| Languages |
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| Can children and parents specify which language of French and Spanish they would prefer in Year 7, or is the choice randomised? |
Children and parents cannot specify which language (French or Spanish) their child studies. The choice is randomised based on the group they are in. In very exceptional circumstances (such as a child being bilingual), we may change the language a child studies |
| Is there any opportunity to pick up or switch to the other language in Year 8 before selecting which to take to GCSE? |
There isn’t an opportunity to switch language in Year 8 as this affects teaching group |
| Are only strong linguists permitted to choose Latin GCSE, or can any interested pupil study that course? |
Any students can opt to study Latin at GCSE regardless of ability |
| Is any Latin taught in Year 8, or is the first encounter with that subject *after* selecting it as a GCSE option? |
Students have a taster session of Latin in Year 8 prior to making them Option choices. This happens within their usual language lessons but taught by the Latin teacher. This is usually a couple of months before they make their option choices. |
| Science |
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| In which year do students select between double (synergy) and triple science? |
This decision is finalised in year 11 and considers data from year 9 and 10. It is done in conjunction with the student and dependant on the pathway dictated by English and maths |
| Can all students who wish to study triple science do so, or is there an element of selection-by-ability? |
Students in the top half of the year group (as selected by maths and English) all have access to triple but a decision on entry is discussed with them in year 11 |
| Do triple scientists have additional contact hours over and above the 9 hours per fortnight in the core KS4 timetable? |
No |
| Are triple scientists taught by subject-specialists in each science? |
Where possible yes but all science teachers are trained to teach all 3 sciences to GCSE so this does not have an impact. |
| Does BVC engage with the various science outreach schemes run by the University of Cambridge, e.g. STIMULUS? |
We currently follow STEM courses and are always considering new options. |
| Maths |
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| Are the students setted by ability in maths? And if so, when does this start? |
Setting on the basis attainment across a range of assessments is the norm in mathematics from Year 8 onwards, and is reviewed after each assessment cycle to ensure students are in the optimal class for ensuring they are appropriately challenged and supported. In year 7, slightly different approaches to setting/banding students have been used over recent years, based on the prior attainment data available to us and other considerations. |
| Do the strongest at maths ever do additional qualifications, e.g. Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths? |
Last year, 12 students were entered for the L2 Further Maths Qualification and were awarded very good outcomes. We also have a tradition of entering students for the UKMT Junior and Intermediate maths challenge competitions. |
| General Questions |
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| I have a concern which I would like to discuss with someone how do I go about it? |
We take any concerns you may have, however big or small, seriously. If you have questions regarding homework or classwork for a certain subject contact their teacher directly over email and they will come back to you as soon as possible. If your child has friendship issues, their Mentor would be the first point of contact. Please contact their Mentor via email and again they will respond to you. Your child will also have an Achievement Leader if their Mentor cannot resolve the issue. |
| How do I report my child absent? |
If your child is ill, please email absence@bassingbournvc.org on each and every day of absence. We do ask that you do this before 8.15am as this allows us to ensure our attendance registers are accurate. If your child has poor attendance or has been off school for more than 5 school days, we may then ask for medical evidence of the illness in the form of a note from your GP. |
| My child needs to take medication, can this be administered in school? |
Yes, if your child has been prescribed medication by your doctor which needs to be taken during the school day we are able to support this. We will need documentation to provide us with permission to administer the medication which can either be emailed into school via office@bassingbournvc.org or completed in person on the first day you bring the medication into school. Medication in school will need to be in its original box with your child’s name on the label. Once the medication has been finished this will need to be collected. |
