Mathematics covers a wide range of experiences. At a very early age of development pupils have access to activities and materials intended to allow them to explore and understand the world around them. As they progress, children have a daily mathematics lesson (the Numeracy hour). This covers number, shape, space and measure and enables them to practice applying the skills they have learnt in solving problems. For older pupils, more emphasis is placed on using their mathematical knowledge in practical activities to prepare them for independent living.

In English, primary and secondary pupils regularly follow the National Literacy Strategy. The Sixth Form students follow relevant accreditation routes (ASDAN Keyskills and elements from the ASDAN Bronze/Silver Awards). English is broken down into three key areas:Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Pupils are encouraged to develop their skills in all three areas using appropriate resources. As a core subject,
English has a high profile throughout the school, and relates to the work carried out in all curriculum areas.

In Science we aim to give all students the opportunity to think, learn and develop an interest and curiosity in the world around them through exploratory and investigative experiences and activities. Students are encouraged to develop an awareness of themselves and their environment and also understand the links between cause and effect,by developing their knowledge of the world they live in.

Social and Health Education/Citizenship We aim to raise pupils’ confidence, help them to develop inter- kills and develop social skills which will prepare them for adult life. They cover a wide range of topics including friendship, conflict, citizenship, community issues, equal opportunities, health, drugs, safety, loss, and sex education. The ability level and understanding of each pupil is taken into account when the PSHE curriculum is delivered, allowing appropriate delivery for pupils at each stage of their development.

Art, Craft and Design gives pupils the opportunity to study different elements of art and to work in 2D and 3D following National Curriculum guidelines. Pupils each have their own sketchbook to record their artistic development during their time in school. Often visits to areas of interest local to the school provide opportunities to sketch and paint. Outside artists are visitors to school at different times during the year. AQA (Assessments and Qualifications Authority) unit awards for higher key stages and ASDAN Bronze award is the accreditation route used for 6th Form pupils.

In Physical Education we aim to develop physical competence and confidence and the ability to apply these skills to a range of activities. PE provides opportunities for pupils to be creative, competitive and to face up to challenges, either as an individual or as part of a group. Through PE we also promote positive attitudes towards active and healthy lifestyles, as well as offering opportunities to promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. At Kilton Thorpe School we provide a wide range of PE experiences; moreover, we have strong links to outside agencies as well as schools and clubs in the community. Our pupils regularly participate in festivals of Sport and take part in residential experiences at various establishments.

    

Music is taught throughout the Primary and Secondary Departments. The emphasis is on singing with younger pupils and instrumental work with older pupils. The School has a large collection of instruments and all pupils have regular opportunities to be involved in all the National Curriculum elements of music including creativity, movement, dance and listening. We receive regular concerts and workshops from peripatetic teachers of the Tees Valley Music Service staff. The school takes part in the annual Redcar and Cleveland Schools’ Folk Festival which involves music and dance workshops in school and participation in a ceilidh for many lower secondary pupils. The main aim is for music to be enjoyed and staff work hard to achieve this aim.

                                          

All pupils are involved in Religious Education. The scheme of work is based on the locally agreed syllabus for Redcar and East Cleveland. Younger pupils participate in listening to and acting out well-known Bible stories and simple topical stories from other religions. Older pupils learn about the world’s six main faiths. We have a good supply of religious artefacts, posters and videos which assist learning.

        

In recent years pupils have been involved in visits to many local places of worship and visitors from different religious traditions have spent time in school helping pupils to understand aspects of their faith. Sixth Form pupils continue their religious education studies with modules of topic based research involving the main world religions.

The aim is that pupils will leave Kilton Thorpe School with a basic idea of what is meant by religion and that they respect and tolerate the differing points of view held by people of different faiths.

Design and Technology (includes Food Technology, Textile Technology, Resistant Materials Technology) allows pupils to work with a range of materials designing and making many different objects. National Curriculum guidelines are followed throughout the Key Stages and continued into the 6th Form where students are taught Design and Technology through Enterprise and ASDAN Bronze Award. AQA unit awards are being piloted next year and we hope these will provide a record of achievement for all of our Key Stage 4 pupils.

    

Textile Technology is also taught following national curriculum guidelines. The textile area has been recently developed and offers all pupils the opportunity to work within a specialist area planning and designing soft furnishings and craft. AQA unit awards are to be introduced for higher Key Stages and ASDAN Awards and unit awards are the accreditation route used for 6th Form pupils.

Food Technology is taught in the later Key Stages in a well resourced kitchen area. Work with food involves a study of nutrition, food buying and preparation, paying particular reference to value for money and the skills needed to enable pupils to prepare a simple meal for themselves. AQA unit awards are to be introduced for higher Key Stages and ASDAN Awards and unit awards are the accreditation routes used for 6th Form pupils.

In Modern Foreign Languages our current target language is French. In our sessions Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils have the opportunity to develop their cultural awareness through the use of artefacts, videos, books, photographs and songs. They are also encouraged to develop and refine their skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing in the target language. This is developed in conjunction with our augmented communication approach (signing and symbols) where necessary. In the 6th Form students have the opportunity to further develop their language skills during a number of ASDAN modules.

 

Humanities (Geography and History) helps pupils develop curiosity in and an understanding of, the past and themselves. Pupils learn about people and places and about recent past, and the distant past of other people and how their own role in the family and community has changed. In the Primary Dept the pupils study humanities is integrated and linked with other subjects. In the Secondary Dept they have individual History and Geography lessons. The 6th Form take humanities as an integrated subject which is accredited levels to ASDAN Awards.

Careers education and guidance is provided to students from the age of 11+. It is concerned with giving the young people the knowledge and skills that enable them to make the best choices from the options available to them. It helps them to develop skills in personal presentation and decision making which the students will need when they leave school at the age of 19.

Careers is also concerned with giving as wide an experience of what is available post 19 as possible. This will include work experience and/or visits to other suitable post school placements appropriate for the student.

Information and Communication Technology prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. All pupils are given the opportunity to access this technology and develop their skills to the best of their abilities. ICT is taught using a variety of methods and techniques appropriate to each pupil’s needs and abilities. The ICT curriculum enables pupils to effectively analyse, process and present information and to mould, measure and model external events. It is also used to develop pupils capabilities across the whole curriculum. All pupils have access to networked computers in most teaching areas and they have timetabled sessions in the computer suite throughout the week. The ICT suite is also utilised by pupils during lunchtime and after school.

The 6th Form curriculum reflects the age of the students. It covers numeracy and literacy skills and a range of other subjects which prepare students for life after school.

The emphasis is on vocational opportunities and the skills for independent living. The pupils are offered an element of choice in our ‘options’ sessions.