The Island Free School is a small school offering a focused and formal academic curriculum. All pupils study for the English Baccalaureate as well as English Literature and at least two other optional subjects. Pupils begin their Key Stage 4 programme at the start of Year 9.
We balance our academic curriculum with a music specialism and an extra-curricular focus on sport and creative arts. Pupils are regularly assessed and, where necessary, intervention and support is offered as part of the extra-curricular programme.
All pupils are supported in learning a musical instrument in Key Stage 3. Support includes the funding of small group music lessons. Music practice and performance forms a central part of our school day including weekly homework practice, music clubs at break, lunch and after school, and the opportunity to play in front of peers during mentor and assembly times.
All pupils are enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and are supported in engaging in cross curricular activities throughout Key Stage 3 in preparation for passing their Bronze Award.
To enable all pupils to contribute fully to school life we have a longer school day with a compulsory enrichment hour at the end of each day (Monday to Friday). During this time pupils have the opportunity to engage in:
- Enrichment activities such as sport, music, drama and dance.
- Intervention activities for literacy, numeracy and subject specific support.
- Extension activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Eco Schools and Intergenerational projects.
Our aspirations
In response to the current educational landscape, our school has the following aspirations:
Aspiration 1.
Each pupil receives outstanding pastoral care and is supported by a personal mentor throughout their time at the school.
Each tutor group has 25 pupils and there are two members of staff attached to the group. Each member of staff take on mentoring responsibilities for half of the tutor group giving a teacher to pupil ratio of roughly 1:12. The learning mentor guides their 12 or 13 pupils throughout their time at the school. This member of staff is central to creating an outstanding relationship between home and school, which is necessary if all pupils are to fulfil their potential.
Aspiration 2.
Each pupil is rigorously prepared for the English Baccalaureate as well as their optional subjects.
Pupils have a condensed KS3 experience and begin their KS4 programme of study in Year 9 having chosen their options at the end of Year 8. This allows three years for their GCSE programme of study allowing for a greater depth of understanding in each subject in preparation for the examinations.
Each pupil is supported in developing their musical talents both in taught lessons and as part of our enrichment curriculum. Pupils are also supported in developing artistic and creative expression through the enrichment programme.
Aspiration 3.
Every pupil makes expected, or better than expected progress from KS2 to KS4 in all subjects. They
are well supported academically and with creative activities including the performing arts. We are keen to develop well rounded pupils.
Aspiration 4.
All parents, staff and members of the wider community are encouraged to take an active part in school life as learners, coaches and role models for our pupils, to develop a real sense of shared responsibility.
Aspiration 5.
Each member of staff delivers consistently good
to outstanding lessons. They will be supported in developing new skills and making progress throughout their career.
Aspiration 6.
Each pupil is given the opportunity to develop into an intelligent, free thinking, creative and independent individual.
Aspiration 7.
The Island Free School is the number one school of choice for parents on the Isle of Wight.