At Rivers we offer a varied and challenging programme of study: developing fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem solving.

We aim to

• be supportive and encourage independent learning 
• encourage students to take pride in their progress in mathematical understanding
• match curriculum objectives to each student
• collaborate with stakeholder schools when indicated

 

 

 • An experienced team, we equip students with the skills, knowledge and resilience needed to read fluently and write accurately.

• We closely mirror the content taught in mainstream schools (please see roadmap below) in order to promote students’ confidence and readiness for their reintegration to mainstream. Our curriculum map and high expectations fully prepare students for the demands of the GCSE curriculum.

• Students attend regular timetabled literacy lessons, in which they work on their key skills using a range of engaging resources and the online learning platform Bedrock.

• We motivate students to persist with challenging writing tasks and build their writing stamina, helping them to become independent writers.

• We insist on - and support students with - accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar, preparing them for the demands of the exam courses and the first impression it will create in future employment.

• Students are encouraged to speak in a clear and academic style, sharing their views on texts and respectfully challenging other opinions.

 

Poetry at Key Stage 3

During our recent poetry unit, students developed their understanding of poetic devices
and gained confidence using these in their own work. We also experimented with Slam Poetry – poems that are written to be performed and focus on the flow of thought and powerful emotions.
The following poem from a Year 8 student was so impressive, we entered it into a
competition.
Watch this space for the result!
Mrs Gilbert

Poetry Slam!

A poem written to be performed aloud and give the audience a message.

Written by a Year 8 Student after Being Excluded from Mainstream School…

Title: The School System Sucks

Talking to my Head of Key Stage, looking at me with disgust. Talking to my Head of Year, she would look at me like she wants to discuss. I huffed as I run out the door, head for the downstairs floor, I swore and I swore ‘til I got to the gate – I head outside, run to the estate.

So, if you’re asking me what is good about school? The smart-on-paperteachers are just tools, make us feel like fools. The fire for lighting fires being misused for cigarettes and flames, it’s really such a shame, this game.

If you’re asking what is good about school, I can tell you, myself and others that the break-time spent with your mate in the playground talking, running around and playing football is so much fun. And certain subjects, like P.E., where everyone can express themselves in something they love to do. So, let’s review on the time at school and accept that it was not that good – but don’t be misunderstood – there was some good.

 

Science lessons inspire and engage pupils in their learning to use keywords and explain their ideas. Pupils are taught how to plan their own investigations and analyse data. Lessons will give pupils an understanding of what they need to know by the end of KS3. The KS3 curriculum covers areas of Biology and Chemistry. Investigations and projects cover subjects such as The Earth and our Universe and Human Biology

 

Throughout this academic year pupils will be given the chance to experience an array of different media  enhance their artistic skills and creative imagination. 

Natural forms, Marine Life, Abstract Art, Still Life, 3D Design and Portraiture. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of traditional and contemporary Artists to inspire and inform their own Art work. Textiles is also now offered as part of the Art and Design course at KS3, where students learn a wide variety of printing methods, such as block and relief printing, mono printing, stenciling and embellishment. Students are also introduced to using the sewing machines and techniques such as free machining and applique, and have this year contributed to a community project, creating a hanging to commemorate poppy day.

 

 

Throughout this academic year pupils will look at various areas of food nutrition, healthy eating, hygiene (both personal and environmental), malnutrition and the impact of a poor diet. They will also have the opportunity to produce various savouries and sweet dishes and enhance their current cookery skills such as baking, grilling, frying, boiling, simmering as well as preparatory skills including slicing, grating, chopping and peeling. 

They will also partake in a visit to a local Bakery as part of their Carbohydrates module, to see how bread is made and have the opportunity to make their own.

In PE we develop the skills and techniques for a variety of games including; badminton,  tennis,  basketball,  cricket,  football and hockey. In the summer we develop our athletic skills  learning to refine a variety of track and field techniques including; sprinting, long distance running, long jump, javelin and discus. Identifying key muscle groups and understanding the positive impact of a healthy lifestyle is also taught.   

Within this broad subject area, we address issues that we feel are relevant to our young people, and we endeavour to support young people in their future as adults. We cover areas such as safe relationships, mental health and other social issues. We also look at religious education and cover most of the key religious cultures that are present in modern day society.

 

The Prince’s Trust Level 1 Award in Developing Resilience recognises the effectiveness of supporting learners to develop resilience as part of their journey towards achieving positive outcomes.

It has been developed with the aim of supporting learners to increase their personal resilience by exploring, experiencing, and developing different protective factors and learning how to apply helpful habits to their real lives to help them manage life’s challenges.