Curriculum
Introduction
Educating young people is a great responsibility and privilege. Bloomfield Collegiate School is proud to provide our pupils with opportunities to think independently, engage in teamwork and develop their creativity and resilience.
The School curriculum is designed to deliver the broadest possible choice of subjects and, from the very start of their school career, we offer traditional academic pathways while also making sure the girls have the best chance to discover and advance their own passions in a variety of disciplines. We believe that through learning and the celebration of success, all our pupils can fulfil their potential and begin to shape their future.
A Widening Curriculum
We strive to offer a comprehensive range of subjects and we are fully compliant with the Framework Entitlement. Pupils may also have the opportunity to sit other GCSE examinations, such as Arabic and Polish.
A Level Choices
Choosing three or four subjects to take at A-level isn’t a decision you should take lightly. Take your time and ask lots of questions – you will find the combination which is right for you!
You should have a real interest in the content – the things that you learn about – but you should also think about the skills that the subject requires. One subject might require a lot of learning detail, another might require a lot of independent reading, some subjects involve a lot of essay writing, others a lot of creativity. Each of these activities requires skills you must be confident you have or can develop.
The way a subject is assessed might also be important to you, particularly if assessment involves project work.
Some subject combinations are complimentary and fit well together, such as studying Physics and Mathematics or another science. This can help you in your studies and enable you to meet entry requirements for higher level courses in future.
There are also new subjects that you have not studied before so it’s really worth taking some time to find out what’s involved in these new courses.
GCSE Information
Pupils study the core GCSE subjects of English Language, Mathematics, and Religious Studies (Full-course), and take non-examination classes in Physical Education. Most pupils will study English Literature in their English Language class. All elements of Learning for Life and Work will be addressed during the Form Period.
The Revised Curriculum
Pupils at Key Stage 3 follow the Revised Curriculum as set out in ‘The Big Picture’. The curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. The key objectives are:
- to develop the young person as an individual;
- to develop the young person as a contributor to society; and
- to develop the young person as a contributor to the economy and environment.
These objectives are to be achieved for Learning for Life and Work through Key Elements, infusing cross-curricular skills, thinking skills, and personal capabilities across the Areas of Learning (The Arts, English, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Modern Language, Physical Education, Science and Technology, and Religious Education).
Schemes of Learning
A Scheme of Learning for each subject translates the School Curriculum into the everyday procedures and practices in the classroom. Schemes plan teaching and learning within and across subjects, as well as documenting curricular activities, learning intentions and core assessments. Subject departments will produce a Scheme of Learning for each year group under the direction of the Vice-Principal and will review and update as necessary each academic year.
Differentiation
Pupils are facilitated to work at a level and a pace appropriate to their potential. Pupils are taught in classes grouped by their ability, prior attainment or in groups of mixed ability, if appropriate. Whatever the grouping, a differentiated approach is utilised to ensure that all abilities and interests are taken into account, so enabling all pupils to experience progression and success.
