Pre-GCSE Foundation Year
Our Year 9 programme reflects the need at this stage for students to acquire skills, learn about learning, prepare for GCSE or IGCSE in spite of different levels of previous study, apply ICT across the curriculum and enjoy independent as well as formal learning. In small classes offering opportunities for creativity, challenge, skills acquisition and wide ranging academic study, Padworth College offers a distinctive and varied programme at this level.
All Year 9 students will usually study English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish and German), Geography, History, Art, Religious Studies, Music, Drama, Current Affairs, Study Skills, ICT, Design and Technology, PSHE and Sport.
The English, Mathematics and Science programme aims to cover and revise core content that would normally be required for a student to progress to GCSE or IGCSE. These programmes are linked closely to national standards and requirements, while offering the flexibility for a wider breadth of study.
While French and Spanish are the main languages offered, we also provide a taster lesson of German each week, so that students can learn some basic knowledge of the language and have the option of considering it for further study in the future.
Our Music, Drama and Arts programmes offer significant opportunities for self expression within the context of diverse tasks and assignments. The small group size, along with our distinctive accommodation and setting, make this an ideal environment for students to explore and experience the creative arts.
In History and Geography we focus on the acquisition of skills in addition to providing a wide-ranging and challenging curriculum. Students will start their historical journey in the Ancient World and progress through to more recent events. History is presented as an evolving and sometimes interrelated story instead of simply viewing a series of isolated events. The Geography programme offers students the chance to undertake map studies and practical exercises in addition to studying a wide range of topics. This will provide them with an excellent all-encompassing knowledge of people, places and their interactions. Within these programmes of study there is also an emphasis on citizenship, political events, environmental awareness and social justice.
The Technology subjects offer hands-on experience of design, production and the many applications of ICT. Students will be encouraged to make decisions and implement their own ideas. In addition, the ICT sessions will provide skills that can be applied extensively across the subjects offered at Padworth.
In addition to the more traditional subjects, we also offer curriculum time for the development of study skills, current affairs awareness and PSHE. Sport is, of course, compulsory and we have the benefit of tennis and basketball courts as well as spacious grounds for on-site activities as well as utilising sports facilities in the local area.
If you would like to know more about our Year 9 programme, please contact us.