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CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
Chair 2003/2004 – Mr John Clay
The Curriculum Committee
is responsible for ensuring that the school meets the statutory requirements
of the National Curriculum and monitors the performance of individual
departments. It is responsible for setting the school’s annual examination
targets and recommending these to the Governing Body. The Committee met
on four occasions during the year.
In the autumn term the Committee reviews the results of the KS3 SATs,
GCSE, AS and A2 examinations (statutory details are presented in Appendices
1-5). The school now has a sophisticated system for recording and analysing
individual progress and examination results. The system enables subject
staff and form tutors to identify individual areas of excellence and to
work with students on areas of concern. When students are preparing for
public examinations the analysis of individual progress helps staff to
set aspirational targets for their students. Year group data helps the
Committee review departmental performance and set the targets that are
required by government.
In April, as part of a rolling review of departments, the Committee received
a report from an external assessor on the Art department. The assessor
found the work of the department to be very good with some 90% of students
exceeding national expectations. Students enter the school with very different
experiences of art. In years 7 to 9 students gain in confidence and expertise
and produce excellent sketchbooks, which prepares them well for GCSE and
A level, where results are excellent.
The Head of Physical Education (PE) presented a report on the work of
the department at the April meeting. PE provides both an all round experience
of different sports including swimming, fitness, gymnastics and dance
and an opportunity for participation in competitive sporting events. The
students benefit from the new swimming, tennis and all-weather pitch provision
and the dedicated PE classroom that provides a base for the popular exam
courses at GCSE and A level. Extra-curricular activities are very popular
and run at lunchtimes and after school. The Committee noted individual
achievements, team successes in netball, cross country and gymnastics
and the continued participation of pupils as ballgirls at the Stella Artois
tennis tournament.
In July the Committee received an update on careers provision and plans
for future developments to support students in their understanding of
job opportunities. The careers department has a vital role in supporting
and advising students as they make decisions on GCSEs, A levels and their
post-school plans. The department works closely with Connexions to ensure
all students feel well informed and confident in their choices.
The Committee reviewed the following policy notes during the year: School
Visits, Administration of Medicines, Assessment and General Complaints
Procedure.
The results of the GCSE examinations 2004 can be found in Appendix 2.
The average point score per pupil was 72.96. Two students achieved marks
in the top five nationally for Textiles.
The A-level results for 2004 (Appendix 3) show an improvement on 2003,
with 71% of students gaining A and B grades (61% in 2003). One student
achieved a mark in the top five nationally for General Studies. Oxbridge
colleges accepted 7 students.
The summer examination results were without doubt excellent and a tribute
to the hard work of students and teachers throughout the GCSE, AS and
A2 courses and the Committee would like to congratulate the students on
their achievements.