Curriculum

We have carefully designed our curriculum to ensure success for all. In Year 7 our students benefit from a broad curriculum which gives them an excellent foundation on which to build future success.

In Year 7, students are taught in sets for English, maths, science, MFL, History and Geography. These sets are established using KS2 prior attainment data, CATs scores and in-school baseline assessment data. The sets are reviewed regularly. 

Curriculum for Life, drama, music, art, design and technology and food technology will be taught in mixed ability tutor group classes. 

Curriculum Allocation

Subject	Number of lessons
English	4
Maths	4
Science	3
MfL	2
PE	2
Geography	1
History	1
Music	1
Drama	1
Art	1
DT or Food Technology	1
Curriculum for Life	3
Life	1

 

Year 7 Curriculum for Life

Our new Year 7 ‘Curriculum for Life’ is a unique programme which has been designed to help ease the transition to high school and give our youngest students a boost when they start. The aim of the curriculum is to ensure students are active citizens who have the skills needed for life both inside and outside of education.

The Curriculum for Life is underpinned by principles of literacy, oracy and effective communication, and community engagement is key. Through a dynamic project-based learning curriculum students are able to increase their knowledge and understanding of both the local and global community; they will complete a range of projects over the year in which they will host an exhibition, organise charity events to raise money for the local community, take part in a performance poetry evening to raise awareness of topical issues and coordinate a local action project. As well as this they will learn basic first aid skills, volunteer and study topics which are vitally important to those new to secondary school including study skills, IT, E-Safety and sensible travel. 

Year 7 is the springboard for a successful and happy journey through school. As well as providing the foundation for academic success, the curriculum helps to develop important skills which are essential for life after work such as collaboration, problem solving and public speaking.

Homework

Homework is a valuable element of learning, providing an opportunity to consolidate knowledge and skills developed in lessons and to prepare for future learning. Effective homework provides students with the chance to discover and explore more about their learning and to take ownership of it. It also develops valuable skills such as concentration, independence of thought, time management, research and academic rigour, so that all students leave Oaks Park High ready for further study and employment. 

There are homework clubs to provide additional support for the completion of homework. 

We believe that Homework:

• consolidates and extends work covered in class and enables preparation for new learning activities.
• provides opportunities for independent learning and research not possible within the classroom.
• enhances study, time management and independent learning skills including personal organisation, the ability to prioritise and self-motivation.
• develops students’ self-discipline and encourages them to take ownership of their learning.

Staff set homework via Classcharts, an online system that allows parents/carers and students to see tasks set by different teachers and subjects across the year and access the materials needed to complete them. 

To allow for the different patterns and needs of homework in different subjects we do not have a rigid homework timetable.  Instead we offer general allowances as guidance for each subject in each year group below Post 16. 

These allowances will be regarded as a maximum for the subject in any week. Teachers will take account of a student’s overall load before setting a due date.  There will be occasions when teachers do not feel it appropriate to use their homework and may consolidate individual homeworks to facilitate more sustained in-depth work by students.

Year 7 Homework Allocation

English	Maths	Science	CfL	MFL	History	Geography	Music/Dance/ Drama	Art/Food/ DT
x3 per fortnight				x1 per week	x1 per fortnight
In general a homework piece will take no more than 30 minutes to complete

 

How can parents help with homework?

The quantity of homework set at high school is often a huge worry for students new to Year 7. It is not something students should find daunting but it is something that will need careful planning and support.  In order for parents to support their child with this transition you may find it helpful to:

• Check Classcharts with your child initially and help them plan a timetable for completing the tasks
• Set aside time to do homework
• Provide them with a quiet place to work away from distractions
• Encourage students to prioritise and organise completion of their work by the due date
• Make sure completed homework is packed ready to bring to school
• Support and encourage them, but please do not complete the work for them
• If they are struggling, encourage them to seek support from their class teacher or attend homework club
   

Extra Curricular 

In order to meet new people and have lots of fun we strongly encourage our students to try a range of our clubs and extracurricular activities which are held during lunchtime and after school. 

Students at Oaks Park High can enjoy a wide range of different clubs. We have wonderful sports facilities and there are opportunities to play for fun or represent the school during tournaments and competitions. Some of the sports clubs we have on offer include football, netball, athletics, badminton, cricket, fitness, rugby and trampolining to name a few.

As well as our sports clubs there are also music, dance, drama, art, chess, film and reading clubs available. A timetable for all of these activities will be circulated in the first few weeks of the Autumn Term alongside information regarding the peripatetic music lessons which are also available to all students. 

House System

As well as participating in our extra curricular clubs we also encourage students to extend their skills in extracurricular activities within their House. On starting at Oaks Park High, Year 7 students will be allocated one of four houses: Carew, Beeches, Oaks or Wandle. 

Throughout the year there are a wide range of inter house activities which take place and students can gain points for their houses through participating in these events.