Subjects/Departments

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Curriculum

Key Stage 3 - Years 7,8 and 9 (Ages 11-13)

During this period students study all the subjects of the National Curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, IT, a foreign language (French) Geography, History, Religious Education, Art, Music, and Physical Education, as well as Dance, Drama and Personal and Social Education. All lessons are taught in ability-banded classes, most in the tutor group but there are smaller groups for practical subjects.

Key Stage 4 - Years 11 and 12 (Ages 14-16)

During this period all students study English, Mathematics and Science. However, there is an element of choice in much of the rest of a student's programme, which enables each individual to begin to follow particular strengths and enthusiasms. There is a choice of modern languages, of Technology specialisms, of Humanities subjects and a wide range of other courses, including Business Studies, Media Studies, Dance and Drama.

The Sixth Form

The great majority of Sydney Russell students continue their education after the age of 16. We have a thriving Sixth Form, able to offer a range of A'Level and vocational courses to cater for most needs. The Sixth Form provides an ideal bridge between school and the wider world of university or career, offering a more adult environment while still maintaining close support and supervision. Sixth formers have their own common room for relaxation and private study, are allowed to wear clothing appropriate to a place of study rather than uniform and are encouraged to take on roles of responsibility within the school.

University

Sydney Russell expects all students who have the potential to benefit from higher education to aim for a university place. During their early years in the school, students are encouraged to start thinking about university as a goal to aspire to. A special day is held in school during Year 9 to introduce students to university life and explain how a degree can dramatically increase chances and choices in later life. Once in the Sixth Form, students are given the opportunity to visit universities, they have access to specialist careers advisers and they are given close support and encouragement as they go through the application process.

Gifted and Talented Students

The School is committed to encouraging and pushing all students to achieve their very best. In the case of students of high ability, as well as placing them in our top 'fast track' band for all their lessons, we provide additional support in the form of enrichment and extension activities.

Special Educational Needs

Children with Special Educational Needs are given extra support by staff from the school's Learning Development Team, in order to gain access to the full programme of study as quickly as possible.

Innovation at The Sydney Russell School

Poetry In Motion

The English Department is developing a project to bring Poetry alive through the use of ICT. Key Stage 3 students learn about poetry as part of the National Curriculum. Initially students will study poetry. They will then compose their own work. When students are ready they will use one of our state of the art computer rooms to animate their poetry. Work can then be displayed throughout the school on digital projectors.

The sample displayed on the left was made by the poet Peter Howard who used Macromedia's Flash to animate his poem entilted 'XYLO'

Poet Peter Howard has kindly given us permission to use his work on our website.

Work of a similar kind can be found in the Word Circuit Gallery