Complementary Studies
Complementary Studies is at the core of all aspects of school life, contributing to the personal and social development of pupils.
Aims
- to promote knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes which empower individuals to make informed choices in developing their lifestyles.
- to prepare young people for the demands of a changing adult world.
- to develop self-confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem in each pupil as well as respect and consideration for others.
- to develop an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Courses
Complementary Studies, which incorporates Personal, Social and Health Education, is taught in specific timetabled lessons throughout school from Early Years/Junior School to Sixth Form.
The curriculum is broad and balanced and is based around the cross-curricular themes of Citizenship, Environment, Health, Careers and Economic & Industrial Awareness. It has been designed as a 'spiral' curriculum where students return to similar themes at a higher level in subsequent years. The written projects and coursework produced in years 10 and 11 are externally assessed and a GCSE short course in Citizenship is currently being piloted with year 10.
Complementary Studies is delivered by the Department's Director and other teaching colleagues from the Religious Studies, English and Politics Departments. The programme is also well supported by all form tutors. Some team teaching is employed to provide greater variety in approach and to enable students to foster closer relationships with a larger number of staff.
Resources
Complementary Studies has excellent resources, including a well-equipped and spacious teaching base where many teaching styles and methods are used.
