Last year the school wrote to all parents regarding the introduction of our first ever “Exploration Day”. The letter stated the school’s commitment to providing the highest quality of teaching and learning and the opportunities afforded by the new National Curriculum and in utilising longer periods of time rather than the five period day. The day was a great success and was cited in our recent Ofsted Report.


Our next Exploration Day is set for Tuesday 9th December . Please find below a brief outline of the proposed activities. Some activities will take half the year for the whole day and therefore will be repeated later in the year.
Year 7 - Will be studying extended projects in Design and Technology and ICT. This activity will take the whole day and be repeated later in the year.
Year 8- Will study Humanities (History/Geography) and Science in half year groups
Year 9 - Will examine Languages and Culture in preparation for the option choice in January and Mathematics looks at Gambling.

“Gambling is widespread in our country. It is even linked to good causes through the National Lottery, but do students, about to leave school, have realistic expectations about the outcome of gambling? Recent research says a definite “No!” and report a huge gap between perception and gambling. The realities of gambling are a neglected
social issue in education as schools are anxious not to be seen to encourage gambling. Although it is relatively easy to teach the theory behind gambling, it is only by experimentation that students really learn the harsh lesson that most people end up losing, often more than they can afford. To address this issue, Year 9 are about to
experience the thrill of the casino and what it feels for some to win but most to lose.” Please be assured no real money will change hands and these aspects will also be followed up in our P4C curriculum.

Year 10- Will also be divided into two half years, day long activities to be repeated later in the year. B half will be involved in PE activities while the L half will explore a Creative Arts theme.
Year 11- Will undertake a study day at Portsmouth Guildhall as part of the preparation for their GCSE English poetry examination in the Summer.
Sixth Form - Will be working in their chosen AS/A2 activities and they will be informed of this by their subject teachers.
Staff at the school have arranged a series of exciting events for this day some of which will involve trips out of school. The day will start as usual at 8.05 am and all the pupils will be expected to attend in normal school uniform.
If you would like any further information on this please do not hesitate to e-mail me at the school on mercers@bishopluffa.org.uk. For information about the new curriculum please see the website
www.curriculum.qca.org.uk and click on to the box Key Stage 3 & 4.
Mr S Mercer, Deputy Headteacher

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