At Biddenham we pride ourselves on our transitional curriculum, preparing students to move from year 6 into year 7 at secondary school. We understand it can be a daunting time for students and parents alike, and therefore we work closely with your child’s current school to build a personalised transition for the students. This comprehensive transition programme ensures your child is confident when they walk in on their first day of term as a year 7 student.
During their first year at Biddenham, students will mainly be based in the new purpose built year 7 block, however they will move to other area for lessons which require specialist facilities, for example PE, Design Technology and Science. We support students moving into year 8 by running a more flexible programme, with lessons gradually being based outside of the facility and students becoming more independent in their learning and confident in moving around the entire school. During the last half term in year 8 students experience sample GCSE taster sessions and a careers fair to prepare them for year 9, before we pass them to the Key Stage 4 team who then move them into their GCSE curriculum.
Throughout your child’s time in year 7 and 8 they will experience a connected curriculum which fuses together both core and creative subjects to engage, inspire and offer opportunities to experience real life learning, both inside and outside the classroom. Each term all topics are connected by a theme which enables students to make links between subjects that they may otherwise overlook. Creating these strong bonds between subjects helps students to problem solve and consolidate all of their knowledge.
Biddenham has a unique Key Stage 3 experience for students, which is inclusive, nurturing and personalised. We pride ourselves on knowing every student and having strong relationships with parents and carers.
Welcome letter to students from Ms Simpson
Starting Secondary School Booklet
As you will see your child will take part in a wide range of curriculum opportunities whilst studying at Biddenham. This academic year we have launched the start of the Biddenham Enrichment Diplomas. Please see below three examples:
The Biddenham ‘Be Awesome’ Go Big Diploma
The Biddenham ‘Be Awesome’ Values Diploma
The Biddenham ‘ Be Awesome’ Get Ready for GCSE Diploma
Soon to be sent out to students is the Get Set and Go GCSE diplomas to support our year 8s in having as much information and guidance as they start their GCSE option choice process.
To arrange a tour of the school with our Principal, Mr Bailey, please contact enquiries@biddenham.beds.sch.uk or telephone 01234 342521.
Ms E Simpson
Assistant Headteacher in charge of Key Stage 3