Curriculum Overview
DISS HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM INTENT
Our Vision:
Governors and Staff of Diss High School are committed to providing a curriculum that allows the children of Diss, in a small rural community, to find their place as 21st century global citizens and to be able to live and work successfully in any diverse community in the future. In its broadest sense, the curriculum is everything the school intends. It includes, therefore, all the myriad activities beyond classroom work, at lunchtimes and after school, at weekends and in the holidays.
School Context:
Diss High is a friendly and popular school set on an attractive site at the north-eastern edge of the town. It serves a diverse catchment area attracting a mix of students from suburban and rural communities with varied levels of affluence. We are member of Enrich Learning MAT, with an excellent record of both academic and sporting achievement. Our examination results are consistently in line with the county and national average and each year the majority of Sixth Form students take up places at university.
The Curriculum:
We consider the school as ‘knowledge-engaged’, where each subject area imparts the knowledge and skills needed for our students to become 21st century global citizens. Art, Music and Drama are safeguarded within the curriculum, alongside vocational subjects and there are many opportunities for international visits and new cultural experiences. We believe in providing a broad and balanced curriculum in Key Stage 3, with an increasing degree of choice as students mature. Our aim is to provide high quality teaching of established and recognised subjects which have both educational merit and credibility in the world beyond school.
Within the limits of the resources we are given, we make extra provision for students with Special Educational Needs, seeking in particular to improve literacy skills in Key Stage 3. PSHE is taught through both dedicated lessons and across the curriculum and this includes Sex Education and Religious Studies.
At Diss High we value our PSHE program and not only give students opportunities to study this within the structured timetable but also through a serious of Careers events & talks including speakers from different religious backgrounds. To strengthen our program we use morning tutorial time and Assemblies to give students the opportunity to address misconceptions and discuss challenging topics.
Through our curriculum we will ensure that all students:
- Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become a 21st century global citizen
- Read widely and develop a love of reading.
- Develop their vocabulary using subject specific terminology correctly.
- Through wider reading and teaching study the context of learning and the value each subject has in the modern world.
- Are given the opportunity to complete Ebacc subjects at GCSE creating a strong foundation to facilitate progression in future studies.
- Are offered a breadth of opportunities at Key stage 5 that is inclusive enabling them to develop intellectual curiosity around their possible careers and further study.
- Have an understanding of what it means to be a citizen of Britain and an appreciation for diversity, equality and tolerance.
- Understand the actions they can take to ensure they have a healthy mind and body, knowing where to get help if needed.
In order to give you a greater understanding of the curriculum we offer there are Year specific information booklets attached under the relevant Key Stage. These booklets offer an overview of what is studied each term per subject, this is also helpful to refer to should your child be away from school.
Curriculum Map: