Religious Education Inspiring pupils to engage with life's big questions Go Go Our Religious Studies Curriculum intends to: Inspire pupils to engage with life's big questions. Enable pupils to investigate religions and world views through varied experiences, approaches and disciplines. Enable pupils to reflect on the ideas of others and express their own ideas with increasing creativity and clarity and be able to consider how beliefs have an impact on individuals and communities. Our Religious Education curriculum aims to inspire all pupils to engage with life's big questions. We encourage all pupils to think deeply, creativity and to challenge each other's assumptions and misconceptions. Our aim is for all pupils to be able to develop an acceptance of a wide range of faiths and to develop an understanding of different cultures and belief systems. RE is provided for all pupils in our school through dedicated curriculum time and as part of our wider programme of Personal Development. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from RE and if you would like to do so, we welcome a discussion with you. Please use the contact@westgate.hants.sch.uk email address marked "FAO the Senior Leader responsible for Curriculum - RE". Why Learn RE? Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject, developing an individual's knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society. Religious education enquiry provokes challenging questions about ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It can develop pupils' knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principles religions, other religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to various questions. In the Primary Phase our RE learning is contextualised through a range of religious traditions including: Christian Traditions, Jewish Traditions, Sikhi Traditions, Buddhist Traditions, Islamic Traditions and non-religious viewpoints. We also recognise that everyone's experiences are different and our cycles of enquiry reflect differences within Religious Traditions . The Religious Education course in the secondary phase involves learning about two major world religions, Christianity and Islam, and looks at their beliefs and practices, their customs and traditions, their festivals and holy days. We also learn different ethical perspectives. RE Compliance Document EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content The RE curriculum follows Hampshire's syllabus, ‘Living Difference’, reflecting mainly Christian traditions of Great Britain whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. In Key Stage 1 we teach RE through a cyclical approach following a 'Cycle of Enquiry'. We teach Key Concepts that link directly to children's own experiences and are contextualised within a variety of religious traditions. Year R: Christian, Jewish and Hindu Traditions. Autumn Term: Celebrating birthdays. Spring Term: Special clothes for Christians and Hindus. Eggs as a symbol of the empty tomb and new life. Summer Term: Celebrations and Shabbat. Managing new situations, looking forwards Year 1: Christian, Hindu and Sikhi Traditions. Autumn Term: Ganesha is special to Hindus. Remembering using an Advent Wreath. Spring Term: Stories Jesus told. Changing emotions during the Christian Easter story. Summer Term: Birth stories and celebrations. Church as a community. Year 2: Christian, Sikhi and Hindu Traditions. Autumn Term: Brahman the creator and creation stories. Elizabeth, Mary and the Magi believed. Autumn Term: Community in the Sikhi Faith. Christian Baptisms and other initiations. Summer Term: Krishna’s birthday Janmashtami. Love for enemies, linking to the civil rights movement. The RE curriculum follows Hampshire's syllabus, ‘Living Difference’, reflecting mainly Christian traditions of Great Britain whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. In Key Stage 2 we teach RE through a cyclical approach following a 'Cycle of Enquiry'. We teach Key Concepts that link directly to children's own experiences and are contextualised within a variety of religious traditions. Year 3: Christian, Buddhist and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: The Buddha’s journey of enlightenment. Hannukah – A Jewish celebration. Spring Term: Giving and generosity. Holy Week journey – Peter’s journey Summer Term: Buddhism around the world. Hope and change step by step in our lives. Year 4: Christian, Buddhist and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: “I teach suffering, its origin, cessation and path. That’s all I teach.” declared the Buddha. The people were hoping for a rescuer – Jesus the rescuer. Spring Term: Loyalty – 1. To God 2. To others. Symbols in Christian Traditions. Summer Term: Peace - The Buddha Rupa. Food Rituals in Jewish Traditions . Year 5: Christian, Islamic and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: Who is the prophet and why is he special to Muslims. Christian Traditions. Magi/Isaiah – Fortune Tellers today. Spring Term: Jewish Traditions – Purim. The Eucharist. Summer Term: Sacred Places. Jesus as a leader. Year 6: Christian, Islamic and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: Belonging to the community in Islam Angels. Spring Term: Prayer – Including the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus in Art. Summer Term: Exploring the concept of prophet-hood and how it is contextualised within Islam. How rites of passage are marked in other religious traditions and cultures. Year 7 course content: 1. What is the difference between right and wrong? Pupils will discuss different ethical theories and begin to engage with the RE intent. 2. What is it like to be a Muslim in the 21st century? Pupils look at concepts such as Umma, Hajj and Jihad and they will explore misconceptions within the Islamic faith. 3. Is Christianity Relevant today? Pupils discuss important concepts within the Christian tradition and discuss whether it still has a place today, including looking at Christmas and Easter. Year 8 course content: 1. What is it like to be Jewish Today? Pupils discuss different concepts and explore what it means to be Jewish, including Brit Milah and the Covenant. 2. How does the Media portray how we think about Religion? Pupils explore different ideas about what the media thinks about religion and discuss Humanism as well as how Religion is shown in films and television. 3. How do Buddhists find meaning in everyday life ? Pupils will discuss Buddhism and think about concepts such as suffering and enlightenment. They will assess whether meditation can help people to overcome suffering. RE is provided for all pupils in our school through dedicated curriculum time and, as part of our wider programme of Personal Development. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from RE and if you would like to do so, we welcome a discussion with you. Please use the contact form ' general enquiries ' subject "FAO the Senior Leader responsible for Curriculum - RE". Year 9 Course Content: Course skills:  Topic 1 - Does Religion bring Justice? (Human rights and Social Justice) Pupils will reflect on different Human rights-based issues in society. Topic 2 - How do we memorialize tragedy? Pupils will learn about the Holocaust in depth, and they will assess different philosophical questions surrounding the Holocaust. Topic 3 - Can Religion offer an answer to matters of life and death? (Medical Ethics) Pupils will consider the concept of agape and unconditional love, and they will apply this to medical ethics-based issues.  Pupils will be evaluating the concept of agape and the sanctity of human life and considering whether all human life is special and sacred and will be analysing the impact on individuals and society. Year 10 CORE - taught to all pupils Religion and Identity. Matters of Life Sport. Religion Beliefs in Society. Year 11 CORE at Tutor time: ‘Engaging with Life’s big questions What do Christians believe about the death penalty? Should Sharia Law be upheld? Is prison an effective punishment? What do Christians believe about crime? What are seen as the roles of men and women in Islam? To what extent has the equal pay act helped women? Does Gender discrimination still exist in Islam? Is Marriage still valued in the 21st century? What do Religions believe? Arranged (Sham) marriages. Can they work? Can men and women do the same jobs effectively? What does Christianity teach about peace? Does Christianity allow war? Should all countries have the right to have nuclear weapons? Who am I? What does it mean to be Human? Are Humans and Animals equal in Christianity? What is the meaning of life? Can Religion be the main part of someone’s identity? Can we have multiple identities? What is an ultimate question? Morality is a social construct. Objectively, there is no right or wrong. What does Islam teach about wealth? Do people always use their money wisely? Should they? Do we have a moral duty to help others? What do Christians believe about Euthanasia? Should we have the right to make decisions for others? What does Judaism teach about this? When does life begin in Hinduism? Is death the end or the beginning? What do Christians believe about this GCSE Course Content: Course skills:  Formal essay writing skills/ exam practice Writing to describe / explain  Skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation. Ability to interpret different ethics and beliefs. Course content:  We follow the AQA syllabus for GCSE Religious Enquiry. The course involves the learning about two major world religions, Christianity and Islam and looks at their beliefs and practices, their customs and traditions, their festivals and holy days. We also learn different ethical perspectives: A study of Islam to include holy books, Muhammad, the Sects, festivals, the 5 pillars, worship, different beliefs. A study of Christianity to include worship, the nature of God, creation, the crucifixion, life after death, worship, pilgrimage, festivals, world poverty. Families and Relationships - sexuality, marriage, contraception, divorce, gender equality, the nature of families. Religion, Peace and Conflict - terrorism, reasons for war, conflict, nuclear war, Holy war, just war. Crime and Punishment - reasons for crime, causes of crime, law breakers, the death penalty, forgiveness. Religion and Life issues - the origins of the universe, abortion, euthanasia, animals, death and the after-life. Assessment: Paper 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam. This is assessed in a 105 minute exam. Paper 2: Two r eligious, philosophical and ethical studies themes and two textual studies themes. This is also assessed in a 105 minute exa m Home Learning: Weekly Home Learning will be set in a range of formats: PEA paragraph practice, content learning, and reading around the topic, key word learning, and exam practice. Exam Board: AQA - 8062 Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

Unlock your musical potential at The Westgate School Keyboard Club! Join us to learn, play, and create beautiful music in a supportive setting. Keyboard Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Keyboard Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 9 Contact See EduLink for further details The Keyboard Club is open to Year 7 and Year 8s.  The club will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. The club will support pupils with their music class work and pupils will work at their own pace individually. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Performing Arts Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Performing Arts Internal / External External Age Range Year R - 6 Contact www.stagecoach.co.uk/winchester Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

The Westgate School uniform: approved suppliers, affordability support, and equality-focused guidelines for parents and pupils. School Uniform School Uniform At The Westgate School, we pride ourselves in a strong sense of community in which all pupils have a sense of belonging. Our uniform is a fundamental part of this ethos: it represents the principle that every pupil matters equally, and nobody is privileged above another. Our expectations and aspirations of every pupil is high, and we expect that pupils will treat one another with respect, kindness, equality and dignity. School uniform is symbolic of this belief.  Adults in school are also required to follow a dress-code that is fit for purpose in our school. Our uniform policy on our policy page Uniform guide for parents - including examples of appropriate shoes Purchasing uniform You can purchase all of the uniform from the following suppliers: Skoolkit Stitch a logo Parents can purchase school uniform from either of our two suppliers (necessary for standard items) as well as through our PSA. Some of our suppliers offer purchasing schemes and significant discounts on specified items for pupils who are in receipt of Free School Meals. The school also has a hardship fund to support families where finances may be stretched - please contact the school office if you would like to discuss the possibility of support. Items of uniform which are generic can of course be purchased from high street stores or online: we do however ask that parents ensure their child's clothing is consistent with the expectations set out in the uniform specification. The school is committed to providing at least two suppliers of specified items and will on an annual basis, review costs to ensure that best value is achieved and that a range of suppliers have been explored. The PSA runs a uniform shop from which parents can purchase good quality, second-hand uniform. Please contact the school office for further details or visit the PSA website . Expectations The Westgate School is proud of its pupils and believes that the uniform should reflect the high standards of our learning community. Consequently, all pupils attending The Westgate School are required to wear the correct uniform (including to and from school) without exception or negotiation. Variations We are proud of our supportive culture that enables us to work in partnership with pupils and parents/carers in order to consider individual needs. If you would like to discuss this, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Year Leader. The principles underpinning our uniform mean that we do not allow pupils to display extremes of fashion (e.g. “saggy trousers”). Extreme hair colour is any colour that is not a person’s natural hair colour; haircuts below grade 2, patterns cut into the hairstyle are not permitted at any time. Home Parents & Pupils School Teaching Hours Exam Information Edulink PSA Pupil Portal School Uniform Authorised Absence Request Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Senior School Council Parent Information Army Cadet Detachment

Become a budding artest and join the art club. Art - Flying Colours Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Art - Flying Colours Internal / External External Age Range Year R - 6 Contact Ann Selman Art Clubs – Flying Colours Education Discover the Joy of Creativity: Join Our School Art Club! Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and explore the world of creativity? Our School Art Club is the perfect place for you! Here’s why you should join: 1. Express Yourself Creatively: Dive into a variety of art forms and let your imagination run wild. Whether you love painting, drawing, sculpting, or digital art, our club offers the tools and space to express your unique vision. 2. Learn and Grow: Our club is a fantastic opportunity to develop your artistic skills. Learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and receive guidance from experienced mentors and fellow art enthusiasts. 3. Relax and Unwind: Art is a wonderful way to de-stress and take a break from the hustle and bustle of school life. Spend time creating beautiful pieces and enjoy the calming effects of artistic expression. 4. Make New Friends: Join a community of like-minded students who share your passion for art. Collaborate on projects, share ideas, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and inspiring environment. 5. Boost Your Confidence: Showcase your artwork in school exhibitions and events. Gain confidence as you see your skills improve and receive positive feedback from peers and teachers. 6. Explore Cultural Diversity: Discover art from different cultures and historical periods. Broaden your horizons and appreciate the rich tapestry of global artistic traditions. 7. Build Your Portfolio: If you’re considering a future in the arts, our club provides a great platform to build a strong portfolio. This can be invaluable for college applications and career opportunities in the creative field. 8. Have Fun!: Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the process of creating, experimenting, and sharing your art with others. Our club is all about fostering a love for the arts in a fun and engaging way. This is an external club run by an Art Education Company with experienced primary school teachers. There is a cost for this club of £160 per term. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Access The Westgate School’s medicines and treatment consent form, with guidance for parents on submitting medical information and authorising in‑school care. Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Medicines & Treatment Consent Form The Westgate will undertake to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation and guidance in Health Guidance for Schools with regard to procedures for supporting children with medical requirements, including managing medicines. It is our policy to manage prescribed medicines (ie; antibiotics, inhalers) where appropriate, following consultation and agreement with and written consent from parents/carers. Secondary Phase School (Years 7-11) pupils requiring medicines during the School Day must hand a completed and signed Administration of Medicines & Treatment Consent Form along with clearly labelled and named medication to Secondary Phase School Reception, for storage in the Secondary School Medical Room, as soon as they arrive. Primary Phase (Years R-6) pupils or parents should hand the same to the Primary Phase Reception for storage in the Primary Phase Medical Room. Unused medicines beyond their expiry date will be returned to parents in a sealed envelope, for disposal. Administration of Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Home Parents & Pupils School Teaching Hours Exam Information Edulink PSA Pupil Portal School Uniform Authorised Absence Request Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Senior School Council Parent Information Army Cadet Detachment

Join Westgate's String Ensemble to enhance musical skills, teamwork, and performance. String ensemble Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings String ensemble Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The String Ensemble is open to players of Violins, Violas, Cellos and Double Bass. The ensemble will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, open mornings and evenings, celebrations, the annual school carol service in December, and ‘Go West’ Festival in July, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Experience the joy of music with The Westgate School Junior Orchestra! Join us to learn, play, and perform in a harmonious environment. Junior Orchestra Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Junior Orchestra Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The Junior Orchestra is open to all players of Strings, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion and will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Rh ythm reading exercises will be amongst the warm-ups, and a variety of pieces from different genres and styles including 'Reggae Hits Town', 'Yellow Bird', The Bare Necessities', 'The Blue Danube' and 'Yesterday' will be played in rehearsals. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, celebrations, ‘Go West’ Festival, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Understand how The Westgate School handles and protects personal data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and safeguarding pupil information. Privacy Privacy We may collect non-personal and personal information for the following purposes: To create aggregated statistical data and other aggregated and/or inferred non-personal information, which we may use to provide and improve our respective services. More Information can be found on our Statutory Page and on our Policy Page . Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

Explore high-quality Initial Teacher Training with Winchester Schools Training Alliance at The Westgate School. Check out vacancies and open mornings now Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Date Posted 2024-12-19T00:00 Winchester Schools Training Alliance Interested in Training to be a Teacher? The Westgate School is the lead school in the Winchester Schools Training Alliance. Working with 18 schools in the Winchester area to provide high-quality, school led Initial Teacher Training. See the website for details of Train to Teach Open Mornings and further information. Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

Join The Westgate School’s employer network to support careers events and inspire pupils—sign up to get involved and stay connected. Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers Partner with Us to Inspire the Next Generation Employers At The Westgate School, we are committed to preparing our pupils for life beyond the classroom. As part of our growing careers programme, we are always keen to work with local businesses who can help bring the world of work to life. If you or your organisation could support us—whether through mock interviews, delivering talks or presentations, or offering other opportunities that help pupils develop key skills and aspirations—we would love to hear from you. Together, we can help shape confident, motivated young people ready to thrive in their future careers. If you are interested, please use the following contact form so that we may contact you in the future Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent The Westgate School’s curriculum reflects two principles: firstly, acquisition – where pupils are taught to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills in each subject domain in order to apply this learning to new situations; and secondly, participation – that pupils need to develop the skills to engage positively in different situations. In doing so, pupils further their learning and sense of belonging. In some subjects, such as Science, the emphasis lies more heavily on the acquisition of knowledge whereas in a subject such as Drama, the skills of participation predominate. In every lesson we expect adults to consider how best to facilitate pupils’ active participation in their learning – including “thinking hard” – and, to use the school’s core approach to teaching and learning so that pupils experience a coherent learning journey. In every subject, leaders are designing and evolving their curricula based on the golden threads of learning from Year R to Year 11 in their particular domain. Planning is based on clear objectives, using misconceptions as opportunities for rich learning, and facilitating greater depth in pupils’ knowledge rather than greater curriculum coverage. The specified curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and KS4 syllabi however, The Westgate School believes strongly in ensuring that the ‘hidden curriculum’ – how pupils learn about themselves and society in the way that we organise ourselves as a school – has a positive impact on the individual child. We strongly believe that access to cultural capital is an entitlement of every pupil, and we are regularly reviewing our curriculum to increase opportunities to access learning about different cultures and diversity. We also have a specified ‘Well-being Curriculum’, which sets out the universal provision for all pupils, and we are developing our practice to facilitate even greater inclusion in extra-curricular provision in school. Moreover, as part of our ongoing learning, we involve pupils proactively in curriculum development through our received curriculum reviews and our pupil leadership groups. At The Westgate School our curriculum is not intended to lead learners to fulfil their potential: our intention is to unlock the individual’s potential and to equip them with the knowledge and skills to be able to learn in different situations throughout their lives. Our teaching is inclusive using a whole class approach. Teachers use fluid, peel away groups: “Master Classes” for support and extension as needed. A Community of Learning... Being a high achieving, successful learning community only happens as a result of genuine collaboration. Every young person is unique and so we seek to provide a range of different learning opportunities in which every individual can excel. The Early Years Foundation Stage is framed around the characteristics of effective learning: Playing | Exploring active learning | Creating | Thinking critically These provide a foundation for learning upon which our curriculum in the Lower and Upper Schools are built. Our central purpose is for children to develop into young people who are happy and effective learners. We achieve this by being a community of learning where adults and pupils alike are committed to this central aim and work in strong partnership with parents to inspire success for all. Adults working with children and young people in our school community use a process of observation, assessment and planning to identify the learning and developmental needs of each child. Alongside knowledge of children’s interests, we plan opportunities for learning that are stimulating and engaging, leading to strong progress right from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 11. In addition to the specified curriculum, pupils at The Westgate School will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that enhance and enrich the curriculum. The all-through setting provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn from their peers and through the teaching of younger pupils. This powerful model for learning is one that permeates our culture and further enriches the community of learning. ...Achieving Excellence. Based on the principles of a growth mindset, the practice of teaching and learning at The Westgate School encourages children and young people to be led by their curiosity and to be prepared to use mistakes as the best opportunities for learning. This begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage where pupils are encouraged to make decisions about how to do things, to explain their thinking and to be resilient in their efforts. This theme continues through our practice in the Lower and Upper Schools where teaching colleagues will encourage pupils to verbalise their decision making process, explaining how they reached a particular conclusion or why they chose a specific method for doing something in order that they gain even better control over their learning and can apply skills to new situations. A golden thread throughout learning in all subjects and stages at The Westgate School is the development of Literacy and Mathematical skills which are a foundation for learning in all disciplines and lead to strong outcomes at examination level and for post-16 learning. At The Westgate School, we believe that through our exemplary partnerships with parents and young people, we can inspire a love of learning - something that is intrinsically linked to the development of individual self-esteem and motivation. In our school, there is no separation between our commitment to academic success and the well-being of the children and young people in our community. Compliance with regulatory acts Our curriculum complies within the duties of the the statutory Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice (2015) and the following legislation: Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014, which sets out schools’ responsibilities for pupils with SEN and disabilities and The Equality Act 2010, with particular reference to Part 6 “Education” We strive for High Quality Inclusive Teaching within our classes and for all pupils to access a broad and balanced curriculum. When deciding whether special educational provision is required, we will start with the desired outcomes, including a variety of assessments of the pupil’s progress and attainment, the views and wishes of the pupil and their parents, and information from other agencies. Please refer to our SEN Information report for further details Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum