properly met.

6. To establish a comprehensive system of recording and evaluating students' progress and achievements.

7. To establish a pattern of individual student interviews for curriculum negotiation and progress review, mainly through tutorial work and the year system.

8. To consolidate and strengthen the provision of a sound and structured programme of Personal and Social Education throughout the school.

9. To encourage and develop habits of independent study and self-motivation, including a positive regular homework policy.

10. To consolidate and extend liaison with feeder junior schools.

11. To consolidate and extend curricular experience which involves the community and the outside world.

12. To consolidate, and develop further, extra-curricular activities, and to encourage all students to take part.

13. To encourage and require all members of the school to be courteous to each other, to foster social skills, sensitivity, and self-discipline.

14. To encourage effort and commitment by praise and reward.

Download: Qualifications for which the school prepares students