Welcome to our Open Evening
If you are interested in a tour during the school day, please see a member of our Senior Leadership Team who can collect your contact information
Art
Staff present: Mr Vardy, Mrs Aristodemou, Miss Unsworth and Mr Roberts
Rooms: 2-15 and 2-17
The Art Department invites you to it’s art rooms – Rooms 2-15 and 2-17 to sample just a hint of its creative life at Key Stage 3 and beyond into our delivery of Art at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. We have five specialist Art rooms dedicated to this creative subject (3 in the main building and 2 in the 6th Form), most having their own access to IT specialist software. Art rooms cater for two and three dimensional skills and techniques. The Art Department regularly enters into competitions in and out of school, having exhibited students work at the Royal Academy of Arts, the South Bank Centre in London and our local Southampton Gallery, as well as the Mall Galleries in London, as part of the RBA (Royal Society of British Artists) competition. Students in Art participate in creating ideas and outcomes for school productions for the Performing Arts, community-based artwork with Southampton City Council and we work closely with practicing artists and designers in individual and group projects. The Art Department prides itself on its varied and professional use of materials and media, focusing on the development of personal creative qualities and the skills necessary to enable them to present their ideas, feelings, observations and experiences in powerful and sensitive ways. We spend Key Stage 3 developing skills and an appreciation for artists, which leads students to a greater confidence in the development of their own creativity in Key Stages 4 and 5, growing more independent as they progress.
During the Year 6 Open Evening current Art students will be working on their projects, demonstrating creative techniques with a variety of materials and be on hand to answer any questions about Art at Bitterne Park. Please come along, talk to students and be creative. The teaching staff of the Art Department will seek to answer any questions you may have.
Business Studies Staff present: Mrs Niblock and Mr Nicholson
Room: 2-13
Welcome to Business and Economics, you will find us in room 2-13. Although we are not a subject that can be chosen to study until Year 9 or 10, please come and visit us so we can share some of the information that the course offers when option subjects are chosen for Years 9 and 10. Business is one of the most popular option subject choices taken in Year 10 and will teach students about starting up, working within and managing a business. A perfect course that will allow you to progress onto Business and/or Economics at Sixth Form College. Come up and have a look around the Business Studies and Economics department in Room 2-13, we look forward to meeting you. Learn more about what is involved in these subjects and talk to students about their experiences in our area.
Dance
Staff present: Mrs Mattingly, Miss Grindey and Miss Whalley
Room: SP-2
Dance is a very popular subject for both boys and girls at Bitterne Park with all students studying Dance with us in Years 7 and 8 every week. Students can opt to take Dance in Year 9 within the Performing Arts Faculty. We offer GCSE Dance as an option and students can further their study at the Bitterne Park Sixth Form by selecting A-Level Dance. Dance is taught in two specialist, mirrored studios. The Dance Curriculum allows students to appreciate the components of choreography, performance and appreciation through the study of professional works and choreographers. At Key Stage 3 we cover a range of concepts, from dancing as mechanics with tyres, soldiers in WW2 and Gobstopper sweets from the Nutcracker! Although primarily contemporary dance style, students also get to look at a range of cultural dance styles such as Capoeria, Parkour and many more. Dance is an inclusive subject that asks for creativity, energy and for our students to have fun! We participate in a wide variety of performances and events which have included whole school productions, Kickstart (our annual dance performance evening), Performing Arts Evenings and events, with opportunities to perform at national events and dance platforms such as Dance Live and Next Generation (The Point). Bitterne Park won out heat for Dance Live in 2025! The extra-curricular activities are varied and very successful. For Years 7 and 8 we have a ‘Key Stage 3 Dance Company’ and our ‘Boys Dance Company’, as well as a large ‘Senior Dance Company’ for Years 9 to13. The clubs and rehearsal sessions run throughout the week.
The subject has a very successful history of students continuing dance into further education, at University and Conservatories. Many of our students also perform outside of school in community dance companies. Choreographic and performance GCSE exam work can be seen in the Dance Studio all evening.
The Design Team welcomes you to the Design Faculty in our dedicated facilities that include Product Design, Textiles and Food & Nutrition. In this important curriculum area students research products, create ideas, explore design and then learn the skills to make their products. Each product is analysed and evaluated throughout the project. Students work with plastic, wood, metal, fabric and new smart materials. In Product Design they will construct and form these materials to make functional and decorative objects for practical solutions. In Food & Nutrition they explore diet, health nutrition, practical preparation and cooking skills, examine culture and taste to create food products for a consumer. In Textiles students research design styles, explore suitable materials and create textile garments in an imaginative and tactile way developing many important skill along the way. All this is taught in Design and Art equipped rooms with specialist teachers, using hand tools, workshop machines, computer aided design, laser cutting and 3D printing technology. During Key Stage 3 students will investigate, explore and learn design disciplines from one off items to mass manufacturing production employed by companies throughout the world. Environmental sustainability, social economic understanding are also explored, giving students the knowledge and breadth to be innovative with alternative ways of working and manufacturing to improve our lives. The Design Faculty regularly competes in competitions, presents whole Day Design workshops accessing companies and universities to deliver Design days. Students gain places on STEM based activities such as Marine Engineering and Rail Transport Infrastructure Design company visits and opportunities to do exhibition visits and community events. The Design Faculty Product Design, Textiles, Food & Nutrition Staff present: Mr Tucker, Mrs Harrison, Mrs Jarvis, Mr Brown, Mrs Earnshaw, Mrs Duer and Mrs Staszkiewicz Rooms: 0-01, 0-04 and 0-05
During the Open Evening Bitterne Park students will be working on their projects, demonstrating design, exploring and making techniques with a variety of materials and be on hand to answer any questions about the Design Department from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4. Guests to the evening may like to try their hand with various practical activities in our rooms and see how computer aided technology with CAD/CAM creates a perfect product using a Laser Cutter. Please come along, talk to students, staff and join in. The teaching staff of the Design Faculty will seek to answer any questions you may have on our subject.
Drama
Staff present: Miss Roberts, Mrs Boardman and Miss Whalley
Rooms: 1-23
Drama is an exciting and popular subject across all key stages at Bitterne Park School. There are specialised studios which allow students to experience quality learning of Drama skills. Drama lessons and the vast range of extra-curricular activities will help students develop life-long skills, through the experience of team work, creativity, voice control, body movement, rehearsing, confidence building and so much more. Explore theatre that is currently being performed in the West End – understanding how to apply the level of skill required to be a successful performer. Create original and exciting theatre – learning how to apply devising techniques so that your work communicates effectively with an audience. Develop your analysis skills – the more you understand about why theatre works successfully, the more you will be able to apply this knowledge to your own performance work. Perform to live audiences, building your confidence to stand up in front of others.
Team work is a key skill that you will develop in Drama, learning to lead, listen and compromise with your peers – allowing you to develop into a well-rounded individual. FUN! Come and see what it's all about, meet the teachers and find out more about all the opportunities to get involved with here at Bitterne Park School. We look forward to meeting you.
English
Staff present: Mr Mayoh, Ms Freer, Ms McNamee, Ms Tomblin, Ms Islam, Ms Taylor, Ms Helary, Mrs Edwards, Miss Wilkinson and Miss Giles
Rooms: 2-09, 2-24 and Library
Whilst visiting the English rooms you will see a snapshot of some of the topics students' study at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Please feel free to talk to the teachers in these rooms about what is studied in the English classrooms. At Key Stage 3 students study a range of topics which allow them to explore crucial skills in reading and writing such as: Writer's craft; Creative Writing and Equality. At Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA English Language and English Literature specification and develop critical skills so when responding to the set texts their ideas are insightful and thoughtful. Students are given the tools to write with confidence in fiction and non-fiction. Room 2-09 Key Stage 3 and 4 – What does it look like? Room 2-24 Key Stage 3 and 4 – What does it look like? Some of our lessons are also taught in the Library. During lessons in the library, students will develop their reading comprehension and confidence and take part in investigations and research about a range of topics and texts. Come and visit the Learning Zone.
Film & Media Studies Staff present: Mr Drummond and Mrs Lauder
Room: 2-14
Spider-Man, Mario, Wonder Woman are household names and are known and loved globally. But how did they become so famous? In Film and Media, we find out. We all live in a media-saturated world, where we can receive information and entertainment at the touch of a button, whenever or wherever we are. Film and Media play a huge role in the way we understand the world and respond to it. In Film and Media Studies, students gain an insight into a broad range of media, learning how to deconstruct the messages and meanings created in areas such as film, magazines, adverts, the music industry, television, social media and video games. We also create work using industry standard software such as Photoshop and Premiere Pro. We have cameras, lights and tripods… everything you need to create the latest blockbuster! During Year 9, students can choose Film and Media where they acquire practical skills and analytical knowledge needed to complete the year.
At Key Stage 4 we offer two courses in GCSE Film Studies and GCSE Media Studies. All courses form an introduction to Key Stage 5. We offer A Level in Film Studies and Cambridge Technical in Digital Media, both of which can be studied at Bitterne Park Sixth Form. But you don’t have to wait until then, after school clubs run for Years 7 and 8 for all those filmmakers that need to be creative. Today Bitterne Park…tomorrow...Hollywood!
Geography
Staff present: Mrs Miles, Mrs Blud, Mr Sadler, Mr Lewry and Miss Hailes
Rooms: 3-31 and 3-32
The purpose of Geography at Bitterne Park School is to impart geographical knowledge, understanding and skills which will empower our students to understand the complexities of our world and lead positive change. At Key Stage 3, our geographers are introduced to fundamental concepts and skills which will serve as a foundation for future topics. In year 7 we explore the geography of the UK, beginning with our local geography of Southampton and expanding to surrounding areas such as the New Forest embedding map skills throughout this topic. We also learn how rivers and coasts have shaped the UK’s landscape and investigate weather and climate. Students will partake in several opportunities to apply their learning outside the classroom with fieldwork. In Year 8 students deepen their understanding of the world around them, through our human geography topic; growing world topic where we study population, development and globalisation. In addition, they study the physical geography of Asia, including the Middle East and Russia. In Year 9, some topics are directly linked to employment opportunities within geography such as hazard management and city planning. Students also develop higher level geographical skills which they will require if they choose to study geography at GCSE. Topics include hazards, megacities, threats to our planet with a focus on rainforests, energy resources and climate change.
At Key Stage 4, our geographers study the AQA exam specification and topics generally alternate between human and physical geography so that students can make links between topics and become aware of increasingly complex inter-connected geographical systems in our world. Our team consists of highly experienced teachers, many of whom have marked for the exam board.
Hair & Beauty Staff present: Miss De La Ceaux
Room: 0-08
At Key Stage 3, Years 7, 8 and 9 can participate in after school clubs, learning different hair dressing techniques and hair competitions. At Key Stage 4 students can opt to take a VTCT level 2 certificate in hair and beauty services. The course includes a mix of theory and practical assessments including: • Marketing project • Research project • Design brief project • Understanding the hair and beauty sector • Practical units and barbering NEW Course C02A5 - Technical Award in the study of Hair and Beauty UC090 - Business and entrepreneurship in the hair and beauty sector - Exam and assignment UC091 - Anatomy, Physiology and cosmetic science- Exam and assignment UC092 - Design in the hair and beauty sector- Assignment
Please come and visit the Hair and Beauty Salon (Room 0-08) to take part in the following activities: • Crimping • Straightening • Curling • Setting, plaiting and hair-up
Health & Social Care
Staff present: Mrs Stokes and Miss Fynan
Room: 2-12
Health & Social Care is offered to students as an option at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. At Key Stage 4 we currently offer: OCR Level 2 Cambridge National in Health and Social Care (Equivalent to 1 GCSE) Consists of 3 Units: R033: Supporting individuals through life events This unit is assessed by a Set Assignment. In this unit you will learn about growth and development through the life stages. You will also learn how to understand the needs of individuals who have been affected by life events and how to recommend support to meet their needs. Topics include: o Topic Area 1 Life stages
o Topic Area 2 Impacts of life events o Topic Area 3 Sources of support R035: Health promotion campaigns
R032: Principles of care in health and social care settings This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important when caring for and protecting people in health and social care. Topics include: o Topic Area 1 The rights of service users in health and social care settings o Topic Area 2 Person-centred values o Topic Area 3 Effective communication in health and social care settings o Topic Area 4 Protecting service users and service providers in health and social care settings
This unit is assessed by a Set Assignment. In this unit you will research health promotion campaigns and learn about their benefits to society. You will also plan and deliver your own health promotion campaign. Topics include: o Topic Area 1 Current public health issues and the impact on society o Topic Area 2 Factors influencing health o Topic Area 3 Plan and create a health promotion campaign o Topic Area 4 Deliver and evaluate a health promotion campaign
History
Staff present: Mr Finlay, Mr Fear, Mr Johnson, Mr Richards, Miss Rowthorn and Miss House
Rooms: 3-12 and 3-13
The History Department welcomes you. We also invite you, as a member of our community to open your mind to the past. In Key Stage 3 students explore concepts of identity, authority and social equality through a diverse and fully inclusive selection of historical topics. In Key Stage 4 the concept of identity is explored further. Our GCSE topics are chosen to reflect the diversity of experience in British and European History, with an extension of this at Key Stage 5 (A-Level). Please come and see us to explore these themes yourself and share in our commitment to life-long History learning.
ICT & Computer Science Staff present: Mr Warren, Mr Griffiths, Miss Ward and Miss Phillips
Rooms: 3-02 and 3-05
ICT and Computer Science is a successful area of the school. The department currently runs both ICT and Computer Science qualifications from Key Stage 3 up to Key Stage 5. During Key Stage 3 students work on a variety of units related to ICT or Computer Science. Students learn how computers work as well as being introduced to the programming language Python. They learn how to create digital media such as blogs and apps and learn about good design practices. In Key Stage 4 we offer two courses, the ICT course we run is the Cambridge Nationals in ICT which allows students to understand how to use ICT in real world situations. We also provide a GCSE in Computer Science in which students learn to develop their programming skills as well as understanding how computers are able to function, how binary works and how networks are set up and protected. These courses both lead on to our Key Stage 5 course in our successful Sixth Form.
Mathematics
Staff present: Mr Feltham, Ms Lord, Mr Cox, Mr Curtis, Mr Fowler, Mrs Jeleva, Ms Williams, Mr Dalley, Mr Appleyard, Mrs Plant, Mr Gordon, Mr Caetano, Mr Nisar, Mrs Hanley and Mrs West
Rooms: 1-08, 1-09 and 1-10
An opportunity to meet the mathematics teachers at Bitterne Park School, see examples of exercise books and textbooks, and try some fun mathematics activities. The Mathematics Department at Bitterne Park School delivers to all Key Stages. The study of mathematics is compulsory in Years 7-11. We also deliver statistics and further mathematics as options at GCSE (Key Stage 4) and we offer mathematics, further mathematics and core maths at Key Stage 5 for those opting to continue with the subject, or who require maths above GCSE for their future studies.
Modern Foreign Languages Staff present: Miss Mercer, Mrs Gaine, Mrs Clarke and Miss Leman
Rooms: 2-20 and 2-21
Studying MFL equips all students with a toolkit of skills for life, with literacy being an important strand of learning within languages. At Bitterne Park School ALL students are given the opportunity to study either French or Spanish at Key Stage 3. Both languages are offered at GCSE level. In most cases students continue with the language that they have studied at Key Stage 3, however there is the option to study a language from beginner level. Students have the opportunity to continue to study languages at BPS beyond GCSEs too, in our Sixth Form, where both French and Spanish are offered. The MFL team aspire to develop confident linguists who enjoy and succeed in their language learning and become international citizens who are equipped to succeed in an ever-changing global society. We strive to foster students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of diverse cultures around the world. Our teaching enables ALL students to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.
The topics at Key Stage 3 are Identity & Relationships, Achievement & Choices, Free Time & Enjoyment, Meal Times & Global Cuisine, Travel & Respect, Health & Happiness. These foundations will allow for a smooth transition to Key Stage 4 and beyond where all topics will be revisited and developed.
Music
Staff present: Mrs Fowler, Mr Foster, Miss Haskell, Mr Robertson and Miss Dale
Rooms: 1-18 and 1-19
Music is a popular subject across all key stages at Bitterne Park School, both in and outside of the curriculum. The learning journey begins in Year 7 with basic rhythms, scales and harmonies encouraging the use of polyrhythms on the drums, the use of our voices to explore melodies and primary chords on keyboards. The journey continues in Year 8 using more complex rhythms, the exploration of Blues melodies based around the Blues scale as well as how Music Technology is used to combine and enhance compositional ideas. Students learn how Music has evolved through time from the 1600s to the present day. For some, their music education continues into Year 9. We learn how music is applied in various contexts and locations such as in the Pop Industry as well as the use of music in Film and TV. Our lessons are mostly practical, and pupils are encouraged to bring in their own instruments where appropriate. In Years 10 and 11, we teach both GCSE Music and BTEC Music; all prior knowledge and skills come together at this point no matter which route pupils choose to continue with. These KS4 courses prepare pupils to further their music education into KS5, where we also offer a variety of Music- based qualifications.
Physical Education
Staff present: Mr Speight, Mr Goddard, Mrs Mear, Miss Foster, Miss Wyatt, Mr Bixley, Mr Powell and Mr Danvers
Rooms: Sports Hall & Fitness Suite
Physical Education is a very active, vibrant and popular part of the Bitterne Park School community. Every student from Years 7 - 13 has the opportunity to learn and enjoy a range of sports and activities as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. In core PE in Key Stage 3 students have the opportunity to take part in Football, Netball, Rugby, Basketball, Table Tennis, Badminton and HRE. Students receive a 5 week teaching block for each activity before moving onto traditional summer activities. Students in Key Stage 4 core PE have option-based curriculum allowing the students to have a greater input into the curriculum they follow. Students have the ability to choose an extra sports option in Year 9 that will give them insight into GCSE physical education and the Cambridge National Sports Studies course that are taught in Key Stage 4. Our curriculum extends into our wide ranging extra-curricular program and many of our representative teams who have had great success at local and county level whilst a number of our students perform at a national or international standard and are part of the exceptional programme run in the PE department.
Photography Staff present: Miss Snoddon
Room: 1-21
The Photography Department invites you to view its exciting and creative environment. Our specialist department hosts ICT with full photographic editing software, darkroom facilities, photographic studio space and student working areas. We provide for the delivery of skills primarily in digital photographic manipulation as well as traditional darkroom photography at Key Stage 4 at years 10 to 11 at GCSE and then Key Stage 5 with a full A Level. Our students have an excellent record of success in Photography examinations and as such we are a popular course. Students take part in competitions, exhibitions and are exposed to the rich history of Art and Photography. During the Open Evening you are invited to view current GCSE and A Level work and students’ final pieces on show as well as viewing the department as a working classroom. Our staff and students will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions.
PSHE
Staff present: Miss Underwood, Miss Sherburn, Miss Williams and Mr Fear
Room: 3-14
The PSHE curriculum is designed to allow students to develop and build on prior knowledge as they progress throughout the school. We have divided the subject into 5 core strands to enable students to focus on specific aspects at certain times in the year. We are trying to encourage students to develop knowledge, attitudes, skills and habits that will prepare them for adulthood. As our students’ progress through the school they will develop the knowledge and skills to maintain a range of healthy relationships. They will know how to stay safe or how to get help if they are in danger. They will also be prepared for adult life through career preparation and an understanding of finances. The curriculum also intends to promote citizenship among the students. The PSHE curriculum is designed to support the whole well-being and development of our students as they prepare for adulthood. Please come and find out more.
Science
Staff present: Dr Harran, Miss Hodges, Miss Nineham, Mr Baker, Miss Sharif, Mr Joel, Dr Yorke, Mr Anderson, Mr Hawkins, Mr Robertson, Miss Postle, Mr Ingamells, Miss Brandom, Mr Wong, Mr Stanescu and Mr Doulton
Rooms: 3-22, 3-23 and 3-26
Welcome to the Science Department at Bitterne Park. The purpose of our science curriculum is to provide a 5-year journey through Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 7 to Year 11 and beyond into the 6th form. Year 7 & Year 8 are very focused on developing scientific skills: Using scientific equipment safely; planning and conducting experiments; making accurate observations; making accurate measurements; collecting and analysing data; reaching conclusions based on evidence. A large body of scientific knowledge (from the Key Stage 3 national Curriculum) is also introduced in the context of developing these skills. Year 9 is focused on preparation to start studying for GCSE courses and students can choose Separate Sciences as an option. This means that they will study separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs in Year 10 and Year 11. Students who do not choose the Separate Science option will continue to study Combined Science in Year 10 and Year 11 and they will gain two science GCSEs in Year 11.
Year 10 & Year 11 focus on GCSE study with a strong emphasis on building a powerful knowledge base and confident practical skills. Separate Science students gain three separate GCSEs at the end of Year 11 and Combined Science students gain two. Throughout their GCSE years students are encouraged to continue their study of science beyond Year 11 and into the Sixth Form. Mr Doulton will be between labs throughout the evening and all members of the science department are happy to answer any of your questions.
Sociology Staff present: Mrs Solanki
Room: 2-16
Sociology is an option subject that you can pick in Year 10 as one of your GCSE choices. Some of the topics we look at include family life, the education system, crime and deviance, as well as social inequality. If you want to know how society works and you have always thought things are not what they seem in society come and visit us. We will explain and show you what you could be learning in Sociology if you select it for your GCSE.
Travel & Tourism Staff present: Mrs Cook and Mrs Peterson
Room: 3-30
We run BETC Travel and Tourism Award which is a vocational course. The course offered is an optional subject and is available for selection through the options process in year 8 and then in year 9 to be studied at Key Stage 4. The course progresses onto the higher level of Key Stage 5 taught at Bitterne Park Sixth Form and links to similar courses at other colleges. There are many opportunities to develop workplace skills when studying this option as well as going first-hand experience through working within the tourism sector. We work in partnership with Paultons Park, Beauliey Motor Museum and many other local organisations to create a meaningful learning experience for each student. In choosing to study Tourism students will broaden their knowledge of the sector and deepen their own personal learning thinking skills.
Topics covered on this course are: Coursework Unit
Travel snd Tourism Organisations and Destinations Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism Exam Unit Influences of Global Travel and Tourism This course is assessed through both examination (40%) and coursework (60%).
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