THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Teaching at Bay House is organised through subject departments and the pastoral system is year-based. Pupils keep the same tutor and head of year throughout Year 7-11, so far as staffing stability allows. There are approximately 140 (full-time equivalent) teaching and support staff currently in post.
Upon entering the School, pupils are placed in classes of mixed ability and follow a common curriculum. Year 7 pupils are taught in ability sets for English and Mathematics. Other subjects are setted at the beginning of Year 8, when three broad bands are established on the basis of pupils’ ability and attainment. All pupils follow an information technology foundation course at Key Stage 3. French, German and Spanish are taught in all 3 Key Stages; a recent development is the opportunity to learn Mandarin, a feature of a newly-established link with China.
The progress of each pupil is carefully monitored and movement between ability sets is not unusual. Pupils with special educational needs are the responsibility of us all under the guidance of the Learning Support Department and pastoral staff. Bay House is proud of its record in helping pupils with a wide range of special needs, including learning difficulties, sensory impairment, Down’s syndrome and autism. It is also well known for meeting the needs of the most able. Children of exceptional all-round ability are identified and their talents extended, from Year 8, through additional courses and extra-curricular activities designed to enrich the basic curriculum.