ART
The Art Department is at the heart of creative learning in the school. Art in schools is often experienced as the regurgitation of obsolete techniques and practices with little relevance to contemporary art or the skills needed for a successful career in art and design. Contemporary artist Jake Chapman (of Jake and Dinos Chapman fame) controversially stated recently that it was pointless taking children to galleries to see art as they were unable to comprehend its meaning. This department strongly opposes these views.
BIOLOGY
Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology also includes the study of the human body, and you really cannot deny the importance of understanding the way of your own body functions!
BUSINESS STUDIES
Business Studies is a dynamic subject which combines key skills like literacy and numeracy in an interesting and relevant real world context. The Lessons are varied and exciting as we believe that using real business case studies aids application of the theory. We encourage students to be proactive and work independently to problem solve wherever possible. Students are empowered to peer teach and carry out research projects. Business Studies is offered at GCSE and at A Level.
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is the study of the materials that make up the world around us and how they behave. Chemistry is in the food you eat, clothes you wear, water you drink, medicines, air, cleaning products… you name it. Chemistry is sometimes called the “central science” because it connects other sciences to each other, such as biology, physics, geology and environmental science.
COMPUTING
Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives from the cars we drive, the movies we watch, to the ways in which businesses and governments deal with us. Understanding the many different dimensions of computing is part of the skills needed for an educated person in the 21st century to interact with the world at large. Whether you want to be a scientist, develop the latest application, or just know what it really means when someone says “the computer made a mistake”, studying computing will provide you with valuable knowledge.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Design Technology (DT) is the inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which prepares all young people to live and work in the designed and made world. It enables young people to learn the Design Process from the initial problem through to research, development, making and evaluating. These skills are not only relevant to the student’s future employment potential, they can also be utilised in lots of other subjects throughout their education. Design Technology also gives students the opportunity to consider moral, social, cultural and sustainable issues which add to the positive values shown in our students.
DRAMA
Drama is a versatile and far reaching subject. Drama well prepares those who wish to study drama at university or drama school with a view to a job in the arts as actors, directors, teachers or technicians. However the collaborative and creative nature of the subject, and the presentational skills acquired mean that the qualification supports many other paths such as psychology, business studies, media studies and music.
ECONOMICS
Economics is a fascinating subject which empowers students to understand how our economy works. The UK and the rest of the world have recently experienced a deep recession and our economy is still bruised and recovering. If you study A Level Economics you will learn why it happened and why it will probably happen again.
ENGLISH
In Years 7 to 9, the English curriculum provides a solid foundation of skills in core areas, facilitating progress towards GCSE. Students are encouraged to pursue a love of reading, through the introduction to a range of modern and classical texts across different genres, including authors from the literary canon. At least one Shakespeare play will be studied in full, with opportunities for dramatic approaches. Students also take advantage of modern technologies to enhance their learning, carrying out research projects and presentations, as well as using iPads to create graphic novels and short videos. Aspects of functional literacy, including sentence crafting and spelling, are addressed. Assessments in Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening take place each term.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
Food Technology at Teesside High School is a rigorous practical subject which gives students the opportunity to learn vital skills that promote independence and experimentation whilst embedding confidence and knowledge regarding the planning and preparation of recipes. The Food Technology department feel it is vital to prepare our students for later life, living independently, to understand fully about food (its nutritional value, its function in the diet and how to prepare healthy, well balanced and nutritious dishes using a range of ingredients), further education and employment. Food Technology also gives students the opportunity to consider moral, social, cultural and sustainable issues which add to the positive values shown in our students.
GEOGRAPHY
The Geography Department at Teesside High aims to be progressive in its teaching of such a dynamic, adventurous and valuable subject which is concerned with the world all around us. So many of the world’s current problems boil down to Geography and we hope that our students develop a fascination and understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes at work on our planet and an ability to empathise with other cultures and societies.
HISTORY
History is important in helping young people understand how the past has shaped the present, and will affect the future. It also enables young people to learn the historical skills of analysis, comparison and synthesis. These skills are highly relevant to each student’s employment potential. History provides an opportunity to consider issues of justice and morality, and contributes to the fostering of positive values in our students.
LATIN & CLASSICAL STUDIES
Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation all fall within the general umbrella of Classics; the study of which gives you the same cultural background as every great playwright, artist, composer, novelist, lawyer, sculptor, poet or military historian in Western Europe in the last 2000 years. Studying Classics enables you to have an insight into other subjects that would be lost to many other students, it can also be an indication of a potential high-flier, intellectually speaking, to future employers and universities. Classics is also a fascinating insight into words and ideas in its own right.
MATHS
The Mathematics Department at Teesside High aims to give all pupils confidence in the use of mathematics, problem solving skills, and the ability to think clearly and logically. Most pupils enjoy mathematics and experience success at all levels throughout the school. We are committed to assisting the pupils in achieving their potential and our aim in the Department is to make the study of mathematics stimulating, challenging and rewarding.
MODERN LANGUAGES
Modern Foreign Languages are a vital component of our school curriculum and we believe that we offer our pupils valuable experiences which cover vital areas of learning. It is fundamental to our approach that we have a positive attitude towards countries and cultures where languages other than English are spoken, and we seek to foster these attitudes in all our pupils. Through the study of a modern language the student will develop awareness and a tolerance of others, working in close proximity with his or her contemporaries, either as an individual or in a group, thereby learning to feel closer to and work with fellow human beings in general.
MUSIC
We are very proud of our musicians. Almost a third of the school population learn to play a musical instrument and pupils of all ages are progressing from beginner through beyond Grade 8. We have many pupils who perform with county groups and in some cases, national ensembles. What is most rewarding is the way in which our pupils support each other. Our experienced visiting staff help to nurture and encourage our younger pupils and they are the reason that Teesside High School Music Department is the success that it is.
SPORTS STUDIES
In addition to improving physical skill, health and fitness, participation in physical activities builds confidence, resilience and mental toughness. It allows pupils to experience a sense of achievement, helps their leadership skills and also teaches them the importance of hard work and discipline.
At Teesside High School, all pupils follow a broad, balanced activity programme where the main aim is to develop sporting performance through learning, understanding, practising, planning and evaluating.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND ECONOMIC EDUCATION (PHSE)
PSHE education is a planned programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. As part of a whole school approach, PSHE education develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. These are often referred to as “Soft Skills”.
PSYCHOLOGY
If you are fascinated by the idea of understanding the brain – if you want to grasp the complexities of human behaviour – A level Psychology is for you. In lessons, you may be exploring various areas to do with cognitive, behaviour, developmental and even biological psychology by focusing on issues such as memory, child and adult developmental stages, abnormalities in behaviour, physiological responses and psychological research methods. As you progress you will learn more about critical issues related to the mind, behaviour and thinking style by exploring the physiological and psychological explanations on specific issues such as forensic psychology, substance abuse, psychological disorders and many more.
PHYSICS
When you study Physics and you realise that you are asking more questions than you can answer you know that you are making progress. Do not be disillusioned or concerned because the facts that you know will be more than enough to ensure your success at your present stage of education.
RE
Religious Education is important for a variety of reasons, some which you may not expect. Religious issues and conflict arising from beliefs frequently top the news agenda and RE helps make sense of them. RE allows young people growing up in a diverse society to understand the views and opinions of people whose beliefs and values differ from their own. The RE classroom provides space for young people to reflect on their own ideas and develop their thoughts about ‘big questions’ and ethical issues. This allows young people to handle issues in their lives, preparing them for the workplace and adult life.