Special Educational Needs
St Birinus adopts a caring approach to all its pupils. Some young people have particular needs. We are able to cater for pupils with physical disabilities, and ramps and stair lifts have been installed to assist with mobility.
Young people with particular learning difficulties are also helped to improve their basic skills.
Our aim is to give these pupils confidence, and help them to feel that they are valued as highly as every other pupil in the life of the school.
Parents are encouraged to discuss any worries or concerns with Form Tutors and the staff in our Learning Support Department.
Religious Education
All pupils receive Religious Education each week. The work follows the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education which encourages pupils to have an understanding of Christianity and other major religions.
If any parents would prefer to withdraw their son from Religious Education and/or Collective Worship, they should write to the Head, so that alternative arrangements may be made.
Careers Education and Work Experience
Careers Education plays a major part of Personal and Social Education. There is a well equipped Careers Library with computer access to a wide range of information. The school is supported by the Oxfordshire Careers Guidance Service which offers individual consultations with students in Year 11 and the Sixth Form.
Work Experience
All pupils spend two weeks on Work Experience at the beginning of the 11th Year. The aim is to enable them to appreciate the demands of an adult working environment, and to understand the relevance of their work in school.
Homework
Pupils are given homework on a regular basis and, as with coursework, must be completed to the best of their ability if they are to realise their true potential. It is also hoped that pupils will actively involve themselves in extra curricular activities that will enhance their understanding, for example in the use of both the school and Didcot libraries.