At Wycombe High School we always remember that the girls we teach today are the women who will shape tomorrow. Our curriculum is broad, flexible and responsive to the needs of these future citizens.
Our Key Stage 3 prepares students to maximise their time at Wycombe High School. They follow a broad two-year curriculum, studying over 14 subjects, developing a range of skills designed to prepare them for further study at GCSE and A Level, and more importantly life. This is where students find their passions: the subjects they enjoy; the subjects they are desperate to find out more about; the subjects at which they excel; the subjects they may spend the rest of their lives pursuing.Â
Students are supported through this exploration by the provision of a tailored Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) curriculum where they learn the value of independent thought, resilience and a love of life-long learning.
There is a thorough exposure to Digital Learning within all subject areas, as well as specific coding lessons and Focus Days devoted to digital activities.
Physical and mental health are promoted through timetabled curriculum periods, such as PE and Tutor time as well as a vast range of extra-curricular opportunities.
The journey of discovery begins in Year 9 where our students commence a three-year Key Stage 4 with 19 different subjects from which to choose. This enables them to express their passions and talents across a wide range of areas.Â
Students are encouraged to pursue creative subjects alongside English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages (modern and ancient), to develop a culture of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and maintain breadth of choice for the future. Students select five subjects beyond the core of English, Mathematics and the individual Sciences. At the end of Year 9, they will choose four of these that they will take on to completion at the end of Year 11. Students build on the learning habits developed in Key Stage 3 and are supported by a pastoral system tailored to meet individual needs. There is a continued focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through the provision of timetabled non-examined PE and PSHEE delivered in lessons supported by a PHSEE day. Â
Within Year 9, students also follow an enrichment carousel. This aims to build cultural capital and complement their academic studies. Currently students follow a programme of courses that cover world music, classical civilisations, coding, spirituality and first aid.
Students will finish Key Stage 4 with experiences across a broad range of subject areas including Digital Learning and in a position to excel in Sixth Form and beyond.
Our Sixth Form Curriculum broadens horizons. It is an expansive curriculum which gives students a free and broad choice of 3 or 4 A Levels (from 23 options) and supports students’ ability to respond to challenges and complexity.
Independence in learning is developed and leadership encouraged. Self-sufficiency, global awareness, physical and mental wellbeing and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) are integral to our Key Stage 5 experience, as is preparation for the next stages of life (university, apprenticeship or employment).
Whilst students do have a free choice of the subjects they select, we advise students to study Mathematics in some capacity, including Core Mathematics, particularly if they are studying a science, social science or Economics.
Our PSHEE programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live healthy, safe, productive, fulfilled and responsible lives. Our programme of study is age appropriate and is delivered in both lesson and tutor time and during themed Focus Days.
Rationale:
To support current and upcoming students during the summer holidays we ran two Summer Schools as part of the wider recovery package from the Department of Education (DfE). The aim was to allow our young people to catch up on missed learning and development due to the pandemic by delivering a summer school that offered a blend of academic and enrichment activities. We had a total of 211 students attend across both schools.
Summer School for incoming Year 7 students (Year 6) and selected current Year 7 students
This week-long Summer School invited all 192 of our new Year 7 students and 50 selected students from our current Year 7 cohort to attend for a week of activities. Students had sessions in Maths, Science, English, Drama, Music and Sport and the week culminated in an Educational Visit to Longridge, an outdoor adventure centre providing team building opportunities. Food was provided for all pupil premium students and at a subsidised rate for all attendees.
Summer School for incoming Year 12 mobile students
We ran a three-day school for students joining our 6th form from other schools. The aim was to provide transitional activities, as well as covering key curriculum content in STEM subjects. Students took part in a scavenger hunt and sessions on wellbeing, learning and starting life in the 6th form. Subject sessions were provided in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Maths, as well as sessions on research and literacy skills. Enrichment activities included a getting to know you breakfast and tea alongside meeting key staff and students.
Funding
Our funding allocation was £56749, and this was spent on:
Staffing | £39768 |
Facilities | £1800 |
Educational visits                       | £6570 |
Food | £4061 |
Resources | £2250 |
Administrative costs | £2300 |
The government provides funding for students in Year 7 who do not meet the expected progress levels in either Reading or Maths at the end of their primary education. For the 2019/20 academic year, Wycombe High School has not received an allocation as all students on roll in Year 7 in October 2019 met or exceeded expected progress when assessed in Reading and Maths at the end of KS2. The last year that this premium was applicable was 2019/20.
In the event that we are required to revert to remote schooling, we will move to Wycombe High Virtual. Please see the linked document for the overview of how this will work in practice.Â
https://www.whs.bucks.sch.uk/resources/remote-education-overview-2021-22/
The girls are the greatest testament to the work of the school, being avid and engaged learners who are ambitious for the future but show care and consideration for others.
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