Learning:

Key Stage 3

At Wetherby High School we recognise that the transfer from primary school to secondary school is an important step in a child's educational progress.  We therefore make sure that the process is smooth and positive to ensure that educational provision is well planned.  To achieve this, a visit is made to each primary school in order to meet with the Year 6 students and their teachers prior to Induction Day.  Students receive an Induction Pack which gives them and their parents, all the information they need regarding Induction day arrangements, uniform, buses, and parents evenings.

Year 5 and Year 6 students from our feeder primary schools also visit the school to join in our "Community Days" which enables students to take part in science and technology lessons. By the time they transfer, students feel safe, confident and secure in their environment with us. We work closely with our feeder primary schools to develop and create meaningful social and learning experiences for all students transferring from Year 6 to Year 7. We feel that this enables higher achievement at Key Stage 3 and shapes the educational opportunities and career pathways of our students.

Wetherby High School is one of the few schools in the Local Educational Authority which takes the whole of Year 8 on a residential visit for 1 week.  We visit the YMCA Lakeside Centre on Windermere, where students have the opportunity to do rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, and also take part in many team building and problem solving exercises.  This is always well supported by our staff.

Option choices at the end of Year 9 is of crucial importance and the subjects offered seek to allow specialisation in particular subject areas and so ensures that students choose a range of subjects which appeals to them and therefore increases motivation.

All students follow a broad and balanced curriculum that meets their particular educational needs. Students may choose the option of attending a vocational course one day a week with the equivalent value to GCSE qualifications. The programme followed by students in the academic route includes up to 10 GCSEs, including English Literature and GCSE Statistics