Curriculum

We therefore offer a curriculum which is not only broad and balanced but also enriched, stimulating and rigorous. In this way, whatever the needs of individual children, we will try not only to meet them but also challenge those children to do even better than they ever thought they could. In this way, whatever the needs of individual children, we will try not only to meet them but also challenge those children to do even better than they ever thought they could.

Curriculum planning at Hillside delivers National Curriculum requirements with a range of extension opportunities to support the whole school aims.

We have a 25 period week with lessons of 60 minutes arranged over a two-week timetable to ensure that pupils in Key Stage 4 have a full curriculum range.

During these three years, pupils follow the National Curriculum for their age.

All pupils study:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• ICT
• a Modern Language (Spanish or French)
• History
• Geography
• Technology
• Art
• Physical Education
• Music
• Drama
• Citizenship
• Religious Studies
• Personal, Social and Health Education including Citizenship, work-related learning and enterprise.

During these two years, pupils follow the National Curriculum appropriate for their age. This means all pupils must follow courses in:

• English and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science

We were designated a Specialist Science College by the DfES from September 2004. We have since made a significant step forward as a school with our improved facilities in Science, Maths and ICT. As a Science College our mission is to:

• Raise the achievement of pupils of all abilities at Hillside in Science, Maths and all subject areas
• Create an enthusiasm for Science and Maths in the school and community
• Provide opportunities for pupils to extend their Science and Maths education through enrichment courses
• Offer a range of activities designed to promote further education and careers in Science and Maths

At Hillside we believe that children learn best when they are engaged in and stimulated by an exciting and enriched curriculum, which can take them beyond the confines of the National Curriculum.

We take pride in opening up as many opportunities as possible for our pupils to work with professionals other than teachers, and experience learning outside the classroom.

Some of the activities pupils have been involved in recently include:

• Visits from theatre companies
• Shakespearean workshops
• Poetry workshops
• International 'on-line' magazine
• Newspaper days
• Study skills sessions
• Theatre visits
• Education Business Partnership
• Visits abroad
• Links with schools overseas
• Music workshops
• Preparation for KS3 SATs
• Year 7 Parent and Pupil Study Support Sessions
• Producing radio station broadcasts with North Sefton City Learning Centre
• International video conferencing with the South and North Sefton City Learning Centres
• a Modern Language or European Studies Religious Studies
• Physical Education
• Personal, Social and Health Education including Citizenship, work-related learning and enterprise.

• History (GCSE)
• Geography (GCSE)
• Art and Design (GCSE and BTEC)
• Physical Education (GCSE)
• Sport (BTEC)
• Dance (GCSE)
• Media Studies (GCSE and BTEC)
• Film Studies (GCSE)
• Religious Studies (GCSE)
• ICT (GCSE and OCR Nationals)
• Drama (GCSE)
• Music (GCSE)
• Performing Arts (Vocational GCSE)
• Child Care and Development (GCSE)
• Design and Realisation (GCSE)
• Food Technology (GCSE)
• Graphic Products (GCSE)

In Key Stage 3 we aim for seven form groups and seven teaching groups in each year. There is one G&T group, three 'express' groups of similar ability, two mixed ability; and one group composed of pupils with greater learning needs.

Pupils are placed into classes using information from the previous schools, SATs and NFER CATs. Each pupil has an "academic profile" which is made available to all teaching staff in order to inform lesson planning and target setting. This allows us to monitor the progress of individual children and or groups of children. All teachers contribute to this academic profile through target setting, providing end of year levels, and monitoring effort and progress towards those levels. The Progress Managers/subject leaders will regularly review these academic profiles.

Groups are set in Mathematics, Science and English, according to ability.

The two main modern languages taught are French and Spanish. They alternate as the main language taught from year to year. In 2007-08 all pupils in Year 7 study Spanish. There are later opportunities for more able pupils to take a second language, including German.