Curriculum Statement
Dame Alice Owen’s School aims:
- to provide a broad, relevant, balanced and differentiated curriculum that has regard to the National Curriculum for all students
- to develop the curriculum to ensure the promotion and teaching of Personal Health and Social Education
- to ensure all students share and are given access to that common curriculum
- to ensure that the curriculum meets all legal requirements
- to enable all students to progress and achieve their full potential within that curriculum through specialist teaching and on-going monitoring and assessment
- to support each subject and cross curricular area with the appropriate resources
- to provide continuity of curriculum through the different Key Stages
- to monitor and review the curriculum with staff through classroom observations, book reviews, departmental reviews, , meetings and INSET. To introduce change to the curriculum as a result of internal discussions and in response to external requirements
- to identify areas within development planning, at departmental and at whole school level, which may need review, and to implement any change efficiently and smoothly
- to pursue actively curricular initiatives which will enhance the curriculum offered by the school
- to keep students, parents and governors informed and involved in the curriculum and any changes to that curriculum through the school website and online platforms, and through meetings, booklets and letters
- to involve industry, commerce, alumni and outside agencies to enrich the experience of our students
- to continue to enhance the curriculum to reflect the local, national and international community
- to promote British values including individual liberty, the rule of law, belief in personal and social responsibility, respect for diversity, including of different faiths, beliefs and lifestyles. We seek to instil in students a sense of belonging, not just to the school community, but to the wider community and to the country
- to ensure all areas of the curriculum promote equality and tackle prejudicial discrimination.
Curriculum Offer
At Key Stage 3 students will study:
- Mathematics
- English
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Science in Year 7)
- 2 Modern Foreign Languages (from French, German, Spanish)
- Art
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Drama (Years 7 and 8)
- Food
- Geography
- History
- Music
- PE
- Religious Studies
- Textiles
A personal development programme is followed in form times, assemblies and spread throughout the curriculum.
At Key Stage 4 students will study:
- Mathematics
- English Literature and English Language
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Combined Science is also available)
- A Modern Foreign Language (from French, German, Spanish)
- 4 additional subjects are selected from the option columns which contain all other subjects above, plus Business, and Economics.
A personal development programme is followed comprising of core PE lessons, and a PSHE programme and Careers education spread throughout form times, assemblies, and throughout the curriculum.
At Key Stage 5 students will study:
3 subjects picked from 4 option columns. GCSE subjects can be taken at A level (depending on student uptake). Additional subjects are Government and Politics, Music Technology, Psychology, Sociology.
Curriculum Resources
The School is exceptionally well resourced with specialist rooms equipped to a high standard and every subject having its own dedicated areas. There is an extensive computer network system providing excellent opportunities for ICT. There are eight ICT suites and wireless computer access in all departments.
We are continually developing our use of Google Classrooms – harnessing the power of technology to make it easier for teachers, students, parents and governors to communicate and give improved access to information and learning materials, via password entry.
Our Library features an impressive collection of books and magazines along with computer terminals with intranet and internet access. It is open throughout the day and after school for private study and class use, as well as being a centre for independent study and recreational reading.
For an insight into what each department offers, please go to our Departments section in Academic Life.
Parents and other members of the public can find out more about the curriculum of our school by emailing any queries to admin@damealiceowens.herts.sch.uk