Beaminster School

The school curriculum comprises all learning and other experiences that each school plans for its pupils. At Beaminster School the national curriculum forms just one part of the rich and engaging school curriculum that we offer to our pupils. Importantly, to us successful education is not exclusively measured by the amount of knowledge that a pupil takes away, but their appetite to know and their capacity to learn; real personal fulfilment comes from finding what one’s personal passions are, discovering and exploring both the familiar and the new.

 

What are we trying to achieve?

In accordance with the National Curriculum, we offer a broad and balanced curriculum that aims to enable all young people to become:

 

• successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve

• confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives

• responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society

• aware of their own spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development

• prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

 

Our curriculum reflects values in our society that promote personal development, equality of opportunity, economic wellbeing, a healthy and just democracy, and a sustainable future. As a Christian foundation school we promote the need to discuss the great questions of life, death, meaning and truth, a reverence for the beauty of creation, the importance of family life and for pupils to have the moral strength and spiritual depth to hold a course in the face of difficulties.

 

There is a statutory provision for acts of collective worship and we teach religious education and age appropriate sex and relationship education to pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4. We have a very successful provision for citizenship, personal, social, health and economic education called Life Studies, whose importance is underlined through the delivery by Mr Withers, our Deputy Headteacher.

 

How do we organise Learning?

Learning at Beaminster School takes place in a range of locations and environments to inspire, support and stimulate our students, reinforce key concepts and make clear links with the real world.

 

Classroom based lessons take place in a range of purpose built locations including Science laboratories, Technology rooms, Computer, Music and Drama suites. Learning outside the classroom can be anywhere on the school site, local community, Museum, Church, trips or visits.

 

We also have a number of Stop the Clock Days to enrich and diversify studies, to enthuse students to explore different ways of learning and to develop independence. For example, these extended blocks of time allow us to invite speakers, to forge links with the Army and Royal Marines, provide study skills seminars, develop subject specific skills such as Maths decoding, or work on national projects such the BBC School Report.

 

At the end of the summer term we offer a unique week of projects called Activities Week. Students build skills and develop positive self-images across an exciting range of opportunities and experiences, across the full age range and at exceptional value for money. This week aims to enhance the curriculum in its widest sense and is frequently cited by students who have long since left as one of their most enjoyable and memorable times.

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