Key School Vocabulary - Week 1

A

100

P.E

Physical Education - the subject where you learn about different sports, about keeping healthy and about muscles and bones.

200

P.S.H.E or P.S.H.C.E

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education or Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education

300

form tutor

This is the teacher who is responsible for your class. Normally, you will see them every morning. If you have any problems, they are your first point of contact.

400

assembly

In assembly, lots of classes sit in the big hall and are addressed by a member of staff. Some assemblies will have topics e.g. antibullying or antiracism, or might be about different charities.

500

detention

If you get in trouble at school, or you forget to do your homework, you might have to stay behind after school for detention.

B

100

R.E

Religious Education - this subject only exists in religious schools e.g. Catholic schools. You learn predominantly about the faith of the school, and only a little about other faiths.

200

I.C.T

Information Communication Technology. This is where you learn how to use different computer software e.g. Word, Excel etc.

300

pastoral care

Pastoral care is all about looking after students. If you have a problem at home, you are being bullied or you have a mental health problem, the pastoral care team can help you.

400

Headteacher/Principal

This is the person who has maximum authority in school. Principal is originally an American term, but is now used quite frequently in the UK.

500

self-isolation

This is when you have to stay at home because you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. It can also be used as a precautionary measure.

C

100

R.S

Religious studies - In secular/non-religious schools, this is a subject where you learn about all religions and their beliefs.

200

6th Form/College

This is the school/college you attend after your GCSEs, when you are 16-18.

300

caretaker

The caretaker looks after the school. They are responsible for locking and unlocking buildings and for fixing chairs/tables.

400

Deputy Head

This person is the second-in-command and supports the Headteacher.

500

remote learning

This is what pupils have done this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

D

100

Key Stage 3 (KS3)

This is made up of Year 7 (11-12 years), Year 8 (12-13 years) and Year 9 (13-14 years). In KS3, you study a wide variety of subjects.

200

A-level

You study for these exams when you are 16-18. You choose 3 or 4 subjects e.g. Chemistry, Maths, Psychology. These exams enable you to attend university.

300

Head of Year

This member of staff is usually a teacher, but they also have a more senior role. They will be responsible for one year group, for example Head of Year 7.

400

Assistant Head

This member of staff is quite high in the hierarchy of teachers. They will usually be responsible for one area, e.g. curriculum or assessment.

500

curriculum

This is the programme of study that you follow. The government produces a National Curriculum that all schools have to follow.

E

100

Key Stage 4 (KS4)

The higher section of secondary school, made up of Year 10 (14-15 years) and Year 11 (15-16 years). During this stage of your education, you study for your GCSE exams.

200

GCSE

This stands for General Certificate of Education. You take a different exam for each subject in the summer of Year 11 (15-16 years).

300

registration

This happens every morning. Your form tutor takes the register to check who is present/absent and communicates any important announcements to the students.

400

assessment

This is when you do an exam or a test and the teacher marks your work and gives it a level. A*-G; 9-1, Levels 4-7

500

peer assessment

This is when you have to correct another member of the class's work and provide them with some feedback.