Curriculum

Learning and teaching are at the heart of everything we do at Friends’. We want to ensure that all pupils are secure in their knowledge, challenged in their thinking, and equipped to extend their understanding in each subject.

We expect everyone at Friends’ to be committed to their learning and to work hard, knowing that this will bring rewards and will enable them to fulfil their potential.

Our aim is to provide a curriculum that gives everyone a rich learning experience and lays the foundations for future study. We take a research-informed approach to learning and teaching, with an ongoing programme of professional learning which has a clear focus on exploring how pupils learn, and how we can optimise classroom practice. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on retrieval practice, modelling, effective questioning and feedback.

Technology is used to support learning and to enhance pupils’ experience in lessons and we are continuing to develop our IT provision in school. There is excellent Wi-Fi coverage throughout the buildings and all classrooms are equipped with Clevertouch boards.

Year 8

In June each year, we hold an Induction Evening for our new Year 8 intake and their parents, which allows pupils to meet others in their Collect and find out more about Friends’. The PTA also organises activities for our new pupils to enable them to get to know each other outside the classroom.

At the start of the Autumn term, Year 8 pupils have a half day on their own, before those from other year groups return to school. In late September, we organise an activity day in Castlewellan which allows pupils to learn and build friendships in a different setting.

Pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 follow a broad common curriculum, developing knowledge and skills across a wide range of subjects. Teaching is focused on encouraging pupils to enjoy learning and to be curious to find out more.

In Year 8, pupils have lessons in Art & Design, English, Food & Nutrition, French, Geography, History, Information Technology, Junior Science, Mathematics, Music, Religious Education, Physical Education and Technology & Design. There are also classes in Learning for Life and Work, incorporating Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development.

In Years 9 and 10, pupils take on either German or Spanish, and Junior Science is divided into separate classes for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Across all subjects, pupils are given opportunities to stretch themselves through participation in competitions for individuals and teams. Visits to school from local artists, writers and musicians help to inspire pupils’ enjoyment of the Arts. Junior Programming and Robotics clubs give pupils further opportunities to develop their technological and IT skills.