Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity, and a desire for learning in all pupils, regardless of their background, strengths, and needs. It is ambitious, challenging and engaging. It builds on the essential knowledge, skills and understanding from primary school and enables pupils to become informed citizens who have an appreciation of human creativity, ingenuity, and achievement.

Our curriculum draws out key concepts that provide a rich web of knowledge for our pupils and help them to become expert critical thinkers.

Our curriculum aims to:

  • cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially aware students.
  • develop cultural capital in all pupils, so that they have an appreciation of human creativity and talents.
  • develop pupils as excellent citizens with a strong sense of responsibility for their actions.
  • encourage civic and social participation within their community.
  • promote and develop leadership within all pupils.
  • encourage pupils to develop their individuality and lead safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
  • inspire and motivate.
  • foster a deep and durable love of lifelong learning.
  • provide a strong and lasting foundation for future learning at every stage.
  • deliver excellent exam results, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can compete for the best jobs locally, nationally, and globally.

At the heart of our curriculum is a strong academic core for all our pupils at key stage 3 and key stage 4: the English Baccalaureate. This includes English, mathematics, sciences, history, geography, and a modern foreign language. Creative and performing arts, technology, computing, and physical education are central to our curriculum offer sparking curiosity, interests, and talent.

Our curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and emotional development of pupils at school and in society more widely. Religious Education, Relationship and Sex Education, Health Education and Citizenship are fully timetabled and taught by specialists throughout key stage 3 and key stage 4.

We believe every pupil is entitled to a curriculum that is varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, developing enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument.

In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement.

We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance. Our curriculum also provides opportunities for pupils to consider careers in each subject – more details are provided in the careers page of our website.

Our school operates a five-year curriculum journey, from Year 7 to Year 11. All pupils will follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects.

Pupils will make their GCSE choices when ready and when the Key Stage 3 curriculum has been delivered. We operate on a 3-year Key Stage 3 and 2-year Key Stage 4 plan but choose to view our curriculum as a 5-year curriculum journey.

Almost all pupils will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate. Pupils will also study vocational subjects to contribute to a deep and rich curriculum experience.

Pupils will be offered extra time for English and mathematics where they are performing below nationally expected levels. The focus is to support pupils with literacy and numeracy as soon as they join the school. There will be a strong emphasis on reading and expanding vocabulary.

Subjects Studied at Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, pupils will complete the following programmes of study:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • French & Spanish
  • Religious Studies
  • Citizenship & RSHE
  • Art & Design
  • Music
  • Computing
  • Design Technology (including Food)
  • Physical Education

Subjects Studied at Key Stage 4

Subject Course title Core/Option Exam board Specification
English
 
GCSE English Language Core AQA 8700
GCSE English Literature 8702
Mathematics GCSE Mathematics Core Edexcel 1MA1
Sciences GCSE Combined Sciences Core  Edexcel 1SC0
Humanities GCSE History Core AQA 8145
GCSE Geography Core 8035

Languages

 

GCSE Spanish Core AQA 8698
GCSE French Core 8658
Computing OCR Level 1 / 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia Option OCR J834
Religious Studies GCSE Religious Studies Core AQA 8062
Physical Education Level 1 / 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Sports Studies Option OCR J829
Art GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art) Option AQA 8202
GCSE Art & Design (Photography) Option AQA 8206
Music BTEC 1 / 2 Tech Award in Music Practice Option Pearson 603/7055/5
Design & Technology GCSE Design & Technology (Timbers) Option Edexcel IDT0/1F
Hospitality & Catering GCSE in Food Preparation & Nutrition Option Eduqas 601/8093/6
Travel & Tourism BTEC 1 /2 First Award in Travel & Tourism Option Pearson 600/6512/6
Business BTEC 1 /2 Tech Award in Enterprise Option Pearson 603/1916/1
Child Development OCR Level1/2 Cambridge National in Child Development Option OCR J809

 

For more information on our curriculum, please contact: