Literacy, number
Teaching & Learning
At Walton-Le-Dale Arts College & High School
 The staff at Walton-Le-Dale Arts College & High School are committed to
ensuring that our young people fulfill their potential. The achievement
of excellence, according to each child's level of ability, is our
priority.
Walton-le-Dale understands that 'Learning for Life' requires students to learn the skills, to develop the qualities and attitudes they will need in all aspects of their future life. We also understand that students have different learning styles.
Our Arts status gives us the opportunity to invest in the creative talents of our students and develop them further.
The Curriculum
Our Unique Key Stage 3 Opening Minds Curriculum
 As a school we place a strong emphasis on basic skills in literacy, numeracy and the use of ICT. However, we also know that to prepare students for their GCSE exams, and for later life, we also need to develop other skills such as thinking, team work, problem solving, working independently and decision making. We also want to ensure that our youngsters develop those personal qualities which will set them up for later life, and to develop their self-esteem and creativity. This is why we created our own unique curriculum in Key Stage 3; a curriculum which has been highly praised by national educational bodies.
As part of this 'Opening Minds' curriculum, students spend longer periods of time with their own tutor group and their teacher. They will work on thematic units, experiencing a wide range of learning styles - often involving group work and ICT - with a strong emphasis on developing skills, rather than learning facts.
We believe such a curriculum is much more effective and will lead to students gaining better exam results. We also believe that it will give our students the tools for their future lives and education.
Key Stage 4
 At the end of Key Stage 3 each student is given the opportunity to make choices for what they study over the following two years. All students follow exam courses in English, Maths, and Science, as well as courses in PE, PSCHE and RE.
Students will also choose further options, with guidance from parents and teachers, from a wide list of optional subjects, including Technology subjects such as Graphics, Humanities subjects, French, Art, Music, Performing Arts, Sport and ICT.
As an Arts college all students will study an arts based subject. In addition all students will study a work-related course.
The exact curriculum for each student in Key stage 4 will vary according to the needs and interests of each individual student. For example students with special educational needs may do less GCSEs and complete a practical college course as well as courses in PE and Citizenship, which includes PSCHE and RE
Our Arts Status enables us to give special attention to art subjects - Art, Music and Performing Arts. This means that students in Key Stage 3 will have the opportunity to experience more arts subjects than in many other schools.
View our Examination Entry Policy.
Special Educational Needs
 Walton-le-Dale has the advantage of being a small school where it is possible to give individual attention to the needs of individuals. We are proud to be an inclusive school which does its best for each and every child. A child with special needs will benefit from the support of the staff in the Learning Support Department. Some students will receive individual intensive support in literacy and numeracy where necessary. However, for most of the time Teaching Assistants support students in lessons.
We also have many Gifted and Talented students who benefit from a programme of support and challenge.
Such students are given the opportunity to participate in additional courses, represent the school in special events and visit Higher Education institutions.
The school also provides support for students who are experiencing emotional difficulties by offering a counseling service through an external counselor.
Religious Education
Walton-le-Dale seeks to develop respect for people of all cultures, religions and races. RE lessons play a crucial role in this.
Religious Education is compulsory in all year groups and is taught through Opening Minds and our Citizenship courses.
Whilst the study of Christian values, beliefs, teachings, practices
and traditions forms the core of the course, other major world religions
are also studied. Lessons do not involve any form of religious instruction.
The emphasis is upon the development of the whole person, the nurturing of understanding and a sense of perspective, moral issues, decision-making
and the consequences of people's behaviour upon other people, families
and society.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE. Given
the nature of the lessons, this seldom happens. Parents who wish
to do so should write to the Headteacher, stating their reasons.
All students are given the opportunity to be entered for a full or half GCSE examination in RE at the end of Year 11.
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