Year 7 Entry: The School Curriculum

Seven Kings exists as a place of learning for children of all abilities and aptitudes. The involvement of parents in this learning process is welcomed and valued.

The school has been designated as a government specialist school. This covers the subject areas of Mathematics, Design & Technology, Science and ICT and provides the school with additional funding to support our work in these subjects.

If you would like any further information about the curriculum please contact the school and we will be glad to help you. There is also more information on the school web site.

School subjects
Details of the subjects taught at the school and other curricular matters are given on pages 4-7 of the prospectus. The National Curriculum is fully implemented at Seven Kings and this provides the framework for the curriculum in Years 7-11.
In the Sixth Form a wide range of AS IA-level courses are taught. The school also offers vocational courses in Key Stage 4 and Post 16.

Religious Education
This is taught in accord with the agreed Redbndge curriculum policy for Religious Education devised by representatives of all the main religious faiths. This commitment to helping children understand the main principles of their own faith and the beliefs of others is fundamental to our approach to this subject.

Parents do have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education, but this right is very rarely exercised.

Sex Education
Sex education at Seven Kings is taught by teams of staff who are trained in dealing with this sensitive topic. It is taught in a moral framework with proper regard to the rights of parents and the diversity of cultural and religious beliefs within the school commiunity.

We aim to: i. Develop awareness and understanding among pupils of their responsibility to themselves and to others.
ii Develop pupils' ability to make informed choices which recognise the physical, emotional and moral implications.
iii Safeguard pupils from potential health risks associated with sexual activity.

The sex education programme is mainly taught in the lessons of Personal and Social Education (PSE). For certain topics pupils will be taught in single sex groups. Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from these lessons if they so wish and should inform the school at the earliest opportunity if they intend to do so.

The biological processes of human reproduction and the physical changes undergone at adolescence form part of the National Curriculum science programme and parents do not have the right to withdraw children from these lessons.

Special Educational Needs
The school is committed to the principles contained in the 1993 Education Act and in the Code of Practice produced by the Department for Education and Skills.

The school will:

1. Provide support as specified to statemented pupils and attempt to meet their special needs whether arising from learning, behavioural or physical issues.
2. Assess all pupils when they enter the school to determine individual special needs among non-statemented children. It will attempt to meet those needs where it is possible to do so.
3. Ensure that all pupils with special needs gain access to a broad, balanced and rigorous curriculum.
4. Ensure that teachers are aware of the special needs of their pupils where they exist.

To achieve these aims Seven Kings maintains a team of staff skilled in working with children with special needs. They are supported by teachers from the Special Schools in the Borough.

Children with physical disabilities
Seven Kings admits pupils with major disabilities who are unable to attend their local school due to access difficulties. Such pupils are of an ability level normally found within Redbridge secondary schools and are able to cope with the demands of a mainstream school. Parents of disabled pupils who are interested in admission to the school should contact the Admissions Section of the Education Office. (Tel: 020 8478 3020).

Information to Parents
The school welcomes enquiries from parents and is happy to answer any queries that may arise. Copies of the policy statements for Religious Education, Sex Education and Special Needs are available on request for parents. The school will make a nominal charge to cover the cost of reprographics.

Curriculum complaints procedure (1988 Education Act)
Parents with a complaint about any aspect of the school curriculum should first contact the Headmaster. If the matter cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the parent the complaint should be made to the Chair of the Governing Body.