Subject Information

We believe that Art, Craft and Design is a great form of expression; it allows you to explore your creativity and use your imagination.

Art enables you to visualise and communicate thoughts, feelings and experiences.

“I found that I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for” Georgia O’Keeffe

Our students and pupils are taught basic drawing and craft skills in order for them to understand how materials and processes work, therefore enabling them to become more confident in their abilities as artists. Learners are encouraged to experiment with their ideas and their use of the formal elements; colour, texture, form, patterns, materials and processes. Self-evaluation is promoted and children are taught how to be resilient to achieve their goals. We encourage artistic development through the use of resources and a range of starting points and themes, which further develops their talents and creative thinking.

Our learners are taught to think critically and are introduced to a range of art styles and movements. This enables learners to understand how Art, Craft and Design is celebrated in different cultures and how this has shaped our history.

All learners are supplied with a sketchpad to record their art journey’s over the school year. These sketch pads are crucial in recording progress, skills, experimentation and imagination. It allows our learners to develop their ideas and to show progression in their artistic ability.

With our well-equipped media suite, opportunities are created for the children to develop their research skills and digital processes which we are further embedding alongside our knowledgeable Media suite staff.

Learners are also able to work on live projects and with practising artists, this is an area that we will carry on developing in order for students to experience real life projects.

We recognise and celebrate the work children bring into school from home, which shows the skills they have learnt being utilised.

As students progress through Collingwood School we offer a range of Art, Craft and Design qualification including:

  • Arts Award Discover, Explore and Bronze.
  • WJEC Creative, Media and Performance Arts (Including units on painting and drawing, ceramics, textiles, 3D and printmaking).
  • AQA Unit Awards.
  • AQA GCSE Arts, Craft and Design.

Our aims for all learners are:

  • To produce creative work, exploring ideas and recording experiences.
  • To become skilful in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
  • To evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
  • To know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIaG) is available to all pupils across all our key stages including sixth form. CEIaG is not a standalone subject and is embedded across the curriculum.

In the lower key stages (1, 2, 3) it is taught within PHSE, where a wide range of information about The World of Work will be studied. At Key Stage 4, it is taught as a BTEC WorkSkills qualification, which is nationally recognised by employers.

In sixth form, CEIAG is part of the Preparing for Adulthood Plan and involves a programme which is differentiated to meet the needs of the students. Students are able to experience the World of Work through placements which are individually chosen to match the student’s interests, skills and needs.

Our aims are to:

  • Encourage pupils to be ambitious and broaden their horizons throughout school life.
  • Ensure pupils are prepared to take their next steps in learning or a career.
  • Encourage pupils from an early age to have an understanding of what the World of Work is really like.

Throughout all the key stages, pupils will be introduced to The World of Work and Further Education opportunities through visits to Careers Events, visitors in school, Careers Advisers and practical sessions etc. These will help pupils to learn how to investigate their own career/ further education opportunities and give them an insight into what their career path may include.

We want our pupils, and their parents, to be aware of the opportunities available to them and want to instil in our pupils a sense of aspiration so that paid work, employment and training is achievable to everyone.

Design and technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social, environmental and health issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, become innovators and know how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Our aims are to:

  • Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently.
  • Participate successfully in an increasingly technological world by using ICT and our state of the art laser cutter.
  • Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
  • Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
  • Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Design & Technology is a popular subject at Collingwood, the practical nature of the learning experiences make it accessible to pupils of all abilities. The pupils draw on knowledge and understanding from across the curriculum, develop their numeracy, literacy, ICT and communication skills and are required to apply these in practical ways.

Drama has an important role to play in the personal development of our students. The skills and qualities developed by students in drama, such as teamwork, creativity, leadership and risk-taking are essential in all subjects and all areas of life. Drama stimulates the imagination and allows students to explore issues and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

It is vital to create an atmosphere of security, trust and concentration. Drama promotes self-esteem and provides all students with a sense of achievement regardless of their academic ability.

Drama curriculum is focused upon developing pupil imagination, communication and creativity whilst assessing their progress in the three essential areas of: making, performing and responding in Drama. The curriculum has been designed to introduce and sustain the continual assessment of pupils according to the Drama Assessment Level descriptors published in the Arts Council document “Drama in Schools” (second edition 2003).

In KS1 and KS2 pupils take part in a range of pretend activities where they explore situations and stories through imaginative role play. Themes and texts are connected to the topics and themes they are studying in other curriculum areas.

Pupils are also encouraged to develop their confidence by taking part in the school Christmas production, celebration events and special assemblies.

In KS3, students have the option to participate in Creative Arts which integrates Music, Film and Media. They will be provided with experience and skills in sound editing, staging and directing.

KS4 students receive lessons in Performing Arts, which may have a music focus or drama focus depending on the interest of students.

KS5 students will have the opportunity to work with professional artists, attend performances, visit theatres and galleries and increase their knowledge and understanding of the Arts Industry.

We encourage pupils to speak and write clearly so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others. Through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Reading also helps pupils to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participate fully as a member of society; pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and clearly can become disenfranchised.

Aims
The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with confidence in spoken and written language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. The national curriculum for English aims to ensure all pupils:

  • Read easily, fluently and with good understanding.
  • Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.
  • Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
  • Appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage.
  • Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
  • Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
  • Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.
  • Ensure that needs do not prevent students accessing learning (e.g. EAL, communication aids).

Literacy and Reading

We promote reading through English lessons. Primary pupils follow a structured phonics programme of teaching and reading and share books.   Pupils access a wide range of literature in each year including: poetry, non-fiction texts, and a range of fiction including Shakespeare.

Pupils are encouraged to talk about what they are reading, share their ideas, voice their opinions and develop informed responses about texts. The skills of Speaking and Listening and the ability to respond, voice thoughts and opinions is vitally important for our pupils. Pupils receive extra lessons to support the development of their communication through specifically trained staff. ​

What are the benefits of reading for pleasure?

  • Children who say they enjoy reading for pleasure are more likely to achieve well in their lives.
  • It can have a positive impact on children’s emotional and social behaviour.
  • It can have a positive impact on how children write – including their spelling and grammar.​
  • Reading for pleasure is strongly influenced by relationships between teachers and children, and children and families and carers.

Horseriding

Science

Enterprise

Tourism

Performing Arts and Media

Forest Schools and introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh skills

Humanities covers the teaching of Geography, History and Religious Education.

We want our pupils to leave us with the knowledge and skills that they need to understand the world they live in. It is this world that they will need to make sense of, use and engage with. We want our pupils to cherish and appreciate the diverse world around them, to make choices that sustain it and make a positive difference.

“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure”

– David Attenborough

Humanities subjects are about how people of different cultures and backgrounds relate to each other and the world in which they live, or in which people have lived in the past, providing a means by which pupils can apply their understanding of it in personal, local, national and global contexts.

We aim to develop the skills and understanding needed to enable our pupils to play an active, well-informed role in the community, and to prepare them for further education or work in a rich range of fields.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils will study six topics per academic year, thereby ensuring coverage of both the skills and knowledge content outlined in the National Curriculum.

In Key Stage 3, pupils receive two 40 minute lessons of Humanities per week. These lessons are delivered by specialist subject teachers.

Religious Education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people. We enable our pupils to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism (and, where appropriate, Humanism). Children reflect on what it means to have a belief system and to develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding. We help our pupils learn from religions as well as about religions.

The Religious Education curriculum forms an important part of our school’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural teaching. It also promotes education for citizenship. Our school RE curriculum is based on the Northumberland County Council agreed syllabus, and it meets all the requirements set out in that document and in legislation.

We base our teaching and learning style in RE on the key principle that good teaching in RE allows pupils both to learn about religion and beliefs and to reflect on what the religious ideas and concepts mean to them. Our teaching enables children to explore and firm up their own values and promotes their spiritual growth and development. We encourage children to think about their own views, beliefs and actions in relation to the themes and topics studied in the RE curriculum. We also encourage pupils to explore a variety of different ethical and moral issues.

Trips to local places of worship are undertaken annually, as well as visits to Collingwood from people of different faiths and beliefs, and we have strong links with our local church, St Aidan’s in Morpeth, the Kadampa Buddhist Compassion Centre, The United Reform Synagogue and the Sikh Gurdwara, which are all in Newcastle. We also have links with the Islamic Diversity Centre in Newcastle.

At Key Stage 4, pupils have a suspended timetable once every half term where they have the opportunity to study core themes such as environmental issues, human rights and social justice, community cohesion, health and well-being, and relationships. If time allows, visits to places of worship will take place.

To make religion and belief more accessible, our Primary pupils benefit from a thematic approach. At KS3, our pupils move into a more structured introduction to world religions. At KS4, pupils return to a more thematic approach to look at topical ethical and moral issues. We believe these issues will enthuse the pupils and also have relevance in their lives. The topics will encourage a lot of debate and discussion, to enable the pupils to reach informed conclusions about these matters themselves.

Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. At Collingwood School, the core of computing is Computer Science in which pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads, VR headsets, interactive whiteboards and a range of programmable resources such as Lego and robots, allowing them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn. This ensures they become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology.  We teach a curriculum that enables children to become effective users of technology who can:

  • Understand and apply the essential principles and concepts of Computer Science, including logic, algorithms and data representation.
  • Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
  • Evaluate and apply information technology analytically to solve problems.
  • Communicate ideas well by utilising appliances and devices throughout all areas of the curriculum.

Internet Safety
Collingwood School takes internet safety extremely seriously. We have an Online Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Every class participates in lessons on e-safety and children understand how to stay safe when using technology.

You may find the following links useful to help your child stay safe online at home: Understanding social networking sites and how to keep your children safe.

Understanding social networking sites and how to keep your children safe:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Great advice to help keep your children safe online:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Safety information for the whole family:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/hub/4099151/windows-security-help

Report any illegal content on the internet:
https://www.iwf.org.uk/

Keep up to date with any e-safety issues:
https://www.childnet.com/

Safety information for parents:
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/

Information on gaming safely with resources for parents and children:
https://news.microsoft.com/2009/01/14/microsoft-encourages-families-to-get-game-smart/

Understand and share the world of social networking websites with your children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Enterprise

Creative/Performing Arts

Photography

Computing/Coding

Duke of Edinburgh Award/Horticulture

Mathematics is delivered following the National Curriculum and pupils learn the key areas such as Calculation, Measure, Shape/Space and Data Handling. Our objective is for all students to leave with a formal accreditation. We enter students for an array of qualifications based on their suitability; these include Entry Level, Functional Skills and a GCSE in Mathematics.

In Mathematics, we implement a cross curricular method to the subject by bringing in English, ICT/Computing, Humanities also having discussions why Maths is so important and the role it plays in everyday life. The goal here is to encourage all the students to have an understanding and encourage them to appreciate Maths outside the classroom, as well as broadening their understanding.

Maths isn’t simply a classroom activity; we make the most of our surroundings by taking it outdoors and bringing it more to life and making it more exciting for the students.

All of Collingwood’s students are delivered the National Curriculum and learn key areas such as Calculation, Measure, Shape/Space and Data Handling. We are fully aware and respectful that every student will have varying abilities and each class is differentiated to accommodate every student. Collingwood’s philosophy is that every student should be given the opportunity to succeed. Collingwood’s objective is for all students to leave with a formal accreditation. We enter students for array of qualifications based on their suitability; these include Entry Level, Functional Skills and a GCSE in Mathematics.

In Mathematics, we implement a cross curricular method to the subject by bringing in English, ICT/Computing, Humanities also having discussions why Maths is so important and the role it plays in everyday life. The goal here is to encourage all the students to have an understanding and encourage them to appreciate Maths outside the classroom, as well as broadening their understanding.

Maths at Collingwood isn’t simply a classroom activity; we make the most of our surroundings by taking it outdoors and bringing it more to life and making it more exciting for the students.

Media is a major element in the school curriculum, being taught as a discrete subject at KS3 to 5, but also embedded in a wider sense throughout the school. We acknowledge that Media is a great motivator for all of our learners, being attuned to their existing interests and lives beyond school.

We have an excellent Media Suite facility, with green screen, video production, edit suite and music recording equipment. Quality still and video cameras are available for pupils to use. There is a range of media production software, and our pupils are able to use packages such as Photoshop and Premier.

We firmly believe that the teaching of media and its embedding in the wider curriculum prepares our pupils for life in a media- driven world, as well as improving life chances.

Collingwood School is fortunate to possess an excellent Media Suite facility, with green screen, video production edit suite and music recording equipment. Quality still and video cameras are available for pupils to use. There is a range of media production software, and our pupils are able to learn to use packages such as Photoshop and Premier to a standard higher than they would in a mainstream setting. We aim to train and further develop our teaching and support staff in terms of using the equipment and resources on offer, so that they will become more confident in incorporating Media into their pedagogy.

Collingwood also has a highly skilled Media Suite staff as a resource, and on the curriculum side, a subject lead who has been Principal Moderator for the WJEC Entry Pathways Media course for some years. Collingwood School prides itself on producing Media work of the highest quality, which is used nationally as exemplar material for schools delivering the EP Media course.

Collingwood has used its media expertise in a range of projects with external agencies, including Alnwick Garden, SENRUG, Coca Cola Enterprises, VODA and the BBC, and continues to develop in this area.

We firmly believe that the teaching of media and its embedding in the wider curriculum prepares our pupils for life in a media- driven world, as well as improving life chances, as many of our ex pupils have gone on to gain higher level qualifications in Media Arts subjects.

Music is valued as a powerful and unique form of communication & expression, that can influence the way pupils think, feel and act.

Music is taught at the foundation level as a discrete subject through an integrated arts curriculum.

Pupils attend singing assemblies and participate in yearly performances. They have access to an excellent range of musical instruments and are introduced to music technology through a range of software. Pupils are taught how to use and integrate music technology and sound equipment into their learning and as a tool for self evaluation.

All students have the opportunity to learn keyboard and as well as receiving whole class tuition of instruments delivered by the specialist music teacher.

Music is particularly important within the within the Special Needs setting as it can act as a vehicle for personal expression, promoting emotional development, and encouraging creativity

At Collingwood Media Arts College , music has a high priority within the school curriculum

Music is taught at the foundation level as a discrete subject through an integrated arts curriculum.

The schemes of work reflects topic work and links with literacy and other curriculum areas, in line with National  Curriculum guidance . Music is sometimes combined with dance and drama

Children in KS1 and 2 children receive 1 music lesson per week delivered by a the specialist music teacher .

They attend singing assemblies and participate in yearly performances .

They have access to an excellent range of musical instruments and are introduced to music technology through a range of soft wear.

In Key Stage 3, children receive a 40 minute lesson per week. The content will be linked with Humanities themes wherever possible, developing skills and knowledge in line with National curriculum guidance.

Children are taught how to use and integrate music technology and sound equipment into their learning and as a tool for self evaluation.

At KS4 music is provided as an Option and students can gain a range of accreditation.

In KS5,  If students have a particular interest in developing their skills or exploration of music, they can do so through the Arts Award qualification

All students have the opportunity to learn keyboard and as well as receiving whole class instrument tuition delivered by the specialist music teacher.

At Collingwood we encourage our pupils to share their skills and become confident composers and performers.

We recognise the vital contribution of physical education to a young person’s physical, cognitive, social, moral, cultural and emotional development. Pupils learn skills such as control, awareness, agility, balance and coordination as well as teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity, critical thinking and resilience.

We endeavour to nurture confidence while supporting independence in movement and competence, through a fun, enjoyable and engaging curriculum. We offer a range of activities and levels of challenge and competition, guide posting our students to further external opportunities where appropriate. 

We aim to embed being physically active for life.  PE is an integral part of the curriculum to be enjoyed by all. Weekly physical activity lessons support the ethos of a healthy lifestyle and engage students so they are ready to learn in the classroom. We also offer weekly swimming sessions for some students.

We work with a range of partners including Morpeth School Sports Partnership, Bone Desert Cycling, Bikes4Health, Newcastle United Football Foundation, Ability to Play, Northumberland Sport, Active Northumberland, Barnabus Safe and Sound, Northumberland Cricket Development, Newcastle Falcons, Panathlon Ltd, Coca Cola Enterprise, Northumberland County Council Economic and Inclusion Policy Team, Shorebase and All Stars Rugby to help offer our children a broad range of experiences and strengthen school-club links.

Specific Aims

Different experiences for different age groups will ensure all pupils will be exposed to a range of appropriate challenges as they move through the school so that they:

  • Develop physical competence and confidence by acquiring and developing a range of fine and gross motor skills.
  • Become aware of the different shapes and movements that can be made with the body.
  • Develop knowledge, skills and understanding, and the ability to remember, repeat and refine actions with increasing control and accuracy.
  • Become aware of the benefits of a fit and healthy lifestyle by understanding the effects of exercise on the body and the importance of developing strength, endurance and flexibility.
  • Appreciate the value of safe exercising.

PE Curriculum

PE is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. The fundamental skills, knowledge and concepts of the subject are categorised into.

  • Games
  • Gymnastics
  • Dance
  • Athletics
  • Outdoor and adventure activities
  • Swimming and water safety

School Sports Premium

We receive funding which is used to make additional and sustainable improvements to the quality of PE and sport offered for primary students. It is used to help build capacity and capability, ensuring that improvements made now will benefit pupils joining the school in the future.

Science is a key component of the school curriculum, students are taught separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) with a range of practical activities alongside theory. Key areas of study within each science include light, sound, separating mixtures, acids and alkalis, the human body and evolution.

Students are encouraged to question and develop curiosity in topics in order to better their understanding and develop life skills to take science beyond the classroom.

Science is a key component of the school curriculum, with each class in KS3 and KS4 benefiting from two lessons per week. The students are taught separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) with a range of practical activities alongside theory. Key areas of study within each science include light, sound, separating mixtures, acids and alkalis, the human body and evolution.

Each class has a tailored and suitably supported set of PowerPoint slides, worksheets, practical tasks and group discussions to maximise learning and develop scientific skills. Teaching assistants as well as a specialist science teacher help develop students towards their termly targets working its way up to AQA ELC (entry level certificate) Science in KS4.

Students are encouraged to question and develop curiosity in topics in order to better their understanding and develop life skills to take science beyond the classroom.