All pupils under 16 in Wirral maintained secondary schools (but not Academies) must study the National Curriculum as part of the wider curriculum decided by individual schools.
Academy schools must follow the National Curriculum for English, maths and science, but are not obliged to include any of the other core curriculum subjects. In practice, however, there are generally only small variations between what is taught in an Academy and any other maintained school.
The National Curriculum covers the following subject areas for pupils aged 11 to 14 (Key Stage 3):
- English
- Maths
- Design and Technology
- Science
- Music
- Modern Foreign Language
- Geography
- Art and Design
- History
- Physical Education
- Citizenship
- ICT
Pupils can also study extra subjects from the options available in each school. Individual schools may organise their teaching in different ways, and headteachers will be happy to discuss their own school’s approach with you.
The National Curriculum for 14 to 16 year old pupils
includes the following subjects (Key Stage 4):
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Physical Education
- ICT
- Citizenship
Pupils are assessed at ages 14 and 16, and you can see reports on progress within the subject areas following these assessments.
More about the National Curriculum
You can get further details about the National Curriculum from the government's website.
Religious education
All pupils study religious education unless parents ask for them to be withdrawn from lessons. Religious education in Wirral is taught in community, foundation and trust schools according to an agreed syllabus. This syllabus is produced by the Wirral Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education. You can get a copy from schools or direct from us. Religious education at voluntary aided schools and academies is the responsibility of the governing body and will be taught according to the school’s trust deed.
Sex and relationship education
All pupils are entitled to receive sex and relationship education as part of the National Curriculum, unless parents ask for them to be withdrawn from lessons. Secondary schools must provide sex and relationship education. It must include teaching about AIDS, HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections, and be given in a way which encourages pupils to consider moral issues and the value of family life. The detailed content and nature of sex education is for school governing bodies to decide. Parents may request a copy of the school’s sex and relationship policy and may choose to withdraw their children from all or part of sex education.
Physical Education
Physical Education is taught to all pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4. A varied programme of Physical Education is offered.
From Year 10 onwards pupils, can extend their interest in Physical Education by studying for GCSE, A Level and Junior Sports Leadership Awards.
Pupils also have the chance to get involved in Health Related Exercise programmes, reflecting a more personalised attitude to Physical Education.
The reputation of school sport in Wirral continues to be of a high standard. All pupils – whatever their age, gender or ability – are encouraged to make the best use of their talents and interests to join after-school clubs.
Careers education
All secondary schools must provide a programme of careers education, and an appropriate range of careers information and guidance, for pupils during Years 7 to 11. They must also give pupils at key decision-making points during their education access to careers officers. The DfE website provides statutory guidance on careers education and information in schools.
For more details, contact the school directly.
Health Services in Schools
Health Services in Schools provide a range of services coordinated by the school nursing service, funded by NHS Wirral and hosted by Wirral secondary schools following consultation with governing bodies, parent groups and pupils.
Each participating school has a weekly open access drop-in clinic, staffed by a professional team of nurses and youth workers. Pupils are able to speak privately about any issue relating to their health and well-being and are encouraged at all times to tell parents and carers of their visit and involve them in their concerns.
Pupils will also be advised that confidentiality cannot be maintained if their safety could be affected. For more information:
Health Promotion Strategy Manager, NHS Wirral
Phone: 0151 651 0011
Email: intouch@wirral.nhs.uk
Music
Learning to play a musical instrument is a journey of discovery, joy, challenge and fulfilment. Edsential provides music tuition in many primary, secondary and special schools. If your child is not able to receive tuition in school, then Edsential can offer tuition in Music Centres at Woodchurch or Wallasey in the evenings or on Saturday mornings. The Wirral Centre for Young Musicians takes place on Saturday mornings and provide string, orchestral, wind and brass groups as well as theory and aural tuition for children of all abilities. More advanced students may audition to become members of senior ensembles, including orchestra, brass band, big band and concert band. These groups regularly tour abroad and are involved with regional and national festivals of music.
Charges may be made for lessons and other activities. Financial support is usually available for children in receipt of pupil premium. Please enquire at your school or directly with Edsential for further details about financial support for music tuition and the remissions policy. Instruments may be hired or purchased from Edsential. You can get further details about tuition, music centres and ensembles from:
Edsential Music Service
Phone: 0151 541 2170 ext: 2011
Email: hello@edsential.co.uk
Website: www.edsential.com