English
The English Faculty is about gaining power: the power of creativity, the power of empathy and the power of knowledge. Through our curriculum, Birchwood students explore how they feel about and relate to the world, and to their place in it.
The study of media and film will enable students to critically analyse a culturally diverse range of texts and apply theoretical perspectives to better understand and challenge representations and ideologies constructed in the media. Through our curriculum, Birchwood students will develop practical skills and knowledge that will open doors to many different career paths in industries such as film, television, advertising, journalism, radio, gaming and new media.
For further information on these English subjects please contact Key Stage 5 co-ordinator, Mr Reilly: mreilly@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Expressive and Performing Arts
Birchwood Artists will have success and make mistakes, but can transform failures into successes, both resulting in creative responses to the world around them.
Birchwood Dance & Drama Creatives speak, listen, collaborate and perform. They are brave. They are risk takers. They are empathetic in equal measure.
Birchwood Musicians study music through listening and appraising, composing and performing allowing all students to become confident, creative, multi-skilled and culturally enriched. We encourage a lifelong passion for music.
For further information on these EPA subjects please contact Head of Faculty Miss Morrison: dmorrison@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Humanities
A Birchwood Geographer understands the interconnectedness of humans and the environment. They are equipped with the skills to tackle the world’s future problems.
“Those who fail to learn from History are condemned to repeat it”. Birchwood Historians understand the past so they can better create their own futures.
Birchwood Religious Studies students understand religious and non-religious world views and how they impact on the lives of believers and non-believers. They are equipped to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions often portrayed in the media and they are able to evaluate arguments in order to reach a justified conclusion.
For further information on these Humanities subjects please contact Head of Faculty Miss Waring: hwaring@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Mathematics
Birchwood Mathematicians are inquisitive. We encourage independent thought and a logical approach to problem solving, equipping students for the challenges of life beyond Birchwood.
For further information on Maths please contact Head of Faculty Dr Allen: kallen@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Modern Foreign Languages
Birchwood Linguists are enthusiastic communicators who are culturally aware and understand the importance of being a good global citizen.
For further information on these MFL subjects please contact Head of Faculty Miss Roderick: kroderick@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Physical Education
The Birchwood PE faculty aims to provide a safe environment where students can enjoy developing their sporting character.
- Empowering all to have a lifelong future of health, fitness and well-being
- Enabling all to have the confidence to access sport and leisure opportunities
- Engaging all in an appreciation and understanding of the importance of global sport in our culture
For further information on these PE subjects please contact Head of Faculty Mr Jones: djones@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Science
Birchwood Scientists will be using their newly acquired scientific knowledge & skills to be able to question, analyse and challenge the key decision makers of our world.
For further information on these Science subjects please contact Head of Faculty Mr Briscoe: mbriscoe@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Social Sciences
In Social Sciences subjects, students develop inquiring minds, the passion to enrich the communities of which they are a part and the skills to achieve beyond their expected progress, regardless of background.
For further information on these Social Science subjects please contact Head of Faculty Mr Levey: slevey@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Technology
Birchwood ICT and Computing students develop IT literacy allowing them to link logical thinking with creativity to solve problems in our ever changing technological world.
Birchwood designers are analytical, skilful and innovative. Our students have a breadth of knowledge to prepare them for a modern world and its challenges.
For further information on these Technology subjects please contact Head of Faculty Mr Stephens: jstephens@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Extra-Curricular Activities and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award
At Birchwood we value aspiration and achievement of all sorts, both within and outside the curriculum.
Encouraging the highest ambition and personal commitment, and supporting individual strengths and interests. We seek to instil a love of learning and intellectual curiosity, promoting informed questioning and debate, and self-motivated, self-directed learning.
Here is our current selection of activities: Extra-Curricular Activities – Autumn Term 2021
We run the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at both Bronze and Gold Levels.
We run the Bronze Award with Year 9 students in to Year 10, this allows students to complete their Bronze award without affecting their GCSE studies.
The Gold Award is now also being run in the 6th Form. We aim to create a truly student-lead DofE Centre with our ‘Gold Team’ of students taking a real lead and, with support, being responsible for everything; from planning and organizing expeditions, to recruiting and training Bronze Participants. The DofE Gold Award consists of five sections: Volunteering, Skills, Physical, Expedition and Residential. The Award requires participants to maintain their commitment to various activities over an extended period and will take around 18 months to complete. Hence starting in September of Year 12, students should finish their award during the summer of Year 13 and will complete expeditions at this stage.
