Humanities
Students are normally taught by subject staff in specialist rooms based on the top floor of the tower block.
KEY STAGE 3
The Year 7 Integrated Curriculum contains a substantial element of History, Geography and RE, where content is delivered in themes. Similarly RE is a key element of the Year 8 Integrated Curriculum. Geography and History are, however, delivered as separate subjects in sets based on ability.
In Year 9, Geography, History and RE are compulsory subjects. Specialist staff teach these subjects, with students organised in 2 broad bands, which are then split into 3 ability sets. Currently, 2 periods are allocated to Geography and History, with RE having a single period per week.
KEY STAGE 4
Social Studies is a compulsory course for Year 10 and Year 11 students. The AQA GCSE that is available to students meets the statutory requirements for both Citizenship and RE.
History and Geography are both option subjects in Years 10 and 11. Those choosing History follow the Edexcel course, to either GCSE or Entry Levels. The Geography course followed is the Edexcel B, with again most students taking GCSE, but where appropriate can be entered for Entry Level.
Travel and Tourism is, in addition, offered as an option subject. This B-TEC vocationally based course leads to First Diploma level with 4 GCSEs at (or above) C grade, or first Certificate level with 2 GCSEs at (or above) C grade.
POST-16
History is offered at Post-16 with it being taught in conjunction with Wednesfield High School. The OCR Syllabus is currently being delivered through to AS and A2 levels. A Level 3 B-TEC course in Travel and Tourism is to be introduced in September 2010 which will lead to the equivalent of an AS or A2 Level.
WHOLE SCHOOL ISSUES TO RAISE STANDARDS
The area makes a significant input to the range of whole school improvement issues.
The curriculum area makes important contributions to the development of students’ literacy and numeracy skills. ICT has significantly enhanced teaching and learning, with the installation of additional hardware in Humanities rooms. Developing thinking skills through leading, learning approaches has been a particular focus for staff. Important contributions are also made to the cross-curriculum delivery of Performing Arts.
Click here for more information on the exams taken at Coppice.