History is taught in the Senior school to classes of Year 8-12 for one hour per week. It is a cross-curricular subject, which incorporates Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.

Emphasis is placed on pupils developing skills in researching and managing information, working with others and self- evaluation.  These skills are taught through a range of topics including the Mitchells of Marmont, the Normans, Medicine, Rivalry and Conflict and World War One.

Pupils are encouraged to find out about topics of historical interest such as the Titanic and the First World War through visits to The Titanic Quarter and The Somme Heritage Centre.

In Year 10 all pupils have the opportunity to take Entry Level accreditation which is completed over eight terms.  This is based on 10 pieces of continuous coursework along with an oral module set by the examining body.

Ø     Senior pupils in the post Primary Department are encouraged to continue their effective use of communication, now becoming even more aware of  purpose as their communication contexts widens. 

Ø     Skills develop as opportunities increase to present ideas through a range of communication styles.

Ø     These presentation skills improve when the skills of interpreting information are in place.  Punctuation improves clarity of good ideas.

Ø     The pupils start to prepare for examination when their skills are ready.   Coursework requires understanding of poems and novels; presentation of ideas in  imaginative and factual formats and sharing ideas in group discussion setting on relevant topics.

Ø     With increasing opportunities to compare and evaluate the range of information faced, pupils can begin to justify their opinions with examples.

Business Studies is taught to our Key Stage 4 pupils by Miss Allen.  This year we are doing Young Enterprise Team Programme - have a look at our Young Enteprise page here.  Pupils have set up their business - looking at market research, customers, producing products and selling them. We go through all aspects of running a business.

We also complete Entry Level Qualification for Business Studies and we use real businesses and products when teaching.

Horticulture is being taught to pupils in keystage 4+ in conjunction with pupils from Ashfield Boys School through Shared Education. The pupils are taught in Mitchell House and make use of the poly tunnel and raised beds that the school has to gain practical experience. Pupils will gain accreditation by completing units of CCEA Occupational studies. The aim of the course is to allow pupils to gain knowledge and acquire the skills required to grow and care for indoor and outdoor plants. Pupils are expected to grow a variety of plants as well as developing a knowledge of the business side of horticulture. 

In Mitchell House School, music has a valuable place in the education of our children as it can facilitate and enhance life skills. Through the study of music, pupils can improve physical and motor skills through performance and advance their ability to communicate through self-expression. They may also raise self-esteem through the satisfaction of achievement and gain confidence through group and individual study. Pupils are encouraged to develop their musical ability through the study of the following three areas:

     Listening.

     Composing.

     Performing.

Ø    Pupils in the post Primary school have opportunity to discuss issues and key questions showing the variety of opinions on issues regarding faith they question now or may meet later in life.

Ø     Pupils work with others in pairs and groups to feed back to the class to examine range of options and justify their own opinions.

Ø    Opportunities exist for accreditation as they show understanding of the connection between belief and lifestyles through study of an inspirational figure, how a particular faith worships and  a religious celebration.

Ø    When the pupils identify their tasks they use ICT to explore and present the information most appropriate for the task.

PE is compulsory for all pupils in senior school (Years 8-10).

Pupils are given the opportunity to experience a range of different activities including:

Basketball

Boccia

Dance

Football 

Health Related Fitness

Indoor Kurling

Rounders

Table Tennis

A football tournament is played each year as an inter- school house activity. Students will also have an opportunity to have around 6 sessions of swimming per year. We take part in a number of special schools competition and enjoy a lot of support from disability sport.

Ø     In the post primary curriculum Personal Development is included in Learning for Life & Work (LLW.)

Ø     The themes of Health, Emotions, Making Decisions, Self Concept, Managing Change, Values and Beliefs, Learning about Learning, Safety, Relationships and Drugs provide opportunity to become more aware of choices with physical, social, emotional, cognitive & spiritual impact on young lives.  

Ø     Opportunity for accreditation exists as pupils display skills in a variety of cross curricular tasks that add up to complete awards at a range of levels in ‘Life and Living Skills’ from the OCR examining body. 

Ø     The five aspects influence so much of pupils’ everyday lives and are almost inseparable, providing a valuable balance in all their learning experiences.

Geography is very much a cross-curricular subject, incorporating Literacy, Numeracy, Citizenship and ICT.

While the emphasis is on topics of local interest showing relevance and significance for the pupils, the global aspect of the subject including cultural and geographical difference is widely explored as well as international issues.

As part of the Geography syllabus, pupils carry out observations and studies within the local school environment and can also enjoy fieldtrips further afield within the local area to enhance their understanding of particular topics. 

 Pupils have the opportunity to take Entry Level accreditation which is completed over eight terms.  This is based on continuous coursework with an oral module set by the examining body.