Chronicle January 2021

30 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Pathways and Perspectives Courses By Lawrence Tao, Assistant Head Academic In September, we launched our pioneering new Pathways and Perspectives Courses. All Fourth and Fifth Form pupils now take either eight GCSEs plus one Pathway and one Perspective course, or, if they wish, they can substitute a GCSE for a second Pathway. I am delighted that pupils are engaging very well indeed with the new courses.

As the pupils themselves highlight below, the biggest difference is in the assessment model; pupils are continuously assessed, with feedback underpinning the process. Every piece of work they do goes into their portfolio, which is then

assessed holistically. On their grade cards, pupils are given a snapshot of where they are in four equally weighted Assessment Objectives – Knowledge and Skills, Development of Ideas, Communication, and Self-Management.

Lawrence Tao, Assistant Head Academic

The Oxley Library in the new Christie Centre