Curriculum

At Platanos College, our curriculum is broad and balanced to suit the needs of all the pupils we have in our care. Through this we aim to develop pupils’ intellectual, emotional, social, moral, spiritual, cultural and physical development skills through a diverse, rich and stimulating curriculum.  Equal Opportunities and the promotion of positive attitudes towards others from different religions, cultures, economic, social, political views and so on are central to delivery.

Homework

All Platanos College pupils are expected to undertake homework as part of their studies. We use the ‘Show My Homework’ online system for recording homework. Pupils, parents and carers are able to log in to this system to keep track of all the homework set for pupils.

Click here for further information.

The features of our curriculum

• A high level of skills which are mapped through subjects in Key Stage 3.
• An in-house Key Stage 3 curriculum which develops citizenship, independent learning and skills for life.
• A high proportion of learning opportunities both within the school and through extra-curricular activities.
• Outstanding lesson planning, which includes suitably differentiated learning experiences through a personalised learning programme.
• Cross-curricular promotion of literacy and numeracy.

Literacy schemes

The literacy schemes that are used include:

• Accelerated Reader programme
• Ruth Miskin programme
• Success Maker
• Guided Reading programme
• Literacy Catch-up sessions
• DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) programme

Our most able pupils

Our most able, gifted and talented pupils have an accelerated curriculum offer.  Our different Centres of Excellence serve to stretch and challenge our most able pupils, whilst pupils who need additional support are taught in smaller groups with additional literacy and numeracy throughout the school week.

Year 7 Transition Programme

A Year 7 Transition Programme means that the school ensures that each year our new pupils are fully supported and integrated seamlessly into the life of the school. Pupils’ personal development and well-being are prioritised through the creative learning opportunities offered as part of the curriculum and through the PSHE programme.

We offer high levels of independent learning

• A number of Centres of Excellence to support and extend learning.  These currently include Science, Maths, Sports, Writing and Drama.
• Pupil feedback into the curriculum – in terms of their preferred learning styles, greater focus on their needs as individuals and ensuring high levels of discussion and dialogue around learning.
• Leadership training for pupils from Year 7.  This includes class/year presidents, school prefects, trainee leaders and head boys/girls.

Find out more about Independent Learning here.

Further information on the curriculum can be found in our prospectus or can be made availabe by contacting us.