Learning
Learning at the Swanage School will cover both academic and practical subjects. We want all students to leave with the confidence not only to go on to further education or employment, but also with life skills that equip them to be happy, responsible and well-rounded citizens.
All teaching will follow our principles of excellence, human scale relationships, respect, democracy, social justice, community and sustainability.
The curriculum will cover four areas:
1 The National Curriculum
The core subjects of the National Curriculum that make up the new English Baccalaureate will be compulsory for all students and comprise:
- English
- Maths
- History / Geography
- Chemistry / Physics/ Biology or Dual Science
- One or more languages
In addition, students will choose four options for a wider or more in-depth personal curriculum. The options offered will be flexible and will be developed by senior staff taking into account the needs of each student and year group. They will cover:
- Art
- ICT (Information and Communication Technologies),
- Expressive Arts (Music, Drama and Dance)
- Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
- PE Studies
- Design Technology (Product Design, Food/Catering, Graphics, Textiles, Electronics)
- Business Studies
2 The Local Curriculum
Apart from the National Curriculum, students will also be expected to study subjects in a Local Curriculum developed to take full advantage of the natural resources and opportunities available in the area, such as sailing, geology, local history, farming and tourism.
Some of these lessons may lead to formal qualifications, while others will seek to widen the students' interests and ambitions.
3 The Extended Project
All students will complete a personal Extended Project designed to showcase independent learning, research and presentation skills.
The object is to instil a lifelong confidence in and love of learning in each student through a personal interest.
This will be supervised by staff and an appropriate mentor, such as a business person, industry expert or an academic.
4 Community
The fourth part of the curriciulm will be Community.
As a school founded by the community for the community, students in each year will work together and with local groups to provide a service such as voluntary work, fundraising initiatives and conservation projects.
The students at the Swanage School will become full and active members of the local community and engage with all generations.
The Swanage School Challenge
Together these four areas will make up the Swanage School Challenge, a tailored programme of learning that will ensure each student is encouraged to achieve their very best in all areas and at all levels.
