Welcome to the Rural Dimension pages.

Introduction

From October 2003 Specialist Schools are being given the opportunity to build a ‘Rural Dimension’ into their specialism. The College is keen to take advantage of this opportunity.

Specialist Schools with a ‘Rural Dimension’ will provide their pupils with opportunities to increase their awareness and understanding of the countryside as a living, working environment. They will be expected to cover such subjects as Management of the land, Environmental Stewardship, Rural Businesses and Livelihoods, and our Natural and Cultural Heritage.

Schools with a ‘Rural Dimension’ will both provide young people with practical opportunities to use their environment as a context for learning, and to study rural issues and themes across the curriculum.

Schools with a ‘Rural Dimension’ will have a curriculum which

  • Exploits the school grounds as contexts for teaching and learning
  • Provides opportunities for learning about living things in both natural and managed environments
  • Supports the development of environmental, social and economic responsibility amongst young people
  • Encourages good health, healthy eating and healthy lifestyles
  • Is enhanced through partnerships with land and environment businesses
  • Provides work-based and work-related learning opportunities for young people
  • Uses a range of learning styles to ensure high levels of pupil achievement

This section of the Website seeks to illustrate how we are developing these characteristics within our current curriculum.