The County High School, Leftwich

Achieving Excellence in Curriculum Provision

Principal’s Welcome At The County High School, Leftwich, an Academic Curriculum is an opportunity for and expectation of all students, further enriched by opportunities beyond the timetable.

The Academy’s curriculum endeavours to develop students’: • Comprehension and command of the best that has been said, thought and done, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need in order to take advantage of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

• Character, further engendering an understanding, awareness and appreciation of other communities and cultures and that they are prepared to be positive and active citizens as part of these.

• Creativity and imagination, stimulating an appreciation of human creativity and achievement, enabling them to create high-quality work for authentic audiences.

Students will follow an ambitious, broad and balanced, three-year Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9). For the majority of their time at the Academy (Year 7-9) students’ study: English; Maths; Science; a Modern Foreign Language; Geography; History; Religious Studies; Design and Technology; Creative Computing and Media; Art; Music and Physical Education.

During Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11) students have the opportunity to follow their passions and opt for the subjects they enjoy and achieve most in. At the heart of our Key Stage 4 curriculum is a strong academic core as defined by the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects (English, Maths, Science, a Modern Foreign Language and either Geography or History). This enables students to have as many opportunities as possible open to them when they move onto the next phase of their education and provides students with a broad range of experiences to take with them.

Teachers are supported and challenged to deliver clear, engaging, enjoyable, challenging and inspiring schemes of learning. These are planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been learnt before and towards its clearly defined end points. They incorporate powerful knowledge and content to develop students’ understanding of the subject disciplines.

Key concepts are embedded in students’ long-term memory and are applied fluently. Students’ understanding is checked effectively so that teachers can identify and correct misunderstandings, enabling students to understand how to progress further.

The County High School, Leftwich is a safe and calm, inclusive and positive community and workplace. Students enjoy and achieve during their time at the Academy. They leave as rounded individuals, aware of the wider-world, ready to make a positive contribution to it and fully equipped to flourish in it, whilst having maximised their academic potential.

Mr M Snelson Principal

“Students have the opportunity to follow their passions and elect for the subjects they enjoy and achieve most in.�

English Language and Literature have a transformative power. It equips us with the tools to express our thoughts, feelings and opinions, and to share our imagination and creativity with others.

English enables us to appreciate the human experience through different historical, cultural and social periods. Be it through seeing the world of the Ancient Greeks through Homer’s Odyssey, the inspiring fight for equality in speeches by Malala Yousafazi, or through Dickens’ critique of Victorian poverty, the study of English has all-encompassing significance and is at the very heart of education.

We endeavour to enchant our students through the wonderfully rich, diverse and dynamic might of English Language and Literature, whilst simultaneously empowering them to flourish through their communication skills. The broad scope of our subject through the ages allows us to take students on a voyage and explore a wide range of stories, characters and themes, instilling a deep understanding of our constantly evolving world.

"Fiction is such a world of freedom, it's wonderful. If you want someone to fly, they can fly" - Alice Walker

Our curriculum is crafted upon six Foundational Concepts which see students embark upon a journey through English Language and Literature which they begin prior to their arrival with us in Year 7 and beyond their final goodbyes in Year 11 - each allows students to open and embrace a world of opportunities:

Shakespeare Poetry Modern Drama/Prose Pre-1900s Prose

Non-Fiction Reading Writing for Impact From novels to plays, poetry to performance, creative to non-fiction writing, the study of these foundational concepts encapsulates a myriad of knowledge and skills to support our students’ affection for and command of the written word in all its forms.

During their time at The County High School, Leftwich, we nurture a love of English, so that each student leaves school having not only reached their academic potential but also with a sincere passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our dedicated staff strive to ensure that each and every student feels supported in their English lessons, making learning an accessible, engaging and immersive experience.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have” - Maya Angelou

Mathematics Mathematics enables us to make sense of the world around us, and is the foundation of our understanding of the natural world. It is the only science in which ideas can be proven ultimately correct, meaning ideas from 2500 years ago are still true today. More than that, maths transcends the boundaries of a physical universe. A mathematician can calculate with numbers larger than the number of atoms in the universe and lower than absolute zero. We can comprehend the behaviour of 17-dimensional space and calculate with infinities of different sizes.

At the County High School, Leftwich we want our students to talk about mathematics with enthusiasm and excitement. When students are confident enough to not only tackle new topics but talk about them with mathematical vocabulary, they can demonstrate their understanding and evidence their learning with pride.

We want our students to talk about maths together and share their ideas, secure in the knowledge that they can make mistakes, not only without judgment but with praise from their peers for exploring and sharing.

The national curriculum states ‘Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas.’ Therefore, the intention for mathematics is to ensure that all students become fluent, reason mathematically and solve problems beyond the classroom.

“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.”

- Albert Einstein

Science Science allows us to make sense of the world around us. It allows us to find answers and poses more questions along the way. It continues to change and challenge our understanding, constantly pushing boundaries, where new discoveries are made and new possibilities realised.

Science improves our world, keeping us healthy by making advances in medical knowledge. It enhances our understanding of how the Universe works and it allows us to move towards a fully sustainable society.

From exploring adaptations of organisms, to the development of food and health products and generating knowledge needed for future technological advances, science underpins our understanding of life on Earth.

The Science curriculum is taught in a sequenced manner, where the underlying principles thread together through Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Students acquire and develop key knowledge within each unit and year group, as well as the application of lifelong key skills. Topics are interesting and relevant, focussing on the knowledge that allows students to make predictions and understand scientific phenomena.

Students will develop scientific knowledge and a conceptual understanding. They will use practical, observational, enquiry and problem solving skills, and will understand how real science knowledge is created, verified and tested. This will allow students to think critically and make informed decisions based on evidence.

Students will gain an appreciation of the relevance of Science and how it influences all aspects of everyday life; from energy and materials to food and medicine. They will gain an understanding of global issues and relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them. They will learn how scientific ideas have developed historically and how this reflects modern developments.

The curriculum is designed to enhance curiosity, wonder and to gain an understanding of the world around them. It will encourage students to ask questions, collect information, test ideas and apply what they learn to real life applications. They will gain an appreciation for how Science is key to innovation and human advancements and will be equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of Science today and for the future.

“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science�

- Edwin Powell Hubble

Geography “Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?� - Sir Michael Palin Geography is the subject that bridges the gap between humans and the natural world: from how people develop a small town into a large metropolis to how river processes over thousands of years create a waterfall or how a coastal cliff collapses and changes the coastline forever. Through geography we study the interactions of all these aspects of the world.

The County High School geography curriculum aims to develop students’ skills to enable them to make the links between the natural world and the human world more easily and independently over time. Students study topics that allow them to grow in their appreciation of the natural world and to see the how humans use and alter the environment to suit their needs.

Students will see how everything in the world around them, in the media, their own lives, locally and globally, is linked to the Geography that they study. The importance, strength, and fragility, of the world around them will become clear and their understanding and curiosity of it piqued for life.

History The study of history reveals our place in the world. History uncovers our roots and foreshadows our future.

History helps us to unpick the complexity of the past. History is the study of people. It is fascinating and it is enlightening. But it is also vast.

Our history curriculum is designed to tell the story of our island nation as a connected part of world history; Britain as part of the world; not the centre of it. Therefore we take a chronological approach to explore the peoples and civilisations that have shaped our modern world. Our curriculum gives context to the essential signposts in British History on our journey to the present.

But history also equips students with the tools to navigate a complex global present. The responsible teaching of history has never been as vital to inoculate young people against the avalanche of alternative facts in the age of mass social media. Students will learn how to diagnose opinion from fact, to assess the validity of evidence against bias and points of view.

This broad and challenging curriculum requires students to engage with a wide variety of historical experiences and fosters their critical and thinking skills. Having done so, students will be better equipped to understand the global world and succeed in life.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.� - Marcus Garvey

Languages “You live a new life for every language you speak.

If you only know one language, you only live once.” - Czech proverb At The County High School, Leftwich, the MFL Curriculum is an opportunity for and expectation of all students to extend their cultural knowledge and awareness so that if they have opportunities beyond the timetable they are able to communicate with a variety of people in a variety of situations such as ordering food in a restaurant and café or discussing personal interests, likes and dislikes.

It is the MFL departments intention to create confident language learners who are ready for the 21st century with the challenges of a new and independent Great Britain.

The MFL curriculum has a focus on developing students’: • Comprehension and command of the language learning so that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need in order to use their language skills later in life to communicate with others and appreciate cultural differences.

• Character, encouraging awareness and appreciation of other communities and cultures and that they are prepared to use their skills in a variety of situations.

• Creativity and imagination, by encouraging them to recycle language learned for new purposes and situations whilst developing confidence working with others stimulating an appreciation of communication with people from other backgrounds across the globe.

Teachers are supported and challenged to deliver clear, engaging, enjoyable and challenging lessons. These are planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been learnt before and towards its clearly defined end points ultimately in their GCSE grade.

Key concepts are embedded in students’ long-term memory and are applied fluently. Students’ understanding is checked effectively so teachers identify and correct misunderstandings, enabling students to understand how to progress further.

Students will follow a broad and balanced, three-year Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9). They will learn to introduce and describe themselves and their family, interact in live situations and share their opinions on a variety of topics.

During Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11) students have the opportunity to study a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish) and for the talented and enthused they are able to choose both languages.

Art The County High School, Leftwich Art curriculum sets out to develop imagination, critical thinking and creativity. Art lessons are a safe space where students have the freedom to express their ideas and thoughts and work creatively. Students are encouraged to make and learn from mistakes through experimentation.

Artists are mathematicians, historians and scientists. Artists are fit for life and visionaries for the future.

Art is mathematical - it translates a three-dimensional world in to two-dimensional and three-dimensional images and sculptures. This requires understanding of spatial relationships, linear perspective, shading, symmetry and asymmetry, and a knowledge of geometrical and organic shapes.

Art is history - it reflects the environment, culture, and often the political conditions of the time and place in which it was created. The artworks of the world are human mankind’s greatest records of our history on planet earth. History is simply not history without the artefacts that support its existence.

Art is science - creating art can demand exact, specific mixtures as a variety of compounds. Artists are keen observers and recorders of their environment just as a scientist is.

Artists are fit for life - it requires coordination of the fingers, hands, arms, and body. The hand and the eye must work in perfect harmony in order to create. Many forms of art require great physical strength, balance, and coordination such as sculpting large structures from stone, metal, and wood, and throwing clay.

Artists are visionaries of the future. Art is technology - it can be created on computers requiring artists to have highly developed computer skills and knowledge.

Through our County High School, Leftwich art journey exploring artists and art movements we will learn how to appreciate and interpret art allowing us to become more insightful and able to see perspectives other than our own. Self-expression and creativity build students confidence as well as a sense of individual identity. This in turn can help with wellbeing and improving health and happiness. All these skills help prepare students to take on the world with passion and creativity.

“Creativity takes courage” -Henri Matisse

Careers Every young person needs high-quality career guidance to make informed decisions about their future.

Good career guidance has never been more important. Changes in technology and in the labour market mean that increasing numbers of jobs require specific education and training. The Careers programme at the County High School, Leftwich will help students to raise their aspirations and capitalise on the opportunities available to them along with ensuring that they are aware of the opportunities that careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) open up.

The careers programme will help inspire students towards further study and enable them to make informed decisions whenever choices are open to them. It helps them to understand enough about the world of work to know what skills they need to succeed. It is important for social mobility because it helps open students’ eyes to careers they may not have considered.

Career guidance is important for social mobility. If young people and their families know more about the rich range of careers open to people with the right qualifications, they will have a clearer idea of the routes to better jobs. Every student – whatever their home background – needs to: Understand enough about career options to enable them to make informed decisions, whenever choices are open to them; Understand that choosing STEM subjects opens doors to careers that would otherwise be closed; Understand enough about the world of work to know what skills they need to succeed in it.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucius

Creative Computing & Media

“To me, programming is more than an important practical art. It is also a gigantic undertaking in the foundations of knowledge.” - Grace Hopper, U.S. Navy Admiral & Developer of the First Compiler In the Creative Computing and Media department our intent is to allow students to explore digital creativity on a wide variety of software. We promote computational thinking and encourage students to solve a variety of challenges in the creation of software, film, graphics and design.

Having a knowledge of ICT empowers students in a modern work place where so much of what we see, hear and use involves technology. Through understanding that technology changes and moves forward, we encourage students to ‘learn to learn’ and to be adaptable to the future.

We aim to show students how to use technology safely and responsibly, but also how it can be used to develop their imagination and allow them to have original ideas developing their own media, designs and programmes.

At KS3 students have the opportunity to develop their skills in: Office Software; programming in a variety of methods; Film Making; Game Design; and Graphical Development. At KS4 further study is available in GCSE Computer Science, BTEC Creative Media Production and BTEC Digital Information Technology.

Design & Technology Design and Technology is a subject that teaches students about designing and making solutions that improve people’s lives. Solutions which mean people are able to make better decisions, to work more effectively or comfortably. The curriculum aims to enhance and strengthen students’ creativity, stimulate their imagination and engage them in practical hands-on experiences in order to realise their ideas and to experiment with different materials, including food.

Skills are taught progressively to ensure that all students are able to learn and practise in order to develop as they move through the school. Through our subject we look to actively develop skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and project and time management - all of which are consistently sought and valued by employers. We provide a curriculum that is relevant for the future, preparing students for work within a full range of careers. Regardless of background, ability or career path, we aim to provide knowledge and understanding of newly emerging and rapidly developing technologies, alongside traditional skills in order that students can understand and utilise them beyond their school years.

In today’s world there is an ever-increasing focus on the use of resources and the impact on the environment, resulting in a greater awareness of sustainable design. We aim to teach students about the social, economic and moral issues associated with producing products across the world. Students learn how to take design risks, helping them to become resourceful, innovative and enterprising citizens, who believe in striving to be the best they can able to succeed in making others proud. They develop skills to critique and refine their own work as part of the iterative design process.

We aim to create an environment in which students can take creative risks, able to develop original and imaginative ideas. Through excellent teaching we empower students to clearly communicate their ideas to others, to knowledgably select the best materials for realising their designs and to complete the design process by evaluating and improving their prototypes. We endeavour to pass on our passion and enthusiasm for the subject.

“No product exists, until someone designs and produces it.”

“Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design” - Stephen Gardiner

Education for Life Education for Life provides students with the opportunity to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally by using philosophy and ethics to help understand life experiences. Every opportunity is taken for students to: be reflective on their own beliefs and others’, develop a moral purpose, use and develop a range of social skills and to understand and respect a full range of cultural influences.

Education for Life is built up around three core themes: relationships; living in the wider world; and health and wellbeing. Through these topics students are encouraged to live healthy, safe, productive, responsible and balanced lives. They are encouraged to play a part in society as active and responsible citizens and help to achieve the 17 sustainable Global Goals. In doing so, it enriches students’ awareness and confidence to discuss, debate and make critical decisions about how to stay safe, healthy, and prepare them for life and work in modern Britain.

Teaching is brought to life using scenarios, real issues or events in local or global contexts and videos, so that, students are more mindful of the world around them. Learners are provided with opportunities to reflect on, clarify their own values and attitudes, and explore the complex and conflicting range of values and attitudes encountered now and in the future. Education for life will create opportunities for learners to develop their communication skills, their social and cultural awareness, and determine their own morality.

This will not only improve their academic potential but will ensure that they leave school equipped with skills they can utilise beyond their time here at the The County High School, Leftwich.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela

Music

“There is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require.” – Edward Elgar Music, as an art form has existed as long as time itself and has an inordinate power to move and inspire humans, in times of joy, celebration, despair or sorrow.

Music is central to our lives whoever we are, wherever we live, whatever our nationality. It provides an aural canvas which continually punctuates our lives. Imagine a film….without music; a wedding…..without music; life itself, without music.

Music is a vehicle which helps to define moments and focus emotion and is a vehicle for expression of the soul. It is both an entertainment and a means of escape. It can be both sociable and solitary. The County High School, Leftwich music curriculum provides a foundation to understand and navigate this essential and unique aural experience.

As performers, composers and deliberate listeners we will discover the place of music in history, culture, time and place and how particular figures or events changed the course of music forever.

Through our study of the elements of music, we will learn to appreciate varied genres of music and through performing and composing we will gain a deeper understanding and ‘take as much as we require.’

Physical Education The Physical Education Department at The County High School, Leftwich aims to promote the physical development of students through purposeful, enjoyable experiences in a range of activities. It aims to develop the right attitude in all students towards taking part in sport and physical activities so that participation can be carried on successfully into adult life, both for continued enjoyment and good health.

Physical Education will provide many opportunities to ensure increased levels of participation. Students will be provided with opportunities to partake in a variety of activities throughout the year. Levels of skill will be appreciated and individuals will be encouraged to make progress towards their own targets.

The extra-curricular programme will promote excellence and participation. Excellence will be developed in many sports where training schedules are provided for skill and fitness. Students will compete in many competitions throughout the school year and will be provided with opportunities to develop themselves as a whole person. In addition, opportunities are provided for students to take part in non-competitive recreational activities.

PE has a significant role in contributing towards reducing the likelihood of obesity and chronic illnesses.

Physical education helps students become better learners. PE improves concentration and raises test scores.

Physical fitness is an important component to leading a healthy lifestyle. The inclusion of regular fitness activity helps students maintain fitness, develop muscular strength and improve cardiovascular health.

A regular fitness activity improves the absorption of nutrients by the body, improves digestive processes and increases physiological processes. Students are encouraged to improve their fitness levels during PE lessons, including muscular and cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility. It is a rarity that a student goes on to become an elite performer, therefore providing students with experiences they can learn from and perhaps pursue as a lifelong activity, is essential.

“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong� - John F Kennedy

Religious Studies Religious Studies at the County High School allows students the opportunities to explore questions whose answers are beyond scientific proof, in the pursuit of wisdom and truth. They will gain a deep knowledge of the foundations of faith from a historical context, religious beliefs and religious practices from a variety of faiths, including Christianity, Islam and Humanism.

Through exploring concepts from Eastern and Western traditions in both philosophy and religion, students are broadening their knowledge and understanding of the world we live in and particularly the impact that faith, culture and morality can have on humanity. Almost all human beings have a strong moral foundation, yet the breadth of the moral spectrum is vast. The Religious Studies curriculum at The County High School allows for the exploration of these concepts, encouraging students to reflect and develop their morality and practise ways to confidently express and discuss this using varied stimulus designed to nurture higher order thinking. As well as the study of religion, the RS curriculum will allow opportunities for students to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally by using philosophy and ethics to help understand life and suggest answers to some of the ‘ultimate’ questions of life. For example, why are we here? What happens when we die?

In Religious Studies we get a chance to challenge students’ misconceptions of religion and encourage an ethos of tolerance and understanding, by teaching about specific beliefs, values and practices and relating them to life issues and human experience. In order to do this successfully it is imperative that our students are given the opportunity to explore the reasons why people behave the way they do within society and the influence religion can have on those people, whether this is a positive or a negative impact. In turn this will develop students’ empathy and tolerance, helping them to acquire an inquisitive and unbiased perspective of the world. Students will explore and have opportunities to develop their own belief systems, whether that is religious or atheist, and grow in confidence to challenge others’ beliefs.

“The unexamined life is a life not worth living” - Socrates

Learning Support

Learning Support at The County High School, Leftwich commits to breaking down barriers which may prevent a young person from enjoying a fulfilling and meaningful educational experience. Our shared goal is to enable all students, irrespective of need, to thrive and enjoy their high school journey, guiding them throughout these formative years into happy and successful adulthood.

Through an ethos of inclusivity, our outstanding classroom teachers are supported to deliver exciting lessons to all students including those with learning difficulties. In order to ensure that our students receive a consistent approach in our classrooms, we have whole school guidance for teaching and learning of young people who have either traits or diagnosis of Autism (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Dyslexia.

When difficulties present themselves, a co-ordinated approach between our subject and pastoral teams, led by the SENDCo, enables swift identification of a learner’s needs, and the support that may be necessary in order for any barriers to be reduced. Working closely with the young people and their families allows for highly effective, onward referrals to appropriate outside agencies. A skilled and dedicated team of professionals target our learners’ literacy, numeracy and social and emotional skills, via a comprehensive array of learning interventions, to enable them to access a broad and balanced curriculum.

Learning Support adopts a tiered approach to developing reading skills. For our very weakest readers, we use ‘Read, Write, Inc,’ a phonics based package which has specially adapted content for High School users, to ensure engagement and progress. For those who have demonstrated a sound grasp of phonics, our learners “graduate” to our paired reading programme. Year 10 reading mentors support those with reading difficulties in the lower year groups to develop both their reading and comprehension. This has proven highly successful over a number of years and many of our mentees go on to become mentors themselves,

“When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and better as a learning community.�

in Year 10. These reading interventions are further enhanced by targeted reading activities within English lessons, as well as a Literacy Intervention programme which runs during Tutor Time, encompassing all year groups and all students.

For those with difficulties with their numeracy, there are timetabled numeracy lessons for all students.

In addition, there are highly bespoke interventions which are delivered by the Maths team, to specifically target a student’s area of weakness.

When students present with emotional difficulties, primarily, working with families, the Year Leader and Form tutor play a supportive roll in nurturing the young person towards a positive outcome. When necessary, a Year Leader may enlist support from an Emotional Learning Support Assistant (ELSA).

Throughout a programme of support, students are encouraged to identify their own difficulties and are guided to develop bespoke coping strategies, by specially trained staff, using methods derived from Educational Psychologist theory.

Working closely with our local primary schools and colleges enables Learning Support to ensure a comprehensive transition package for all Year 6 and Year 11 students. For those with additional learning needs, robust information sharing allows for bespoke transition arrangements, dependent on the needs of individual students.

Learning Support at The County High School, Leftwich endeavours to work with students, staff and parents so that ALL of our learners are empowered to develop their comprehension and command of knowledge and skills, their character and their creativity and imagination in order for ALL to secure outstanding academic and personal success.

The County High School, Leftwich is part of The Sir John Brunner Foundation, a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales with company number 11227336 and an exempt charity.

Granville Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8EZ. Tel 01606 333 300 admin@leftwichhigh.com

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