Information for parents

Information for parents

HomeEducationSecondary

Secondary

Key Stage 3 - 4 Ages 11 - 16

Secondary Course

Wingate Secondary School  has approximately 200 students from 20+ nationalities. We follow the UK National Curriculum with added Spanish lessons. The Senior School also has a traditional feeling with Prefects selected from Year 11 and a strict uniform policy. Classes are no larger than 24 but in Science, Maths, English and Spanish, classes are set to allow smaller groups and aid individual learning.

For many of our families, moving to Tenerife and then their children studying in a British school, it is a huge step. In the Policies section of our website, there is lots of advice and guidance for families. Such as: ‘British Schools Academic Pathway’ and as we have many second language students, the ‘English as an Additional Language’ policy explains what extra support is available. All students have an entry interview with the Head of School to ascertain if both parties feel Wingate is the best place for their child’s learning.

Wingate School is connected to the Google Classroom and every student must have a Chromebook. This initiative education system allows students and parents access to a wide range of teaching resources as well as giving students the ability to consolidate their learning at home.

We monitor progress closely with three Reports and two Open Days each year, when parents may see their children’s Tutor and subject teachers. However to encourage the school/parent relationship you can request a meeting at any time by making an appointment via the Office. Home/school communication is very important in aiding your child’s academic success.

Alongside Spanish lessons in Years 7, 8 & 9, all students study Spanish Social Science delivered in English. Inline with Spanish schools, Spanish national students are obliged to study Spanish Social Science delivered in Spanish in Years 10 & 11. This allows students to convalidate their British qualifications, allowing students access to Spanish educational pathways. This pathway is also available to our top set Spanish students.

Curriculum overview

The essence of the Wingate Education

“The journey your child will take as a senior will be one that is supported by many as they work towards their personal best, seeking a learning pathway that resonates with them, and ultimately reaching their personal level of success upon graduation. All students will be assigned to a pastoral tutor who will support individuals through regular one-to-one meetings; creating clear communication pathways with subject teachers, senior management, and parents. Tutors are also on hand to support our students in developing ‘Personalised Learning’ across the school as we build more ways for them to take ownership of their education;  develop their confidence and maximise personal learning outcomes.”

Miss Tolfrey - Head of Senior School

Year 7 - 9 Key Stage 3

English

The overarching aim for students studying English at Wingate School is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. 
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Maths

The programme of study for Mathematics at key stage 3 is organised into units that build and develop from key stage 2. Students should make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning, and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems.
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Science

Wingate students follow the UK National Curriculum where our aim is that all students are able to describe scientific processes and key characteristics in a common language. Students will also be familiar with, and use technical terminology. Wingate students will build up an extended specialist vocabulary to be used in scientific experiments and reports.
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Art & Design

Wingate students will be taught to develop their creativity and ideas, and increase proficiency in their execution. They will develop a critical understanding of artists, architects, and designers, expressing reasoned judgments that can inform their own work. Pupils will use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks, journals, and other media as a basis for exploring their ideas.
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Computing

Wingate’s budding computer programmers are taught to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy. Students should be able to recognise inappropriate content, contact, and conduct and know how to report concerns.
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Geography

Wingate Geographers follow the UK National Curriculum for Geography where pupils develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine. Students will develop their ability to define physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the links that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world.
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History

Wingate Historians follow the UK National Curriculum for history which aims to ensure that all pupils know and understand the history of Britain as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day. Students will learn how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
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Modern Languages

Our Wingate linguists are streamed into sets according to their capabilities. All students will build on the foundations of language learning laid at key stage 2, whether pupils continue with the same language or take up a new one. Students will focus on developing the breadth and depth of their competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, based on a sound foundation of core grammar and vocabulary.
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Spanish as a First Language

Native Spanish Speakers follow the Spanish National Curriculum with a clear focus on reading, writing, active listening, and speaking. Students will understand the importance of grammatical structures and patterns, extended vocabulary, and have access to a variety of text covering different genres; poetry, play scripts, news articles, and more informal blogs and diaries.
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Social Science

In line with the Spanish system, all Wingate students study Social Science at KS3 where they learn the History and Geography of Spain. Students are taught using a variety of resources and styles including media, presentations, speeches, debates as well as formative and summative assessments. Students develop their minds and learning techniques in readiness for the more in-depth course at KS4.

Music

Our Wingate performers and musicians follow the UK National Curriculum where pupils build on their previous knowledge and skills through performing, composing, and listening. Students will develop their vocal and instrumental fluency, accuracy, and expressiveness. Students will experience and understand musical structures, styles, genres, and traditions, identifying the expressive use of musical dimensions.
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PSHE - Personal, Social & Health Education

All students have access to a Personal Tutor who delivers the PSHE course. Wingate students follow a clear scheme of work that covers all areas of their lives in and out of the classroom. PSHE is a vital support to all our students where they are given the life skills they need. Students will cover a wide range of topics including study techniques, mental wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, sex education, and online safety as well as researching career and academic pathways for their future.

Religious Education

Wingate School believes that every child has the capacity to learn, engage, reflect and experience quality Religious Education. RE is taught within a creative, thought-provoking and understanding environment. We discuss the different cultures, religions, and traditions within our diverse communities that are local, national, and worldwide. 
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Year 10 - 11 Key Stage 4

First Language English

All students take Edexcel International GCSE English Language A. Assessment is 100% examination and will be graded using the 9 to 1 grading system. You will prepare for two papers: Paper 1, ‘Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing’ (2 hours and 15 minutes), worth worth 60% of the total mark, and Paper 2, ‘Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing’ (1 hour 30 minutes), worth 40% of the total mark.
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English Literature

All students have the opportunity to prepare for the Edexcel International GCSE English Literature examination, which will be graded using the 9 to 1 grading system. You will learn to read, critically analyse and respond to literary texts in depth (prose, poetry and drama).
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Mathematics

Students will continue to learn Maths in the same way as in Year 9. Use of a calculator is encouraged throughout the course and students are expected to bring one to every lesson, as well as their normal mathematical equipment (compass, protractor, ruler etc).
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Science

Here at Wingate we feel it is very important that a Science subject is included in a young person’s broad base of education. Students have the opportunity to continue to study individual Sciences (see Blocks A & B below) but almost all students will follow the IGCSE Biology Edexcel syllabus. The Science department offers the Entry Level Certificate for Science which is only available to a small number of students and is explained below.

Biology

Biology is an interesting and inspiring course suitable for those wanting a final IGCSE qualification and those who require a sound basis for further study. The course includes aspects of modern Biology appropriate for the 21st Century.
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Entry Level Certificate in Science

The Entry Level Certificate in Science has been designed by Edexcel to provide a progression route for lower attainers. It is an option we use at Wingate for pupils whom we believe will not pass the IGCSE Biology. It helps build confidence and engagement with Science and allows pupils to leave with a Science qualification.
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Spanish

The year group will be divided between: Advanced, Intermediate and Beginners. In the Advanced set, Spanish is taught as a first language where all students will sit the Edexcel Spanish GCSE at the end of Year 10. Advanced students will then continue their Spanish course in Year 11 preparing for the GCE A level; covering both Spanish Language and Literature. First language Spanish students will also sit the internal First Language exam needed to pass Homologación.
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PDP

This subject is non examinable but compulsory for all students. It is designed to help students develop as individuals. It covers personal development, careers education, health and wellbeing, study skills, skills for independent living, target setting and ‘Education for Employability’.
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Sports

Sport and physical activity are considered important at Wingate and are timetabled each week where students will develop their performance in various sports including football, rounders, athletics and netball amongst others. IGCSE PE is a separate optional subject for those who would like a formal qualification in “Physical Education”.

GCSE RESULTS AND PASS RATES 2022/2023

Subject 2022/2023 2022/2023
  Pass rate % A-E Nº of students
Biology 58% A*-A
93%A*
31
Business 62% B-C 9
Chemistry 61%A*-A
92%A*-C
13
English 54%A*-A
91%A*-C
37
English Literature 28%A*-A
91%A*-C
35
Geography 20% A*-A
85%A*-C
20
History 50%A*-A
100%A*-C
14
Maths 32% A*-A
91% A*-C
37
PE 11% A*-A
66% A*-C
9
Physics 42% A*-A
78%A*-C
19
Psychology 50%A*A
70% A*-C
10
Spanish 61%A*-A
77%A*-C
18
Art A*-A 100% 5

Additional info

Useful information for parents

Information Regarding "Homologación" (formally known as Convalidation)

Homologación is the recognition by the Spanish authorities that a benchmarked level of Secondary education, Spanish language and Spanish studies has been achieved. The importance of Homologación, the requirements and process will be explained to all students.

Homologación is equivalent to:

  • Year 11 = 4º ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria)
  • Year 13 = Bachillerato

What you need to qualify for Homologación at the end of Year 11:

  • 4 (I)GCSEs with grade C, 4 or higher (this can include Spanish IGCSE)
  • You must pass the Spanish* and Social Science internal examinations, which are based on the Spanish curriculum. The Spanish curriculum is only taught in Set 1 Spanish. These examinations are inspected and validated by the Spanish authorities.

* The Spanish result at IGCSE does not guarantee you a pass in the Spanish curriculum examinationsHomologacion is required at the end of Year 11 if students wish to continue onto Spanish vocational qualifications or Bachillerato.

What you need to qualify for Homologación at the end of Year 13:

  • The Homologación certificate from Year 11
  • 5 GCSEs with grade C, level 4 or higher
  • 2 A levels* at grade E or higher or 2xAS and 1xA level with grade E or higher

* Spanish is not a compulsory subject and there are no Social Science studies in the Sixth FormHomologación is required at the end of Year 13 if students wish to continue onto Spanish vocational qualifications at higher level. It is also required for entry into a Spanish University.

What is “Social Science”?

Social Science combines both Geography and History from the Spanish curriculum.

In Years 7, 8 and 9 Social Science lessons are on the school timetable and taught in English.In Years 10 and 11, these lessons are taught in Spanish to the Set 1 Spanish Group and is compulsory for students with Spanish nationality and optional for other nationalities who wish to obtain Homologación. This will not affect their other (I)GCSE subjects.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If a student does NOT wish to study Social Science in Year 10 and 11 then it will not be possible for them to obtain Homologación. Studies at Wingate School will not be validated by the Spanish authorities and consequently the student will be unable to attend further education via the Spanish system.

Mr M. Howells
Head of Wingate School

Document download

Useful documents for parents

Information to Year 9/10 parents regarding Spanish Convalidation

Key Stage 3 Curriculum overview

Year 10-11 Options booklet - 2023

What’s next after Secondary?

The next step for your child on their Wingate journey

Sixth Form

Age 16 -18

Join the Wingate community and start your application today!

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