Curriculum

Students follow a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum which will prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

The curriculum enables students to:

  • Develop their knowledge, skills and understanding
  • Appreciate human achievement
  • Gain understanding of social, economic and political issues 
  • Be aware of the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of life 
  • Develop attitudes, values and beliefs that are reasoned and acceptable within society 
  • Develop a willingness to learn and apply themselves to study 
  • Develop a sense of self-respect 
  • Develop independence of learning fostering the skills and attributes for life long learning
  • Be aware of, and engaged with, local, national and international communities 
  • Be aware of their own health and safety and to appreciate the benefits and risks of the choices they make 
  • To acknowledge, promote and pass on the core knowledge and skills valued by society to the next generation 
  • Prepare for life in Modern Britain. The Curriculum promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and those without faiths

We are committed to giving students opportunities to achieve and experience success; to establish sound, constructive relationships; to develop a sense of responsibility for their actions and to share a concern for their own environment and for the world as a whole.

Organisation of the Curriculum 

The School Curriculum is organised into a number of subject areas and each of these has its own leader directly responsible to the Headteacher for the delivery of the curriculum.

  • Years 7 & 8 (KS3)
  • Years 9, 10 & 11 (KS4)

The School operates a two week, fifty period timetable with a focused tutor time programme; which incorporates literacy, current affairs ‘Wow of the week’ and voting voice activities.

Depending on the numbers in each Year Group, students are organised into three or four parallel populations. Generally, Mathematics and Science will set students based on ability whereas all other subjects are broad banded or mixed ability. 

KS3

In Year 7 and 8, we aim to give all students a broad education in a wide variety of subjects. In Year 7 and Year 8 students study the following subjects:

The Core Subjects

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Physical Education
  • Education for Life

Foundation Subjects

  • Art
  • Computing
  • Design Technology/ Food Technology
  • Drama
  • Dance
  • French, Spanish or German
  • Geography
  • History
  • Music
  • RE

This curriculum provides greater breadth than the National curriculum requires, although a significant amount of time is devoted to the core subjects.

In Year 7, some students are members of the Apollo group and have additional time to develop their skills in literacy. This means that they spend less time in Humanities and Language lessons. For some students this programme continues into year 8. 

All students follow an Education for Life course course throughout Years 7 and 8. This includes aspects of Citizenship, Health Education including Drugs and Sex Education and Careers Education and Guidance. During Year 8 the course includes specific modules which relate to the selection of option subjects for Key Stage 4 (KS4). 

KS4

At KS4, students still maintain the focus on the core subjects - English, Mathematics, Science, P.E. and Education for life alongside either ICT or an MFL, History or Geography as well as selecting 2 other foundation subjects.

Each year information about the Key Stage 4 courses is published in the Spring term, followed by a thorough programme of advice and guidance so that students and their parents/carers can make well informed choices.

All students will have the opportunity to gain GCSE qualifications in English, English Literature and Mathematics.

In Science, students work towards either dual certification in Combined Science or separate certification in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Again students and their parents are advised as to the course which will best suit each individual’s abilities and aspirations.

All students have two hours of PE and three hours of our Moral and Social Studies (MSS) course which incorporates Religious Education and aspects of Citizenship, Health Education including Drugs and Sex Education and Careers Education and Guidance. These subjects are not examined.

For 2 other options, students can choose from a wide range of choices which creates their broad and balanced timetable.

Currently students in Year 9 have selected from the following subjects:-

  • Art (Fine Art or Photography)
  • Business Studies 
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Design Technology (including Textiles)
  • Drama
  • French
  • Food & Nutrition 
  • German
  • Hospitality and Catering
  • ICT
  • Music
  • Media
  • PE
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Spanish

Subjects which are available in each option block may vary from year to year.

This programme means that students are likely to gain 9 or 10 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.

The curriculum model is reviewed annually by the Senior Leadership Team and Governors during the Autumn Term. 

Students follow a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum which will prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

These attachments below will provide you with a more detailed overview of our curriculum.