School Prospectus - Smithdon High School, Hunstanton, Norfolk

School Prospectus - Smithdon High School, Hunstanton, Norfolk School Prospectus - Smithdon High School, Hunstanton, Norfolk

smithdon.norfolk.sch.uk
from smithdon.norfolk.sch.uk More from this publisher
12.07.2014 Views

Science Mathematics Science fires pupils’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. At Smithdon High School science begins with a variety of short courses. These courses are developed in-house and aim to deliver the National Curriculum in the context of everyday life. The course includes all three science disciplines - biology, chemistry and physics - and provides the pupils with opportunities to carry out practical activities and educational visits. Science is now a skill based subject and pupils are aided in developing, modelling, expressing opinions and debating as well as experimental writing skills. Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological change - affecting industry, business and medicine, and improving quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world. At Smithdon High School we have a team of dedicated teachers as well as great facilities and resources to inspire pupils in their science studies. 2 Mathematics is the key to all those professions which demand knowledge of the exact sciences. It teaches abstract thought in an accurate and orderly way. Mathematics is not only the perfect subject for reflecting intellectual abilities, but also a tool for solving vital, everyday problems. At Smithdon High School we cater for the whole spectrum of abilities, from those pupils who wish to be consultants in high powered companies where mathematics is used to maximise profit making, to those who will need to manage their own finances in an ever more demanding world. We have produced pupils who have revelled in abstract ideas and have risen to the challenges presented by higher level university courses. Functional mathematics to Pythagoras’ Theorem and beyond are all catered for by our department as we explore number, algebra, shape and space as well as statistics. The department’s position in the centre of the school, housed in a dedicated refurbished mathematics block with the latest interactive whiteboard technology, excellent range of software, integrated ICT suite and laptops, make this an exemplary department. “Our form tutors support and encourage us to do well.” - Year 9 student

English English language, both written and spoken, means confidence in life. English is the medium by which nearly all of us lead our lives. At Smithdon High School we therefore believe it is vital that every student secures the basic skills which will enable them to both understand and engage in the world around them. These skills are developed through a structured programme of study which is supported and enhanced by reading. As all educational research shows, reading for pleasure is a vital part of your child’s development and we ask parents to support our efforts to encourage this. As students progress, we strive to develop their fluency and analytical skills as well as an understanding and enjoyment of our literary heritage. These skills will equip them for higher education and employment, where the ability to communicate well is essential. Enrichment activities include visits to a number of venues such as The Globe Theatre and visits to the school by well known authors, as well as a number of school based, extra-curricular opportunities. The department’s excellent facilities housed in a purpose built and attractive teaching base close to the school’s outstanding library and ICT facilities all play a significant role in supporting the development of pupils’ knowledge and skills. “I’ve settled in well. Smithdon is big but not scary at all.” - Year 7 student Modern Foreign Languages Modern Foreign Languages have practical communication at the core of their learning philosophy. Endless lists of vocabulary are of little use if pupils do not possess the skills to use these words in everyday situations. Communication is key and making the occasional mistake is all part of the process. We equip our students with the skills to take their language studies out of the classroom and into the world, whether it is for the purpose of work, pleasure or further study. Modern Foreign Languages will play a key role in the new, knowledge-based economy of the future. In addition to the considerable economic advantages gained by a workforce competent in a foreign language, the social benefits should also be recognised. It is most important to show people in other countries the courtesy of speaking to them in their own language. People who can speak another language, or at least have a good working knowledge, can hope to be more successful in gaining employment and command higher salaries within their organisations. Languages expand the mind, but shrink the world. 3

Science<br />

Mathematics<br />

Science fires pupils’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find<br />

explanations. At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> science begins with a variety of short courses. These courses are<br />

developed in-house and aim to deliver the National Curriculum in the context of everyday life.<br />

The course includes all three science disciplines - biology, chemistry and physics - and provides the pupils with<br />

opportunities to carry out practical activities and educational visits. Science is now a skill based subject and pupils<br />

are aided in developing, modelling, expressing opinions and debating as well as experimental writing skills.<br />

Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific<br />

ideas contribute to technological change - affecting industry, business and medicine, and improving quality of life.<br />

They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and<br />

discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world.<br />

At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> we have a team of dedicated teachers as well as great facilities and resources to inspire<br />

pupils in their science studies.<br />

2<br />

Mathematics is the key to all those professions which demand knowledge of the exact sciences. It teaches<br />

abstract thought in an accurate and orderly way.<br />

Mathematics is not only the perfect subject for reflecting intellectual abilities, but also a tool for solving vital,<br />

everyday problems. At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> we cater for the whole spectrum of abilities, from those pupils who<br />

wish to be consultants in high powered companies where mathematics is used to maximise profit making, to those<br />

who will need to manage their own finances in an ever more demanding world.<br />

We have produced pupils who have revelled in abstract ideas and have risen to the challenges presented by higher<br />

level university courses. Functional mathematics to Pythagoras’ Theorem and beyond are all catered for by our<br />

department as we explore number, algebra, shape and space as well as statistics.<br />

The department’s position in the centre of the school, housed in a dedicated refurbished mathematics block with the<br />

latest interactive whiteboard technology, excellent range of software, integrated ICT suite and laptops, make this an<br />

exemplary department.<br />

“Our form tutors support and encourage us to do well.” - Year 9 student

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!