Learning and Teaching in GGS

Oracy is a whole-school priority. It links directly to our vision as a school: our belief that we can raise aspirations, life opportunities and support students to be change-makers through improving their confidence in communication. Central to this is ensuring that all students feel they have agency: that their voices are important.

In consultation with staff and students in 2022, we created our ‘Oracy Guidelines’: a shared set of standards in every classroom to build students’ skills as confident and compelling speakers and encouraging active listeners to others. Opportunities for structured discussion are explicit in our guidelines and promoted through the think/pair/share and agree/build/challenge strategies that are embedded in lessons across the school.

We recognise that oracy within the curriculum varies according to subject and key stage for example, developing collaboration as a social skill or a means of problem solving. Alongside creating a climate for positive talk in each classroom through our Oracy Guidelines, subjects lead in identifying purposeful opportunities to develop oracy specific to their areas too.

At George Green’s School, PSHCE plays a vital role in helping our students evolve into socially conscious and self-determined individuals who will thrive in the wider world. Through our comprehensive weekly approach, students gain the knowledge, understanding, and skills to lead healthy, secure and responsible lives. Our curriculum is structured around three core themes: health and well-being, relationships, and living in the wider world.

PSHE plays a crucial role in our students' personal growth by promoting self-confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. It aids them in recognising and handling risks, allowing them to make well-informed choices while understanding the various factors that affect their decisions. The curriculum also encourages students to acknowledge, embrace, and shape their identities, appreciate diversity and change, manage their emotions, and communicate effectively across different contexts. 

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE)

RSE addresses age-appropriate topics and issues, taught in a way students can learn about sensitive topics in an age-appropriate, respectful manner. As an essential part of the overall curriculum, RSE plays a significant role in each student's personal development, equipping them with the necessary skills to form and sustain healthy, responsible, and safe relationships. George Green’s RSE curriculum adheres to statutory requirements for secondary education, enhancing student well-being and fostering their social, moral, spiritual, and cultural growth, all while preparing them for future life experiences.

PSHE Overview 2024-2025

At George Green's we aim to ensure that all EAL pupils are able to use English confidently and competently and use English as a means of learning across the curriculum and where appropriate, make use of their knowledge of other languages.

When arriving at George Green’s pupils will have an initial interview where there is an opportunity to share any relevant information regarding their home language. If pupils require further support with English, their proficiency is assessed by us with guidance from The Bell Foundation. We then use this information and feedback from teachers to compile a personalised learning plan. Research shows that students make the best progress in acquiring English by joining all lessons, but occasionally 1:1 sessions may be required to support students with their language acquisition and social integration. Regular feedback is provided to teachers and families regarding student progress.

We value students’ own languages and provide them with an opportunity to sit GCSE and A-Level in their own language if their writing and reading proficiency meets the required standard.

Please see The Bell Foundation for guidance and resources for support at https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/

The rewards structure at GGS aims to recognise achievement and pupil progress where students are meeting or exceeding expectations. Our approach is aligned with our core values and behaviour systems. Tutors and year teams regularly monitor these so that students’ achievements are frequently acknowledged.

_{At George Green's, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our students through the Honours Board for the academic year 2024-25. This initiative highlights the dedication and hard work of those who have academically excelled. We believe that recognising these honours not only motivates our students but also fosters a culture of excellence within our school   community.} 

_{Lydia Casey, Assistant Headteacher}

Please take a look at our school's Honours Board page