The Curriculum
In the first 2 years the students follow a balanced curriculum that covers the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and ICT. Students also study Spanish, Geography, History and RE and some study French. Their creative side is developed by Dance, Music, Drama and Art lessons while their technical skills are supported working with Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials and Graphic Products. Their physical fitness and sporting talents are supported with PE and a wide variety of after school sports.
Students begin their studies at school by embarking on a foundation course in Year 7 where they study a range of competencies and skills such as being a team member or leader as well as communication and social skills. In addition students will take part a wide variety of learning experiences such as field trips, industrial visits, visiting speaker and artists, and Museums including Kirkleatham Hall and Beamish.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 students follow compulsory English, Science, Mathematics, RE and PE as well as choosing from a number of pathways to study subjects at examination level: they chose a pathway that suits their ability and interest. These pathways accommodate the practical, academic and vocational strands so that every child reaches their full potential.
Most subjects are to GCSE level with some vocational qualifications such as BTEC’s and NVQ levels. There is also a range of enrichment choices that include Performing Workshops, Digital Sound recording, Skills Workshop, Duke of Edinburgh Award and Sports Ability. We believe we have one of the most extensive and successful Key Stage 4 curriculums available. Within the pathways students choose subjects they want to study from an extensive list of including those identified below:-
| Electronics | D & T Textiles | Art & Design | Child Development | Sound Workshop(Digital Music) |
| Graphics | Media | Sports Studies | Digital Design | Duke of Edinburgh Award |
| Music | Engineering | Beauty | Resistant Materials | Information Technology |
| Hairdressing | Religious Education | Spanish | Leisure & Tourism | Health & Social Care |
| D & T Food | Statistics | Photography | Geography | Performing Arts- Dance |
| Sports BTEC | Expressive Arts | History | Vocational ICT | Equine Studies (Horse Care) |
| Art | Performing Workshop | French | English Literature | Performing Arts – Acting |
| Skills workshop
Horse Care |
Emedia(Web Design)
Catering |
Music BTEC | Sports Ability
|
Creative & Media Diploma |
Teaching Groups
Students starting school are placed in classes that best suit their ability. We use the Key Stage 2 SAT tests results and data from our own Cognitive Ability tests and Reading tests to place students in the right class. They stay in these sets for most of the subjects but are placed in mixed ability classes to study the creative subjects. Students are monitored half-termly and are moved from time to time when it becomes apparent that they are not in the correct ability group.
After the Key Stage 3 all students are reviewed and again placed in ability groups for their core subjects – English, Science and Maths. For the rest of their week they are placed in subjects of their choice.
Learning about Languages and Cultures
Spanish is studied by all students in Years 7 to 9 and a second foreign language (currently French) is offered to students in Year 8 with an aptitude for language-learning. Our students have the option of studying one or both languages to GCSE level and staff are able to teach Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese. The emphasis in MFL lessons is based firmly on communication, and students learn to express themselves on a wide range of diverse topics enabling them to visit Spain or France and ask for food, drink and other items of importance.
The faculty encourages language-learning outside the classroom, and offers a programme of affordable visits to Spain and France such as a trip to the Costa Brava and other parts of Spain, a two-day visit to northern France (Christmas Markets, town trails and a chocolate factory!).
Recently a small group of students in Year 7 participated in an Outwood bound programme of water activities in Northern Spain.
School Sport & Fitness
Physical Education is an integral part of the whole education process at Redcar Community College and aims to promote and develop healthy, co-ordinated individuals who can appreciate their own and other people’s talents.
Every child takes an active, practical part in all lessons, where effort and personal progress is important. The PE Department employs various techniques and new ideas and where necessary involves external coaching. We have the use of excellent facilities, including a Sports Hall, Gymnasium, extensive playing fields and a new purpose-built fitness suite. There is a full range of sporting activities that students can access in and after school.
