Spring Term 2023 curriculum booklet

Parents and pupils can download the Spring Term 2023 curriculum booklet below:

Year 9 Option Choices 2022-2024

Here is the GCSE Options booklet for parents to access:

Revision Guide

We’ve put together this revision guide to help our pupils with revision techniques, being organised and helping them to achieve their full potential:

Y7-11 Parent Support Resources

Here are the presentations from our Y7 & New Joiners Evening and our Year 10 Information Evening held during the Autumn Term 2022 for parents to access:

We are proud of the academic rigour and breadth of the curriculum offered at Key Stage 3. Small class sizes and the opportunity for our well-qualified subject specialists to develop programs of study allow our pupils to make superb progress and solidify the foundations of the course ahead of Key Stage 4.

The overall balance of the curriculum allows each pupil to experience a wide range of subjects. At the same time we place considerable emphasis on the development of skills which will best equip our pupils for success both at school and beyond. We provide a breadth of education on which pupils can build before they start their GCSE course.

In addition to the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, pupils follow the National Curriculum with lessons in: Art, Geography, History, Computer Science, Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish), Music, Physical Education, PSHE and Religious Studies.

Pupils also study Character Development in Year 7 and Year 8.  This is a timetabled period for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils, helping them to develop the skills needed to thrive in the future. It will support them in developing their self-discipline and self-regulation, and build their willingness to participate, compete, perform and volunteer.
These sessions will give the pupils the time and resources to understand their own character, develop their skills so they can flourish, and practise implementing them in a safe, supportive environment.

At Key Stage 4 our aim is to ensure that all pupils study subjects that suit their abilities and aspirations. Pupils are provided with flexibility; both in terms of the choice of subjects and in matching subjects to the needs of individuals, thus enabling a smooth transition to the next stage of their academic journey.

All pupils follow a core curriculum of English, English Literature, Mathematics and Science. Pupils can then choose four option subjects from the table below:

The rich mix of drama, musical productions, sport and extra-curricular activities enriches and builds on all that is achieved by our pupils in the more formal areas of the curriculum, providing our pupils with confidence as well as developing their skills and interests.

In addition, for one lesson a week the timetable is collapsed and given over to pupil enrichment which offers an opportunity for our pupils to enjoy activities that are beyond the confines of the examination curriculum.

* A decision is made after the Year 11 mock examinations in the Autumn term as to whether pupils will complete Double or Triple GCSE Science award. All pupils study the triple award curriculum until this decision is made.

**Study Skills is not a GCSE subject.

Pupils at Key Stage 4 also study Personal, Social, Health and Economic provision (PSHE) and Enrichment:

PSHE

Pupils in Year 10 have one term of PSHE provision where they are taught for a 55-minute session each week during their Enrichment lesson. These sessions cover key aspects of their development: healthy relationships, living in the wider world and staying healthy (including mental health). Pupils also have sessions with Loudmouth on issues such as spotting signs of abusive relationships. A link has also been formed with the police; they will deliver sessions on drugs, knife crime and staying safe. Pupils will also explore a wide range of issues through the ‘Votes for Schools’ programme; these sessions take place with their Form Tutors during registration.

Careers

Year 10 pupils complete one term of 55-minute Careers lessons during their weekly Enrichment lessons. Within these sessions Year 10 pupils learn about the different post 16 options and pathways including Sixth Form and College opportunities. They also receive support to create their personal statements and curriculum vitaes alongside our Careers Advisor and the Head of English. In addition to this they have the opportunity to explore the world of work, learning about what different professions and jobs entail.