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 Curriculum
The school prides itself on the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum in which high quality vocational and technological education play an important role. We have invested heavily in Information and Communications Technology and our programme of Work Related Learning, already available to all Year 12 pupils, has been extended to include some pupils in Year 11.
Before arriving in the school pupils are allocated to one of two programmes using information provided by the Junior High Schools. The percentage of pupils undertaking each programme is shown in brackets:
Full GCSE programme - eight, seven or six GCSEs (approximately 70-75%)
Combined GCSE/Vocational Programme (approximately 25-30%).
Pupils who enrol in the Combined GCSE and Vocational Course will take at 6 examination subjects to include the Certificate in Occupational Studies (Double Award) or BTEC First Certificate.
Within these programmes students will be allocated to classes using information provided by the junior high schools. It is school policy to group pupils according to their ability.
The availability of some optional GCSE subjects can vary from year to year depending on pupil numbers and preferences but the list of subjects on offer each year is likely to include the following:
Art & Design
Business Communication Systems
Business Studies
Child Development
Construction
Design & Technology
English
French
Geography
Home Economics
Information and Communications Technology
Learning for Life and Work
Maths
Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies
Physical Education
R.E (GCSE)
Core Science (Single Award)
Additional Science (Double Award)
A number of core subjects will be compulsory for all pupils after which further subjects will be selected from a number of structured option groups.
|  Teaching & Learning
Within the school all subjects are delivered through formal units of work. Each unit begins with a set of learning objectives and pupils are made aware of the knowledge and skills they should possess on completion of the unit. Pupils are also expected to evaluate their own learning and set short and longer term targets to improve their performance.
Each unit ends with a summary by the teacher that details the pupil's achievements and documents the pupil's targets for improvement.
| Homework
Homework forms an important part of the pupils' learning. It is used to:
▪ Act as a revision and reinforce work done in the classroom
▪ Give pupils experience of independent working, study and research
▪ Give parents an opportunity to learn something of what their children are doing in school
The school homework policy gives guidance on the amount, frequency, types of homework set and the expected time commitment appropriate to the Year Group.
Homework diaries, which are checked and signed by Form Teachers, are issued to support the development of pupils' time management and organisational skills and to encourage them to work independently and confidently. Parents are urged to take an active interest in the work that their child does at home.
|  Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning and is used within Craigavon Senior High School to monitor pupil progress, identify strengths and remedy weaknesses.
Continuous assessment is a feature of GCSE and this is conducted through:
▪ Homework
▪ End of unit / module tests
▪ Coursework (practical, written and oral work)
▪ Formal examinations
The delivery of subject teaching through units of work also provides pupils with many opportunities to assess their own progress and evaluate their learning. In addition, pupils meet individually with Form Teachers twice yearly (January and June), to monitor progress and assess performance in each subject area.
| Reporting Progress
We endeavour to keep parents well informed about the progress of their child. Throughout the year parents are encouraged to monitor the teacher feedback that is given to pupils at the end of each unit.
Formal written reports are issued after school examinations and an interview with the Form Teacher at Halloween provides parents with a verbal report on their child's achievement and progress.
| Examination Policy - Tiers of Entry
GCSE examinations offer pupils the opportunity to be entered at a level that is appropriate to their ability. All tiers of entry leading to the full range of grades are available to pupils in Craigavon Senior High School. The Subject Teacher, using his/her professional judgement, will ultimately make the decision as to the appropriate level of entry for individual pupils.
| Learning Support Programme
Provision for those with Special Educational Needs remains an important priority across the school. Individual education programmes ensure a balanced curriculum and take account of personal/social needs. Pupils who need additional support will generally be taught in smaller class groups, where progress is closely monitored and additional help can be given to individual pupils.
The school recognises that progress for pupils with Special Educational Needs is best achieved through close partnership with the young people, their parents and the school. The Special Needs Co-ordinator liaises closely with outside agencies, parents and teachers to ensure maximum support and help for individual pupils. We value the support of all parents and encourage their co-operation.
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Principal Welcome |
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Welcome to Craigavon Senior High School
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