Curriculum: Intellectual Formation

Intellectual formation at St. Michael’s is founded on the understanding that human knowledge is a whole. Each curriculum subject addresses an aspect of human knowledge and is informed by all the other subjects. Teachers use the best pedagogical practice, traditional as well as modern, to impart knowledge and guide the learning of their pupils.

Religious Knowledge is an integral part of the curriculum. As pupils gain greater knowledge and understanding of nature and the world about them, through the study of the humanities and sciences, they are encouraged to look beyond the visible order of things in order to contemplate the invisible.

Subjects are taught in harmony with the Faith, for it is impossible for faith and reason to be at variance with each other.

Both religious and secular knowledge are necessary for pupils to discern objective reality, in order to make responsible choices in adult life. Pupils assist at Mass each week and on major feast days. The weekly timetable includes two hours of Religious Instruction. Assembly, Form time, Catechism and sermons are the main channels through which PSHE is delivered to our pupils.

Homework

Homework is set daily and given emphasis as a means of consolidating learning in class work and developing independent study. Homework reinforces the lessons of the day and serves to create security in pupils’ mind so that they may approach lessons with greater confidence. All homework is to be completed by the deadline set by the relevant teacher. Parents of day pupils should ensure that there is a quiet place and a regular time for homework each night.

SEN

The school has a SEN Coordinator who works closely with teachers to support for students with special educational needs. The SENCo helps to coordinate specialized intervention if needed, and monitors the child’s progress in answer to the provisions put in place.

Personalized tuition and individualized help are also provided as needed, to help pupils progress through times of academic difficulty or stress.

Foreign Language Pupils

On entering St. Michael’s, overseas students’ English levels are formally tested using the Cambridge English Assessment Test. A plan of action is then drawn up to ensure that foreign pupils are able to progress in learning through the new medium of the English language.

EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils may receive support sessions grouped according to language ability.