Prospectus/Curriculum
Curriculum
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"The school has begun to share examples of good and outstanding practice in teaching. Lessons are well planned with clear structures and learning objectives. Many students are confident learners. Teaching is stimulating and vibrant with a real appreciation of students' learning." OfSTED Comment 2006
Nicholas Breakspear School is first and foremost a place of learning and personal development. All students are able to benefit from the many opportunities given during and outside lessons. An individual student is able to develop his or her gifts and talents to the full and to explore aspects of faith and spirituality so important to us as a Catholic school.
"Many students are confident learners. Teachers motivate and inspire students so that they are fully involved and challenged by the work. Teachers maintain an energetic pace with a variety of interesting and enjoyable activities." OfSTED Comment 2006
Students with particular learning needs or difficulties are given the support and encouragement needed to be able fully to participate with confidence and dignity in the life of the school.
"Students enjoy their lessons" Ofsted Comment 2006
The curriculum offers a wide range of subjects.
In Key Stage 3, Years 7 to 9, all pupils study Religious Education English, Mathematics, Foreign Language, History, Geography, Environmental Education, Art, Drama, Music, Science, Design Technology, and Physical Education.
Key Stage 4 offers further opportunities to develop particular talents and preferences in the options system whilst continuing to maintain a broad base of experience, including Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science ICT, the Expressive and Performing Arts, Humanities, Languages, Physical Education, Technology and Agricultural Science.
LEARNING MENTORS
Our Learning Mentors are Jenni Murray and Marline Wiseman. They mentor students from Years 7 to 10 and have an ‘open door’ policy at break and lunch times in room 44.
Below is an excerpt from a letter received from a grateful parent:
Dear Mrs Murray I think that I did mention that Emma goes on a Monday afternoon to Watford Football Club for literacy/numeracy, which Mrs Foreman put her forward for. Despite Emma being off last week with a double kidney infection, I was phoned by Watford Football Club’s learning centre to ask if Emma could come down for a presentation. So I bundled her in a blanket and took her down as she wanted to attend the ceremony. She not only received a certificate for attending, which I think all the students received, a medal which had 100% attendance engraved on the back, and a few other bits with Watford Football Club’s logo on, but the biggest prize of all was that she was awarded £20 in gift vouchers due to the fact that she was the most improved student on the course. I don’t think that it quite hit home with her as she was feeling poorly. I did praise her to the hilltops for it and told her how proud we were as parents, and did ask her if she felt proud of her achievement, but didn’t get much of a response!
