Main School
Departments
Academic Departments
Art Department
The Art Department has a very special role in any school, as it is an area of the curriculum that allows every pupil to communicate in a very personal way. Pupils are taught skills of observation; problem solving and decision-making through shared visual experiences, which enable personal visions to be externalised.
Design and Technology
Design and Technology at Red House School aims not only to develop design skills in pupils, but also to encourage an understanding of processes, products and manufacturing techniques.
English
The English Department plays an important part in school life in many ways. Our foremost aim is to ensure that all our students are valued and achieve their full potential. In the widest sense this extends beyond examinations into a fostering of an appreciation of literature or simply the ability to communicate effectively. Practically, as with all other departments, it helps pupils achieve their absolute potential through the attainment of qualifications which will be of use to them in their future studies, and in their working lives. The examination courses we follow are GCSE English and English Literature (AQA). For more details view detailed subject options by viewing the Option Blocks webpage.
Geography
The aim of the Geography department at Red House School is to help pupils to develop an understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live, in terms of both human and natural environments. We also aim to develop geographical, literacy and numeracy skills with the ultimate aim of enabling pupils to have success in external examinations.
History
The aim of the History Department is to stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in History. Unless children are aware of the past they cannot possibly understand the present let alone read the future. Or as Tony Robinson, presenter of Time Team, once said," How do you know who you are unless you know where you've come from? How can you tell what's going to happen, unless you know what's happened before? History isn't just about the past. It's about why we are who we are - and about what's next."
ICT
The ICT Department has a dedicated suite of the latest computers running a wide variety of applications. It is the aim of the ICT Department to ensure that everybody has access to the advantages of ICT and that everybody finds ICT accessible. We are growing year by year as the use of computers expands around the school and in other departments taking in the latest technologies and developing skills needed to meet the demand for ICT outside of school
Learning Support
A considerable number of students, whatever their level of ability, may at some time experience difficulties with their learning.
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department aims to give all pupils confidence in the use of mathematics, problem solving skills, and the ability to think clearly and logically. Most pupils enjoy Mathematics and experience success at all levels throughout the school. We are committed to assisting the pupils in achieving their potential and our general aim in the Department is to make the study of maths interesting, challenging and rewarding.
Modern Languages
The study of a modern language is considered to be an important part of the Curriculum at Red House. Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in French Club in Year 3 in preparation for beginning to learn French in the Prep School. All pupils continue to study French from Year 4 to GCSE and, in Year 7, the most able pupils are given the opportunity to learn a second language: either German or Spanish. In Years 10 and 11, German and Spanish are option subjects.
German
The study of German begins in Year 7 and is compulsory until the end of Year 9. In Years 10 and 11, German is an option subject. The department aims to equip pupils with the basic knowledge and linguistic skills necessary for work and leisure in 21st century Europe. A qualification or ability in German will be useful in careers in finance, engineering, teaching or technology. The department also aims to foster a lifelong interest in language learning by making the study of German interesting, relevant and fun.
Spanish
The Spanish department aims to enhance and develop the language learning skills already acquired through the work carried out by the French department. We aim to encourage pupils to understand grammatical concepts and vocabulary within contexts and also to be able to transfer meaning to other contexts. This will be carried out in a manner that will enthuse, motivate and emphasize the importance of language learning within our cultural and working lives.
Music
Music is taught through all stages of the curriculum and is a major part of the school's co-curricular activities. Pupils sing, play instruments, listen and learn to compose music in class. These activities allow children's musical talents and creativity to grow in an environment that also develops their social skills and self-confidence. Many pupils decide to deepen their musical experience by learning to play an instrument or taking singing lessons in school.
Physical Education
Physical Education plays a vital role in the development of every pupil at Red House School. It is hoped that by the time pupils leave us, they will understand the importance of physical activity in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Further to this, the department also endeavours to promote enthusiasm for sport and competition.
Religious Studies
Religious Studies enables pupils to understand the significance of Religion in the context of the wider body of knowledge and skills and to develop some understanding of the influence that religious beliefs and values have upon individuals and society.
Sciences
The aim of science at Red House School is to develop knowledge and understanding of important scientific ideas, processes and skills and relate these to everyday experiences.
Biology
'What can be more curious than that the hand of a man, formed for grasping, that of a mole for digging, the leg of a horse, the paddle of a porpoise, and the wing of a bat should all be constructed on the same pattern and should include similar bones, and in the same relative positions?' Charles Darwin, 1859
Chemistry
Chemistry is part of the fabric of life. To understand why an autumn leaf turns red, why a diamond is hard, or why soap has cleansing properties, requires an understanding of chemistry. To design a synthetic fibre, a life saving drug, or a space capsule, requires knowledge of chemistry.
Geology
Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. It includes the study of past organisms which inhabited our planet. A very important part of geology is the study of how Earth’s materials, structures, processes and organisms have changed over time. Pupils can study Geology as a GCSE subject at Red House School from Year 9 and they follow the WJEC specification. The topics covered include:
Physics
Physics underpins almost all technical activities in Modern society. As a 'must subject for pupils deciding to go into traditional areas like engineering, it is also highly valued and respected as a powerful qualification whatever career we decide to pursue. The challenging nature of the subject and the wide range of skills developed makes physics a powerful tool to take into everyday life.
