Curriculum
At Saracens High School we aim to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum with a range of pathways that provide a stimulating and demanding education for students of all abilities.
Subject areas collaborate on topics; for example, there is joined up thinking between what is being studied in English, Art, and History, or between Geography and Spanish, to enable pupils to develop a more holistic understanding of the world.
We focus on mastery and understanding of skills and concepts, providing pupils with the ability to apply them to a range of contexts, which better prepares them for the demands of GCSE courses, which begin at the start of Year 9. – Updated March 2021
Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum intent centres on living our values. We know that people who are disciplined, who work hard, are honest, and have humility are successful in life, be that in academic examinations or making a positive contribution to their community. Pupils must also have the capability to be successful, and the ability to read is essential. Embedded within our intent is for all children to read at their chronological age by the end of Key Stage 3. Our sequenced curriculum uses a carefully formulated blend of content and mastery, deepening the learning through cross curricular links to help pupils attain the highest possible outcomes.
Through the subject and wider curriculum, pupils live our values which prepare them for life in modern Britain, and develop high standards of personal responsibility, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions, and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures.
To achieve this, our curriculum will include:
- High expectations and rigour
- Disciplinary knowledge and literacy at the core
- Evidence based teaching and learning, focused on memory and retrieval
- Carefully sequenced learning
- Memorable experiences which put learning in a wider context
- A wide range of opportunities for personalised challenge and support
- A range of rigorous assessment opportunities which support high quality of information advice and guidance for pupils and parents
- A well-developed programme for personal development and character education (including RSE and preparation for life in modern Britain)
- Varied option choices for all groups of students including the most able and SEND
- Freedom for teachers to use professionalism and expertise
If you have any questions about our curriculum at Saracens High School, please contact Miss Morphitis, Assistant Principal – h.morphitis@saracenshigh.org
Personal, Social, Health Cultural and Economic Education (PSHCE) and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
PSHCE is taught to all year groups and covers a range of personal, social, health, careers/employability and British Values themes, as well as relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. PSHCE is taught in weekly lessons, which are then supplemented through activities in subjects, learning group session, in assemblies and during theme days.
Withdrawal from PRE or Relationship and Sex Education (RSE)
Parents have the right to choose whether or not to withdraw their child from PRE or RSE without influence from the school, although a school should ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the PRE and RSE syllabus. In this way, parents can make an informed decision. Where parents have requested that their child is withdrawn, their right must be respected, and where PRE or RSE is integrated in the curriculum, the school will need to discuss the arrangements with the parents or carers to explore how the child’s withdrawal can be best accommodated. If students are withdrawn from PRE or RSE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Pupils will usually remain on the school premises.
Character Education
Our Character Education is fundamental to the success of our young people. Character Education is embedded throughout all subject curriculums and these values are developed further through the daily sessions with Learning Coaches. Pupils will have the opportunity to achieve up to four qualifications in Character Education during their seven years at Saracens High School. They will plan and undertake tasks in leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative, and communication to achieve the PiXL Edge awards, which are accredited by the NCFE.
Enrichment and extracurricular
We are committed to offering the widest range of learning opportunities incorporating a diverse selection of topics and activities, to help build character, develop curiosity, and acquire life skills. Enrichment opportunities take place each day through our extra-curricular clubs and classes, encompassing a wide range of activities, ranging from sport and music clubs to science, language, and debating clubs. We ask that all pupils commit to at least one club each term, but there is no limit on the number of clubs and classes pupils can join.
Wider learning will also take place within the school day through activities that permeate all areas of the curriculum. For example, educational visits related to all subject areas, and two annual celebrations; an ‘Our History Month’ and a ‘Them and Us Month’, which promotes unconditional acceptance, demonstrating respect, and performing acts of kindness. For more information on our current opportunities visit the enrichment page in the pupil section of the website.