Academic Programmes for Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Offering pupils the opportunity to learn in small class sizes, our supportive teaching team provide a varied curriculum and encourage your son to improve their study skills to guide them into the next stage of the National Curriculum, Key Stage 4.

The subjects currently offered are:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science (including Land Based Studies)
• Information & Communication Technology (Digitial Skills)
• Humanities (Geography, History, Religious Education)
• Art
• Design Technology
• Drama
• Cookery
• Personal, Social and Health Education
• Physical Education
• Music

Academic Programmes for Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11)

All pupils select up to four options to study alongside their compulsory core subjects. In most subjects there is a certain amount of coursework and practical work which means that pupils are constantly building upon their chance of success, while continuous assessment enables teachers to build on each pupil’s individual strengths.

As each pupil is looked upon as an individual, the curriculum is tailored to the needs and potential achievement of each pupil.

All pupils take the following compulsory core subjects:

• English Language 
• Mathematics
• Science
• Digital Skills

To these are added four subjects from the following options:

• English Literature (GCSE)
• Geography (GCSE)
• History (GCSE)
• Design Technology (GCSE)
• Engineering (BTEC)
• Sport (BTEC)
• Home Cooking (BTEC Level 1/2 Award)
• Art (GCSE)
• Graphics (GCSE)
• Photography (GCSE)
• Practical Animal Skills (SEG Level 1/2)
• Drama (LAMDA Bronze, Silver, Gold)
• Motor Vehicle Studies (SEG Level 1/2)
• Music (Trinity College London (Initial-Grade 8)

Pupils also study the following non-exam subjects:

• Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education 
• Physical Education 

English

The English Department embraces a variety of styles as our pupils develop their skills. Lessons are directed by both the interests and the needs of the pupils. We recognise that learning takes many pathways and that each pupil has their own learning style. A range of assisted technology is partnered with the breadth of software directly designed to support the specific pathways for our pupils. We endeavour to develop the imagination and creativity of our pupils and ensure that they have a deep-rooted interest in English that will encourage them to embrace life-long learning within the subject.

Pupils are encouraged to enter story and poetry competitions within the College, as well as contribute their original writing to in-house celebrations such as our annual Christmas Carol service, regular assemblies and other major College events. The department promotes reading through World Book Day each year, featuring visiting authors and poets who encourage the pupils to consider themselves as writers, and extend the range of literature they read. Our state of the art Usborne Library helps cement this love of reading, providing a safe and friendly study space. Regular theatre trips to local Chichester Festival Theatre aid the learning experience.

Secondary pupils take part in morning Literacy on a rotating daily basis. Staff are on hand to boost the confidence of our pupils in these areas. In the afternoon, the same care is given to reading. Pupils are assessed in these areas by the relevant teachers and feedback is given. These take place in form groups unless additional support is arranged by the SENCo.

Mathematics

We seek to give our pupils a firm foundation of numeracy skills and strategies. Our pupils have individual pathways in Maths, to build on success and confidence and to ensure that they gain the appropriate qualification to support them in future choices and to enhance their life skills. We cover a wide range of topics, with work differentiated to ensure that support or extension work is available as appropriate. Our pupils have a range of interactive technology at their fingertips that are utilised to great effect, as well as a range of practical resources, implemented on an individual basis and fully differentiated to the need of the student. All take part in additional morning numeracy on a rotating daily basis, helping to cement the importance of maths skills, with staff on hand to boost the confidence in this area.

Whole College Mathematics events such as 'Pi Day,' and visiting Maths education groups such as The Puzzle Company aid our pupils learning as they develop a love for this all important life subject.

Science

We set our pupils realistic targets; and in every case we aim to impart a love for science, and a desire within the student to know more about the world around them.

The College is fully equipped with three Science laboratories, complete with all apparatus to aid the pupils in their studies. Experiments that revolve around every day activities ground the learning for our students. We adopt a 'hands-on' approach, utilising interactive and innovative technology, as well as our on-site farming facilities, and extensive National Trust grounds. Periodically, pupils are involved in whole College Science events such as 'Moon Day' where they have the opportunity to mix with pupils of all ages.

The College develops passion for Science through trips to local areas and attractions where appropriate, including our nearby Planetarium.

The school day runs from 8.30am-16.30pm Monday to Wednesday and 8.30am-15.30pm Thursday and Friday. 

House Period

All pupils are registered in the morning and lunchtime House Period. Our vertical House system means that pupils can mix with peers of other ages for a short period in the morning and after lunch. These are also the houses in which competitions, charitable activities and our House Point System stem from. 

Find out more about the House System, Head Boy & Prefects.

Literacy or Numeracy Time 

Secondary pupils take part in Literacy or Numeracy every morning, and on a rotating daily basis for the older boys. Staff are on hand to boost the confidence of our pupils in these areas. In the afternoon, the same care is given to our Drop Everything and Read sessions. Pupils are assessed in these areas by the relevant teachers and feedback is given. These sessions take place in House Time unless additional support is arranged with the SENCo.

Friday Church/Friday School Assembly

Secondary pupils have a whole school 25 minute assembly in the main hall at the College or in the Church at nearby St Mary’s, Slindon each Friday on a rotating basis. Assemblies are led by the Headmaster, Heads of House, our local vicar or with an outside speaker. 

Break Times 

Break times are supervised by the academic staff and are held on the playing field and Multi Use Games Area or in Houses on Wet break days. Water with fruit, homemade biscuits, cheese straws and more are available on rotation. 

Food to Fuel Your Son

All meals are cooked on site by our catering team and are taken in the Dining Room. Our meat and vegetables are all purchased through local, well-regarded suppliers. Pupils are offered a choice of two delicious main courses (one of which is a vegetarian selection), jacket potatoes, plain pasta with sauce for those with sensory needs or salad from our salad bar. Pupils can add homemade soup, smaller salad bowls, puddings, yoghurts and fruits. 

To view the menu for the next 1-2 weeks click the utensils icon on the right of the screen.

Staff sit with the pupils at meal times and this encourages opportunities for informal conversation and an improved chance of better table manners. We find this is a golden opportunity for staff/pupil engagement and the development of stronger collegiate approaches, often the biggest problems can be solved around the dining table.

Special dietary requirements for allergies or religious reasons can be met provided we are advised in advance. Please note our Allergen Information: All our food is prepared in a kitchen where nuts, gluten and other allergens are present and our menu descriptions do not include all ingredients. Full allergen information is available on request.

Enrichment Activities/End of the School Day

A range of after-school enrichment activities complement the daily curriculum and the pupils can choose if they wish to attend these: 

• Monday: Personal Development Activities, including SaLT & Mindfulness (in Houses)
• Tuesday: Subject Specific Activities: including Swimming, Art & Drama (own choice)
• Wednesday: House Activities

Enrichment activities run from 15:30pm until 16.30pm and are perfect for growth and development since they allow Primary and Secondary pupils to mix in a fun and shared learning environment. The Primary pupils are encouraged to join in as much as possible with enrichment activities.

More information about Enrichment Activities.

Houses

Running through the heart of Slindon College is its vertically tiered House system. This system aims to facilitate associations and bonds between the different year groups. By fostering a sense of pride, encouraging team building, community spirit and peer mentoring, it promotes involvement in competitions, and develops social skills not just with fellow peers but with pupils of different ages. All pupils are allocated to a House and are encouraged to join in with as many House activities as possible. The colour of the pupils tie correlates to the House they are in: Cowdray (Yellow), Norfolk (White), Richmond (Red) and Sussex (Blue).

More information about the House System.

Cross-Curricular Theme Days

Whole school cross-curricular theme days are held termly. Pupils will join their House to learn collaboratively with different year groups across multiple subjects offering a different way of learning which can deepen understanding and foster critical thinking. The day usually culminates in a project or performance where they can apply their learning.  Such days prepare pupils to learn and work together which is more reflective of real life, a training opportunity for future interactions.

School Trips

The Academic staff lead external school trips to enhance and support subject learning expanding the understanding of the pupils and linking their learning to real life experiences.

Parents' Tea

We believe in nurturing strong and lasting relations with parents to create communications which help your child make the most of their time with us and develop as they learn. Parents’ Tea every Friday at 3:30pm in the dining hall provides an opportunity for all parents and carers to have an informal chat and a cup of tea with teaching staff and the Senior Leadership Team.  We value the contribution parents make to the life of the College and welcome your questions, ideas and comments. 

Parents' Evenings and Reports

Parents can liaise with staff informally at Parents' Tea on Fridays. For more formal feedback parents are invited to parents' evenings to discuss their son's work and performance. 

Comprehensive reports are produced at the end of every term and are published on the Parent Portal.