At Rivers we offer a varied and challenging programme of study: developing fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem solving.

We aim to

• be supportive and encourage independent learning 
• encourage students to take pride in their progress in mathematical understanding
• match curriculum objectives to each student
• collaborate with stakeholder schools when indicated

 

 

 • An experienced team, we equip students with the skills, knowledge and resilience needed to read fluently and write accurately.

• We closely mirror the content taught in mainstream schools (please see roadmap below) in order to promote students’ confidence and readiness for their reintegration to mainstream. Our curriculum map and high expectations fully prepare students for the demands of the GCSE curriculum.

• Students attend regular timetabled literacy lessons, in which they work on their key skills using a range of engaging resources and the online learning platform Bedrock.

• We motivate students to persist with challenging writing tasks and build their writing stamina, helping them to become independent writers.

• We insist on - and support students with - accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar, preparing them for the demands of the exam courses and the first impression it will create in future employment.

• Students are encouraged to speak in a clear and academic style, sharing their views on texts and respectfully challenging other opinions.

 

Poetry at Key Stage 3

During our recent poetry unit, students developed their understanding of poetic devices
and gained confidence using these in their own work. We also experimented with Slam Poetry – poems that are written to be performed and focus on the flow of thought and powerful emotions.
The following poem from a Year 8 student was so impressive, we entered it into a
competition.
Watch this space for the result!
Mrs Gilbert

Poetry Slam!

A poem written to be performed aloud and give the audience a message.

Written by a Year 8 Student after Being Excluded from Mainstream School…

Title: The School System Sucks

Talking to my Head of Key Stage, looking at me with disgust. Talking to my Head of Year, she would look at me like she wants to discuss. I huffed as I run out the door, head for the downstairs floor, I swore and I swore ‘til I got to the gate – I head outside, run to the estate.

So, if you’re asking me what is good about school? The smart-on-paperteachers are just tools, make us feel like fools. The fire for lighting fires being misused for cigarettes and flames, it’s really such a shame, this game.

If you’re asking what is good about school, I can tell you, myself and others that the break-time spent with your mate in the playground talking, running around and playing football is so much fun. And certain subjects, like P.E., where everyone can express themselves in something they love to do. So, let’s review on the time at school and accept that it was not that good – but don’t be misunderstood – there was some good.

 

Science lessons inspire and engage pupils in their learning to use keywords and explain their ideas. Pupils are taught how to plan their own investigations and analyse data. Lessons will give pupils an understanding of what they need to know by the end of KS3. The KS3 curriculum covers areas of Biology and Chemistry. Investigations and projects cover subjects such as The Earth and our Universe and Human Biology

 

Throughout this academic year, pupils will be given the opportunity to work with a variety of media and be introduced to a wide range of techniques, in order to enhance and develop their skill set.

Pupils study a variety of Art topics including Natural Forms, Marine life, Abstract art, Still life, 3D Design, Portraiture and Architecture. 

Students will be introduced to a wide variety of traditional and contemporary Artists to inspire and inform their own Art work. Textiles is also now offered as part of the Art and Design course at KS3, where students learn a wide variety of printing methods, such as block and relief printing, mono printing, stenciling and embellishment. Students are also introduced to using the sewing machines and techniques such as free machining and applique, and have this year contributed to a community project, creating a hanging to commemorate poppy day.

The skills learnt at KS3 are crucial elements of Art and Design that give pupils the necessary knowledge and skills required for further study at GCSE level, either back in mainstream or at KS4.

 

 

Throughout this academic year, pupils will look at various areas of food nutrition, healthy eating, hygiene (both personal and environmental), malnutrition and the impact of a poor diet. Pupils are also taught about food preparation and storage, allergies and intolerances, world and regional foods, components of a healthy diet, hazards, safe practice and specific benefits of foods. They will also have the opportunity to produce various savoury and sweet dishes and learn skills such as baking, grilling, frying, boiling, simmering, as well as preparatory skills in cooking including slicing, grating, chopping and peeling. This course of study is an ideal introduction to cooking skills which can be studied further at KS4 as part of the BTEC Levels 1 and 2 Cooking Skills course.

In PE we develop the skills and techniques for a variety of games including; badminton,  tennis,  basketball,  cricket,  football and hockey. In the summer we develop our athletic skills  learning to refine a variety of track and field techniques including; sprinting, long distance running, long jump, javelin and discus. Identifying key muscle groups and understanding the positive impact of a healthy lifestyle is also taught.   

Within this broad subject area, we address issues that we feel are relevant to our young people, and we endeavour to support young people in their future as adults. We cover areas such as safe relationships, mental health and other social issues. We also look at religious education and cover most of the key religious cultures that are present in modern day society.