Subjects Taught

At key stage 3 students learn all of the subjects of the national curriculum. We place particular emphasis on ensuring that students have a firm grasp of the key skills of literacy and numeracy. Information Communication Technology features prominently as a subject in its own right, and also in many other lessons.
In year 9, all students follow a term’s programme of practical skills in painting, tiling, carpentry, plastering and wall papering. This module forms part of the Technology curriculum but also develops numeracy, group and communication skills in a practical context.
Students in years 10 and 11 are guided into their option choices, which include all of the subjects of the national curriculum as well as a range of practical learning opportunities. All students follow an accredited course related to the school’s specialism in Business and Enterprise. Students can also follow courses in Motor Vehicle Studies, Building, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), including sex and drugs education, is an essential component of the curriculum for all students.
We are continually looking to expand the range of Sixth Form courses available. Our membership of the Wycombe consortium ensures that students have many options from which to choose. Students are also offered courses leading to practical qualifications such as First Aid and Work Skills.

Our Business and Enterprise Status

We were delighted to achieve the status of a specialist school for Business and Enterprise in January 2009. This recognises the consistently good work of the school in promoting the skills of business and enterprise among students and provides us with the capacity and funds to extend the experience of youngsters further. Students in Key Stage 3 take part in a number of themed activities relating to aspects of business such as product design, production, packaging, marketing, quality control and financial management. All students in Key Stage 4 follow at least one course with a business focus. Many have the opportunity to visit businesses and see them “in action”. Business courses, including accountancy, are very popular in the Sixth Form. Cressex is a lead partner in the development of the Business, Administration and Finance Diploma for the Wycombe area.
We believe our specialism to be especially appropriate for Cressex students for many reasons. It helps to build the skills of communication, problem solving and team working as well as to develop important personal attributes such as resilience, perseverance, dependability and creativity. It also provides students with knowledge and understanding of how business works, which, we are sure, will be helpful to them as they move on to further study or employment.

Learning Outside School

“Learning by doing” and experiences in the “real world” are essential to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves as individuals and of the subjects they are studying. We therefore make sure that a range of off-site visits and activities are built into our curriculum. These vary from year to year and include:
• visits to sites of religious, historical or cultural interest
• field and study trips both in the UK and abroad
• team building days
• conferences for young people
• summer schools and master classes
• and business focused events (for example business breakfasts involving local entrepreneurs).
We also seek to give students the opportunity to develop their confidence by participating in such events as Festivals of Dance at the Wycombe Swan and “Youth Speaks” organised by the Rotary Club of High Wycombe. We have a long term involvement in a series of arts projects focusing on the 2012 Paralympics, which give Cressex students the chance to perform alongside disabled artists and athletes, including international film stars and gold medallists!
With its specially designed themed learning gardens and outdoor performance spaces the new school will offer an excellent opportunity for us to extend our offer creatively.

Sixth Form

Our Sixth Form is a dynamic and friendly environment in which students continue their learning at school. In addition to the main courses of study (“A” levels and BTECs) offered here, students can take qualifications made available through our membership of the Wycombe Consortium, which comprises a group of school Sixth Forms and Amersham and Wycombe College. In 2009, for the first time, students will also be taking a BTEC offered in partnership with Wycombe Wanderers. This will allow students to understand all aspects of the business of football and prepare them for work or further study in many fields.
Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school. We offer opportunities for work experience and community involvement. Our courses are enhanced by university visits and higher education “taster sessions”. Students benefit from regular teacher consultations to monitor and give feedback on academic progress, as well as outside speakers. We work closely with the Aimhigher project to take advantage of master classes and workshops.

School Library

Our extensive and well-equipped library is open every day from 8.30am until 4.00pm Monday to Friday and during break times. Students may use the computers, do research, browse through magazines and periodicals, or read fiction of their own choice.
Students are encouraged to use the resources available to develop their library skills in a spacious and comfortable area.

Computer and Information Technology Facilities

When we move to the new building we will have state of the art computers and other devices to support learning in all subjects, in school and outside. We are currently exploring ways of enabling all students to have access to their own portable computers to support their learning any time, anywhere. The school’s developing Virtual Learning Environment will give students access to teaching materials whenever they require them.
Parents will be able to receive updates on their children’s learning and progress in school, as well as to communicate with us, make payments, for example for lunches and school visits, and provide us with helpful feedback, all “on-line”.
Students will be able to register their attendance in school, pay for their lunches and borrow library books without having to carry cash or ID cards with them.