Curriculum Support

Curriculum Support is an option offered to Key Stage 4 pupils. The programme, run by the Learning Support Department, aims to give additional support to pupils who, irrespective of ability, benefit from a reduced examination load.

The class is timetabled for two and a half hours per week. During this time, pupils’ work is generally divided equally between extra Maths, English and Science support. However, when desirable, part of the programme is directed toward general study skills, revision and examination techniques as well as lessons which aim to offer pupils guidance in relation to their other GCSE subjects. Depending on their needs, pupils who attend Curriculum Support lessons, may have the option of being entered for Functional Skills qualifications. In addition to offering pupils an extra qualification, the scheme of work for these certificates overlaps with some of the skills required for GCSEs, as a result, it enables pupils to have added opportunities to reinforce and revise core concepts and skills. Curriculum Support teachers aim to make links with pupils’ GCSE teachers and develop opportunities to strengthen pupils’ understanding of the demands of their GCSE exams including essay writing and knowledge of prescribed texts. Furthermore, pupils can also receive extra homework guidance. Curriculum Support teachers can: • Clarify homework expectations and tasks set by classroom teachers

• Help pupils plan where and when they will do their homework

• Teach pupils to plan out extended written work which may include essay plans, mind maps as well as writing introductions and example paragraphs • Teach pupils academic research skills that are needed for project based homework • Make sure that pupils understand the demands of a whole task and thus guide pupils through a portion of a set number of questions while still leaving a larger percentage of the homework to be completed independently by the pupil at home. The content of GCSEs has become more challenging in recent years. Curriculum Support aims to help pupils achieve a good set of GCSEs and improve their performance across the Key Stage 4 programme. Curriculum Support is a timetabled option rather than an additional educational service, therefore, there are no extra fees levied for this class.