English English
Studying English helps pupils to develop skills in speaking,listening,reading and writing that will help them participate successfully in the world of work and society in general.
In Key Stage 3 pupils cover a variety of activities in order to help them communicate effectively in a wide range of situations, to read and listen reliably and accurately and to write correctly.
From Year 7-9 they study novels reflecting experiences of people from different cultures and times.
Pupils read a variety of poems and use the knowledge gained to create work of their own of which many have been accepted for publication in the Young Writers anthologies
(available in book shops.)
They are introduced to Shakespeare and Dickens as preparation for Key Stage 4.
In Key Stage 4 pupils are studying for external examinations.
Year 10 take the W.J.E.C. Entry level examination which helps to prepare for G.C.S.E.
They have to complete a variety of assignments based on reading prose and poetry.They develop mini-projects on their chosen topic, write autobiographies and descriptive essays.
A formal examination takes place in March which forms part of their final grade.
They then work towards their G.C.S.E. English.
Maths Maths
The aim of the mathematics department is for the pupils to enjoy learning, problem solving and investigating so that they can gain confidence in mathematics. Our focus is on giving every pupil the support they require, whatever their needs, abilities, background or circumstances with an emphasis on personalised learning. A personalised approach means tailoring learning to the needs, interests and aspirations of each individual allowing each pupil to achieve their potential.
We feel that it is essential that pupils see the relevance of mathematics in life and understand the importantance of the real-life application of mathematics to improve their motivation and achievement.
Key Stage 3
The department follows the National Curriculum guidelines for KS3 for mathematics.
Key Stage 4
In Year 10 and 11 students follow the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (modular) course. All students are expected to sit the GCSE exam. A selection of students will be offered the opportunity to sit an extra Statistics GCSE and the ALAN on-line Numeracy examination. (GCSE equivalent)
Science Science
Key Stage 3 Science
Pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 are taught a scheme of work following the National Curriculum programme of study which has been differentiated to meet the needs of our pupils. The range and content of the scheme of work includes:
Organisms, behaviour and health Chemical and material behaviour Energy, electricity and forces The environment, Earth and the universe The How Science Works element, which develops scientific thinking and practical and enquiry skills, is implicit throughout the course Key Stage 4 Science
At present pupils study Edexcel GCSE Science throughout Key Stage 4. All pupils follow the core science curriculum consisting of 12 topics spread across Biology, Chemistry and Physics; each topic culminating in an external module examination amounting to 30% of the final GCSE. Course work, which is externally moderated, consists of a further 60% and the final 10% is assessed in school purely on practical experiments. Successful completion of all elements will result in a single GCSE.
Higher achieving pupils have the opportunity to take a further additional 12 topics which results in them gaining the double science award of 2 GCSEs.
ICT ICT
Pupils in Key Stage 3 follow a creative ICT curriculum that is matched to the National Curriculum programmes of study.
Year 7: We are currently exploring the use of Project based learning and the pupils have been involved in a project based on running a small company based on their personal interests.
Year 8: Topics covered are web design, digital imaging, web graphics, animation and databases. We are also looking to develop project work.
Year 9: The majority of work covered in year 9 is project based, allowing pupils to work independently and as groups. Projects are personalised and aimed at preparing pupils for Key Stage 4. Some higher attaining pupils will be offered the opportunity of starting their OCR Nationals Level 2.
Key Stage 4:
Pupils in Key Stage 4 may choose ICT as an option. High attaining pupils will work towards achieving an OCR Nationals Level 2 Certificate; which is equivalent to a GCSE Grade A-C.
Alternatively,pupils may opt to work on obtaining a vocational ICT qualification known as an ITQ. These pupils gain certificates for individual modules completed and can achieve the equivalent to a GCSE Grade D-G.
Art Art
In the Art department at Furness, pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. Students work with a wide range of media in both 2 and 3 dimensions. We aim to develop confidence, competence, imagination and creativity.
Students at Key Stage 3 follow the National Curriculum and study topics such as: Self Image, Recreating Landscapes and Objects and Viewpoints. Our fundamental aim is to enhance and extend students skills, knowledge and understanding of materials and they will be given the opportunity to:
•Express ideas and feelings
•Record observations and engage in visual investigations
•Design and make images and artefacts and
•Explore and experiment with both 2 and 3 dimensional materials
At Key Stage 4 pupils can choose to take Art as an optional GCSE.
DT Design & Technology
Work in the DT department is project based which follows National Curriculum guidelines. The aim is to improve students understanding of technology in the economy and their quality of life. In KS3 students investigate needs or look at opportunities in order to design products that meet those needs or opportunities. They use their knowledge and understanding of design and technology to devise solutions to problems, make a practical product then evaluate it. Projects carried out in year 7 include an Electronic Doorbell, Plastic Door Plaque and a Wooden Travel Game. Year 8 students produce a design for kitchen or bathroom products based on Alessi products, they create an electronic biscuit tin alarm and design and make a model computer mouse made of plastic. In year 9 students make a mechanical toy, wooden bookends, a stereo MP3 player amplifier and further assignments using plastic and wood.
In KS4 students take a GCSE in Resistant Materials which currently is a four module course. In year 10 they complete two modules, one of which is project based and the other is assessed by examination in the summer. The pattern is similar in year 11 and with successful completion of the third and fourth modules the full GCSE is awarded.
Humanities Humanities
History
In Key Stage 3 pupils study the significance of events, and what Historians and other people have said. They will develop their skills in terms of investigation, using sources and seeing how evidence is. They will also learn how to present accounts and explain the past.
Geography
In geography we study the natural world and the people who live in it. How the natural world affects people and the impact of the people on it.
As our pupils study geography, it helps them to raise and awnser questions about the natural world and the human world, using different methods of enquiry to view them. It enables our pupils to develop knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, an understanding of maps, and a range of investigative and problem solving skills both inside and outside of the classroom.
Geography also enables our pupils to understand and think aout issues within the environment and sustainable development. As they study geography, they encounter different societies and cultures. This helps them to realise how nations rely on each other and can inspire them to think about their own place in the world, their values, and their rights and responsibilites to other people and the environment.
PE Physical Education
Key Satge 3:
Pupils follow schemes of work that are matched to the National Curriculum programmes of study. These involve activities relating to invasion games, striking and fielding, net/wall games , athletic events, gymnastics, swimming and outdoor and adventurous activities.
Key Stage 4:
Pupils have the option of working towards a BTEC First Certificate in Sport; which is equivalent to 2 GCSE's grade A-C. Pupils in Key Stage 4 also enjoy Games lessons where they participate in a variety of sporting activities; such as, Football, Rugby, Badminton, Basketball, Athletics to name a few.
Check out the new BTEC Sport page for more information.
MFL Modern Foriegn Languages
Year 7:
Greetings, Numbers, Days & Months, Festivals & Fiestas, Christmas, Seasons & Weather, the Spanish Alphabet, School & Classroom, Easter, Transport, Daily Routine.
Year 8:
Family, Animals, Colours, Personal Descriptions, Clothes, Football & Sports, Hobbies.
Year 9:
Sports, Numbers & Time, Food & Drink, Money, Town places & Shops, Health & Illness, Directions, Holidays.
Please use the link below to access more learning opportunities
Spanish
Performing Arts Performing Arts
In KS 3& 4 we are constantly developing performance skills in order to deliver quality performances at xmas, easter and summer.
This includes singing, dancing, drama, musical composition, song writing and film making. Currently the learning centre 7s and 8s are undergoing a puppet making project which is a first at Furness.
The track below is a recording from when some Furness pupils recorded a song that was played over Radio Kent.
PFWL Preparation for working life
Pupils in Key Stage 4 work towards obtaining either a Level 1 certificate , eqg world of workuivalent to a Short course GCSE grade D-G or a Level 2 certificate, equivalent to a Short Course GCSE grade A*-C.
Careers
BTEC Sport
Hair/Beauty
Hospitality
Construction
Media
Science
