Curriculum Overview

Our Teaching

As far as possible all our lessons are taught by specialist teachers. We constantly keep our teaching up to date in line with national strategies and react swiftly should changes need to be made.

KEY STAGE 3 (11-14 YEARS)

The curriculum in Key Stage 3 is designed to give all students the opportunity to experience a broad range of subjects. English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Drama, Geography, History, Religious Education, Music, Design and Technology, Art, Textiles, Food Technology, Physical Education, Information Technology and Citizenship/Skills are offered.

All students begin Year 7 in carefully structured mixed ability classes. Mathematics, English, Science and Modern Foreign Languages, however, set students according to ability during the course of the first term. By the time Year 8 begins setting by ability to reflect subject and individual need is also in place in Humanities. These arrangements continue through Year 9 when students are set in Drama and Music.

KEY STAGE 4 (14-16 YEARS)

The curriculum in Key Stage 4 is based on an examined core of English, Mathematics, the Sciences, a chosen Modern Foreign Language, Physical Education and Religious Studies. Within this core curriculum there will be some choice in the Science course followed and the qualification achieved in Physical Education. Students complete their GCSE programme by choosing options from a list that traditionally includes such subjects as Art and Design, Business Studies, Catering, Child Development, Drama, Dance, Expressive Arts, Geography, Graphics, History, ICT, Music, Product Design, Resistant Materials, Sociology, Textiles. BTEC courses are also offered in Hospitality and Sport.

Students can also opt for the ASDAN Work and Life course. Some short courses may also be available as are A/S courses in Critical Thinking and Applied Mathematics. Students can also choose from four vocational options : Vehicle Maintenance, Motorcycle maintenance, Construction and Building Services Engineering. Non-examined core subjects are Citizenship, ICT, Personal, Social and Health Education which includes careers guidance AND Work Related Learning.

Such a broad curriculum reflects the schools desire for students to not only have the opportunity to achieve their potential academically but also gain experience in a broad range of other areas such as developing thinking skills, the ability to understand the world in which we live, the world of employment, to become independent learners, to be able to lead and manage others. All essential skills for the 21st century. Full details are always clarified in the Year 10 Curriculum Guide.