Intent Statement
At George Mitchell, we believe that there should be no lost learning moments. For us, learning begins at 8.40am during carefully sequenced and planned morning tutorial sessions, delivering a variety of activities, which underpin our academic curriculum areas. Through our ambitious Pastoral Curriculum, we aim to broaden cultural capital, break down barriers, raise aspiration and guide our students to make thoughtful, measured choices. Every morning, tutors are equipped with bespoke resources ensuring that there is both breadth and depth to our pastoral offer.
Overview
Assemblies
Each week, there is a menu of age-appropriate activities, which meet the needs of our learners. Weekly assemblies offer an occasion for the whole year group to gather together. These relate to our Pride values, contextual matters, world events and our school motto. Assemblies have been curated to provide thought provoking messages, ensuring our students are very much in touch with what’s going on outside of George Mitchell School. We are equipping our students to become responsible citizens who can make a positive contribution to society.
Current Affairs
Our form time Current Affairs sessions is a further opportunity to strengthen student knowledge and understanding of what is happening, both in the UK and further afield. Students take part in a quiz to establish what they know and they are then able to use the links to consolidate further their comprehension of events.
Reading and Numeracy
At George Mitchell, we believe that developing student reading and numerical skills is the work of all staff. To this end, there is a weekly tutorial focus on reading and/or literacy, ensuring that students are constantly supported to improve their Tier 2 vocabulary and higher order Maths understanding.
Academic Engagement
All students regularly engage with their data. SMART targets are set regularly with the support of the tutor to enable students to develop responsibility for their own progress. Additionally, students look through their attendance and punctuality data, as well as the number of Achievement Points they have, in order to understand the full picture of the impact their attitudes to learning have on their progression.
Personal Development
Our weekly PD sessions allow students to focus on all aspects of PSHE including the statutory areas of Health and RSE, as well as learning about Fundamental British Values, Media and Digital Literacy and Careers. Topics are covered at an age appropriate level with themes developed further as students progress through the school.
Through a series of personalised activities, students develop confidence, resilience and the knowledge and understanding to keep themselves mentally healthy. They learn that difference is a positive, and that individual characteristics make people unique. Students are supported and encouraged to be reflective about their own beliefs and perspectives thus cultivating an understanding and an ability to recognise and value the things we share in common across our diverse cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities.
Careers
In addition to the extensive careers support available, students are also offered a regular insight into the World of Work. Different careers are spotlighted throughout the year with students gaining an awareness not only of the job itself, but also the routes into which they might achieve that role.
More information about careers at GM School can be found by clicking here.
Learn to Learn/Independent learning
- During year 10 and 11 students undergo a programme of Learning to Learn, where they learn HOW TO REVISE
- They are given Independent Learning Folders containing their independent revision which is then checked by tutors. Students are expected to complete 10 hours of independent practice every week.
- Students attend intervention in year 11 - Period 6 Monday - Thursday and are offered a wealth of Saturday Schools and half term schools throughout the year (free of charge)
Websites we recommend
Seneca - used by departments to set homework and its is great for revision
Free Homework & Revision for A Level, GCSE, KS3 & KS2
Live lessons on key topics
Free online lessons, videos and quizzes for pupils | Oak National Academy
GCSE Bitesize - you can filter the exam board and find useful summaries and videos which you can use to add to your revision notes and resources
BBC Bitesize - GCSE Revision Support - YouTube