“Sedgefield Community College is a good and improving school” -

OfSTED 2007

Sedgefield Community College offers the full National Curriculum in all years.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

At Sedgefield Community College our students are provided with lively, challenging and engaging learning experiences which are personalised to individual need.  The curriculum is at the heart of our provision. It is carefully structured and monitored to provide a relevant and coherent programme of study.  Our aim is to support our young people in becoming happy, successful and well-rounded citizens of the 21st century.  Thus, our provision not only focuses on a broad range of subjects, knowledge and qualifications, it also seeks to develop the necessary skills and attributes young people need to think for themselves and to apply their learning to a fast changing world.   When students enter Year 7 they are placed into one of three learning pathways—Blue, Green or Yellow. This pathway structure is designed to ensure clear differentiation and personalising of learning. Within this structure opportunities to match pace, challenge, stretch and reinforcement to individual learners’ needs are increased. Those students who respond to greater consolidation of key skills follow a combination of traditionally paced KS3 courses, this provision is enriched with an introduction to vocational courses in Year 9, preparing young people to make informed choices about their steps into Key Stage 4 pathways.  More able students follow accelerated courses, truncating KS3 study and commencing GCSEs in Year 9.  This allows students to progress at their own pace unhindered by traditional Key Stage parameters.  Students in the Green pathway can be entered for examination in core subjects either in Year 10 or 11, depending on their readiness.  A small cohort of students follow a specific programme led by one teacher and focus on catch up of essential literacy and numeracy skills.  This nurture group eases transition for those who require extra support at this stage.  In all pathways, students follow the same broad and balanced programme of study.  Subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, ICT, History, Geography, RE and Cultural Studies, Sex and Relationship, PHSE, Modern Foreign Languages, Art and Design, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Careers Education, Citizenship and Enterprise.  We are ambitious for our young people and we want to provide them with the best opportunities to succeed in every aspect of school life.  Our current curriculum offers a diverse range of opportunities to participate in community based projects, educational trips and visits and global partnerships.  Our strong links with schools in France, Germany, Bangladesh, Bratislavia and India enable students to explore both local and global community issues.  We believe children benefit from culturally enriching experiences so our more able KS3 students study for the Foundation Certificate in Secondary Education in two Modern Foreign Languages.        

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Our pathway system continues into KS4 in order to ensure smooth transition and clear progression for all students.  This approach means that everyone has a clear understanding of their journey with us.  All students will follow courses in English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, RE, PHSE, Careers Education and Citizenship.  Pathways offer some students the chance to consolidate achievement in English and Maths by studying over the full two years.  Others, however, are able to opt for early entry and then continue to study English Literature and Statistics in Year 11 Students are then able to opt from a range of GCSE and vocational courses including History, Geography, French, German, Art, Drama, Music, PE, GCSE IT, Business, Media, Resistant Materials, Food and Product Design.  Vocational courses include BTEC in PE, Business, ICT and Health & Social Care.  Young Apprenticeship placements are offered in Sports and Leisure and Science.  The ASDAN Certificate in Personal effectiveness course is offered to a small number of students.  Our excellent whole school pathway system helps every child to maximise their learning potential and gain the highest possible accreditation.

Sports Curriculum

All  students have the opportunity to study an accredited Sports Award.  At KS4 all students undertake a Junior Sports Leadership Award as well as a BTEC qualification.  Students are able to pursue a wide range of sports including courses in mountain biking and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  As a Sports College  we ensure that leadership development is the key focus.  The key characteristics of successful sportsmen and women pervade all areas of our school and students are encouraged to develop their personal skills of self-discipline and teamwork as well as to hold high aspirations for their own achievement

Individual Needs/Special Educational Needs

Every student is an individual, and we provide several programmes to help where necessary, including:

• The Gifted & Talented programme for outstanding individuals
• The Special Educational Needs department to help students who have learning, physical or behavioural needs.  This is located in purpose designed areas such as ‘The Base’ which provides individual learning programmes and The Sidings
• Out-of-hours revision programmes for students preparing for examinations
• A team of Mentors available for individual students
• A trained Student Counsellor available for any help and guidance

Learning Support Assistants work alongside teachers in classrooms and give extra help where necessary.  Our on-site farm offers a variety of opportunities for individual learning plans and supports inclusion.   

Our Links with Industry

Each year we provide a week work experience placement for all Year 10 students.  Links to the world of work also enrich the curriculum with employers helping students with projects and providing visits to their companies.  Our contacts range from small businesses to multinational organisations.  The College believes Enterprise and Entrepreneurial activities are important in the world and encourages these.  Awards for Excellence have been won by individuals and the college.

Many Other Opportunities

The college has an excellent library centre, this is open to all students. The Sports College staff provide opportunities in dance and a comprehensive range of Sports Activities.  Creative Arts clubs are available outside normal teaching hours and there are peripatetic music teachers for individual tuition.  Sports clubs and sports teams exist in all years.  Students can choose from Soccer, Cricket, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Weight Training, Gymnastics, Badminton, Circuit Training, Rounders, Netball, Tennis, Martial Arts and Skiing. A wide range of extra curriculum activities are offered on Enrichment night.

Further Afield

There is a wide range of educational visits, field work and enrichment activities.  Student exchanges take place each year with schools in France and Spain.  Students from Year 10 upwards regularly visit local firms and businesses.  Trips also run to the WW1 Battlefields in Belgium.  Links are also established with schools in Bratislana, Bangladesh and Assain.

Our Links with the Community

We are proud of our extensive links with the community.  Our Community Association with whom we work closely consists of members of our community.  We are keen to ensure that all sections are represented.  The community association meets at least once per month and welcomes new members.
 

We also have strong links with local schools, colleges and businesses.

Outstanding Facilities

• Unlike most schools in the Country, Sedgefield     Community College has its own farm and garden unit.  The experience of being involved in looking after animals and plants helps students to develop an appreciation of life and the environment. This facility provides an important educational resource for the College.
   
• Extensive multiplay floodlit facility.  Floodlit tennis courts, 20 acres of playing fields, sports hall and fully equipped multigym.
   
• Purpose built theatre used for drama and dance.
   
• Library Centre with ICT Support.

• Excellent ‘Full Sized’ 3rd Generation Floodlit Football Pitch

A Positive Partnership

We value our close relationship with parents at the college and we encourage parents to get to know the student’s form tutor and other staff.  We hold regular Consultation Days and keep in touch using the student planner and reports.  We encourage parents to contact the college at any time if they have concerns or queries.  Similarly, the college will contact parents whenever necessary, for example, in the event of unofficial absence.  Parents are welcome to visit at any time.

Religious Education

Religious Education and Collective Worship is provided for all students.  R.E. at Sedgefield Community College follows the agreed syllabus for the LEA.

The Standing Council on Religious Education (SACRE) , a local body made up of representations from faith groups, teachers and the LEA, advise on RE and Collective Worship issues.

All locally agreed syllabuses reflect that the religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian, whilst taking into account of the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain, such as Islam and Judaism

Parents have the ability to withdraw their children from RE and Acts of Collective Worship should they wish to.  The decision is normally based on philosophical grounds.