For September 2008 we have, once again, increased the range of opportunities for pupils to develop their academic and vocational interests. As well as extending the number of courses within school, we have worked in conjunction with other schools and colleges to provide an extensive range of vocational courses. We are a Creative and Media Arts Specialist school and this is reflected in the courses available to students. This does not however diminish their entitlement to study Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities and Technology. We expect that our most able students (sets 1 & 2) will continue to study at least one foreign language.

There will be some pupils for whom a more ‘traditional’ GCSE curriculum is most appropriate and provision has been made to allow them to follow that route whilst at the same time, allowing others the opportunity to select from a range of courses that may well ‘fit’ with their career aspirations

The broad, balanced selection provides ample scope for pupils to continue their studies or to seek employment or training at age 16. It is important that students make their choices with a view to the future and with an understanding of the range of 14-19 opportunities available to them.

To further assist with the decision making process, please see the section entitled ‘Range of Courses Offered’ that provides a more detailed description of each programme of study and the ‘Summary of suitability for courses’ that highlights the key target groups for each course.