Wider Curriculum
At Sarah Bonnell School, the design and delivery of our wider curriculum ensures that in addition to academic challenge, our students’ personal development is a priority. Throughout both key stages there is a strong emphasis on personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and on fostering students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC). Our curriculum is in-line with the government’s new statutory guidance for relationship, sex and health education (RSHE). Our school is also part of the Newham RHSE Partnership, which consulted widely with stakeholders in order to develop local guidance around the implementation of the RSHE curriculum. A summary of the consultative work carried out can be viewed here. Our school also follows the principles laid out in the Trust’s RSHE Principles Statement, available on the Policies Page of the Trust website.
Our wider curriculum provision provides students with an inclusive and equitable experience which enhances their own personal development. The range of extra-curricular activities, events and educational visits on offer support our students in developing effective communication skills, emotional resilience to promote social justice to enhance their own lives and the lives of others.
Key to our provision is:
- The opportunity for students to actively engage in the democratic process through positions of student leadership and participation in decision making in school;
- A varied programme of activities for form time and assemblies which allows for reflection and discussion on important themes such as diversity, respect, personal accountability and global citizenship.
- Involvement in local and international charity events which sensitises students to the world around them and the role they can play in bringing about change.
- Links with partner schools abroad which fosters a mutual raising of cultural awareness and increased motivation for language learning.
- A programme of extra-curricular opportunities, from after school clubs, competitions and workshops. Further details of our rich offering are available on the Extra Curricular Page of the website.
- A programme of careers education and guidance (CEIAG) that provides students with the foundation on which to build their future pathways, from their GCSE options, through to their post-16 choices and beyond. Additional information is available on the Careers Page of the website.
- A clear provision map that is continually monitored and updated with relevant practices to aid both students and families in achieving a positive mental wellbeing. Additional information is available on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Page of the website.
- Local and international educational visits to bring the curriculum to life, provide students with key life skills and confidence and to build their cultural awareness and capital
- Enhanced Learning Days (described in more detail on the curriculum pages for all our year groups) where students have the opportunity to explore different themes and issues in depth, such as Black History Month and International Women’s Day, through engaging workshops and educational visits
STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths)
At Sarah Bonnell School we aspire excellence across all academic disciplines which include STEAM. We are focussed on encouraging our girls into STEAM disciplines where women and minority groups can often be under-represented.
At Sarah Bonnell students take full advantage of our links with STEM industries including Faraday, Bloodhound, STEM in Education and many more to develop their understanding through workshops, lectures, visits, and hands-on experiences.
Our annual STEAM celebration gives students the opportunity to learn more about careers in STEAM, and become more involved in practical activities. These events are designed to encourage more girls & minority groups into STEAM subjects.