Tour of Secondary School
The aim of the Senior Department is to encourage and help children of all abilities to fully develop their characters, and academic potential.
All pupils undertake a broad curriculum, during the five years in the Senior Department, culminating in external G.C.S.E. examinations in year 11.
A-C PASS RATE DURING THE LAST 15 YEARS
HAS BEEN ABOVE 95%
For more information, please see our results in the back of the prospectus.
Subjects taught: Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, History, Geography, French, German, Business Studies, Music, Home Economics, PSHE, Drama, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, ICT, Physical Education, Art
G.C.S.E. choices are made at the end of year 9, which affects the subjects studied.
Modern Languages
French and German are studied, because competence in a European Modern Language is vital in many areas of work today. The department is equipped with specialised equipment, and computer programs to support learning.
In Years 10 and 11 the children have regular interaction with native language assistants.
Science
All children study the separate sciences, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, within a fully equipped laboratory, which includes its own computer system and software; children also investigate scientific theories through practical lessons, and these are reinforced by visits to industrial and ecological centres.
Music
This is taught to every senior child, where every child is equipped with their own keyboard or other musical instrument to allow them the best opportunity to learn.
Information Technology
The Information Technology room is equipped with the latest PC hardware and software. There is a PC for every child. All the children participate in I.C.T lessons throughout the Senior Department, but are taught beyond the requirements of a G.C.S.E. examination, to stand them in good stead for any future employment or university. This resource is used throughout the curriculum to further enhance learning. The internet is readily available and every child will be given and e-mail account when entering the school; this is to allow the work to be sent home directly
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Art
In Art and Design, pupils are taught to develop skills in order to be able to explore new ideas. The children investigate different techniques from observational drawing to developing watercolour skills.
Home Economics
This is taken by all the children to allow a basic understanding and knowledge of food science. This is only taught to the end of Year 9.
English and Drama
This is studied within a traditional, formal framework, employing a variety of strategies, including didactic teaching, discussion, group work, debate, T.V. and theatre visits. Thus, children acquire the skills necessary for their G.C.S.Es. and wider lives. Drama is taught throughout Key Stage 3, reflecting life skills and moral issues.
Personal, Social & Health Education
This is taught as an individual subject. The children have the opportunity to discuss relevant issues or design information leaflets. Many outside agencies help with the successful deployment of this subject.
History & Geography
Children learn to understand the consequences of social and cultural values in historical events. Interpretative and analytical skills are acquired whilst studying Geography. This promotes a sound basis for the knowledge and understanding needed in Year 11 for G.C.S.Es and adult life.
Careers
From Year 10 onwards, the children participate in careers talks to help determine the occupation/vocation they may wish to pursue in the future. This is carried out by the careers advisor and Connexions. This process culminates in Year 11 with individual interviews. These are then followed up by parental consultation with the Head Teacher to ensure that the best result is achieved and that each child’s ‘Action Plan’ provides a clear focus for a successful future. The children also undergo a week of Work Experience in Year 11, where the main objective is to gain an understanding of the skills required for that given field.
Sport, Pastoral Care and Extra Curricular Activities
Sport is enjoyed by every child, where the child takes part in skill based lessons, and gradual integration of competitive team games. Sport lessons are conducted in the sports hall and at our local sports fields, a few minutes walk from our main site. Swimming is taught throughout the school calendar for children from 4 years upwards. The children have regular games with other local schools as well as inter-house school competitions, which run throughout the school calendar.
Two major sporting events in the school calendar are the Swimming Gala and Sports Day, where parents are invited to attend and offer their support, at these enjoyable events.
Teams; U11 Football, Netball & Cross Country; U13 & U16 Rugby; U13 & U16 Netball; U13 & U16 Basketball (Boys & Girls); U13 & U16 Football (Boys & Girls); U13 & U16 Tennis (Boys & Girls) Cricket.
Extra Curricular Activities
These are extremely important in the overall development of each child. Activities run at lunchtimes and after-school. The clubs cater for children as young as three to the oldest at sixteen. Examples of some of the clubs: Art and Craft, Guitar, Sports Team Training, Console, Film, Table Tennis and Pool, Drama, Karate, Speech and Drama, Dancing, Chess and Computers. Mayor of Sunderland and Duke of Edinburgh are run through the Senior Department. Annual school trips are a Camp which takes place in the Lake District and Skiing, which takes place in Austria.
Pastoral Care
Because Argyle House is the only school run by a family, each child is known to all the staff individually and cared for as if they are part of the school family. The system in place allows the staff to support and be sympathetic to every child’s needs. The staff are always readily available for consultation and advice. The children can ask any member of staff for help, but because this is such an important area for the development of the child, specific teachers have been assigned for this role to ensure that this is sensitively managed.
Quotation from teacher
Chemistry and Physics are taught separately with the emphasis on practical work and experimentation. Pupils have the opportunity to work as a team and also develop their own ideas. All work to a very high standard and make use of a variety of techniques.
Mr A Davies