Curriculum
At Key Stage 3 we offer a broad and balanced curriculum. All students study the core subjects of English, Maths and Science alongside ICT, Technology, The Arts, Humanities, French, PE, RE and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). In Year 9 all students also study either German or Spanish.
We aim to give students in Key Stage 3 a wide range of teaching and learning experiences which stimulate and challenge them, providing a sound foundation for study at Key Stage 4 and beyond (14 – 19).
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum offers a balance of breadth, flexibility and choice for the full ability range. All students study an extended core of subjects and can choose from a variety of optional pathways which link in with study post-16. These range from academic combination to vocational / work-related pathways and from September 2009 will include Diploma options.
All subjects are taught by well qualified and experienced staff and curriculum activities are extended by a wide range of educational visits and experiences linked to different subject areas. Independent Learning is given a high priority for each curriculum subject. Our taught curriculum operates within a 2 week timetable with 5 one hour lessons per day.
Students with Special Educational Needs
Each child is unique and we make every effort to recognise their individuality and provide appropriate learning experiences. These needs are identified through our systematic liaison with Primary Schools and transfer arrangements.
Our Inclusion and Achievement team includes specialist teachers, teaching assistants and LSAs. We have a specialist unit for physically disabled students who attend mainstream lessons and are fully integrated into the life of the school. In-class support is available for students with statements of special educational needs, alongside small group work when students may be withdrawn from some lessons. We operate an inclusive curriculum to provide for the needs of all students.
Year by Year Summary
Year 7
Year 7 is a crucial transition year and is designed to act as a foundation for learning as students progress through the school. There is a real focus on setting the foundations for literacy and nimeracy skills through English and Maths, alongside the development of wider learning skills. All students follow a curriculum of:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Humanities
- French
- Drama and Music (Performing Arts)
- Design, Art and Technology
- ICT
- PE
- PSHE / Citizenship
Year 8
Students follow a similar curriculum to Year 7:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Humanities - but as separate subjects of Geography, History and RS
- French
- Drama and Music (Performing Arts)
- Design, Art and Technology
- ICT
- PE
- PSHE / Citizenship
Year 9
Year 9 is seen as the end of Key Stage 3, but also as a transition year into Key Stage 4 and preparation for examination courses. In Year 9 students build upon their Year 8 curriculum, explore new language options such as German and Spanish, begin some GCSE and OCR national courses and make their option choices for Year 10.
Years 10 and 11
All students follow a core curriculum of:
English, Maths, Science, ICT, PE, RS, PSHE and Citizenship.
In addition they select up to 4 additional courses from a range of GCSE, OCR, BTEC and 14-19 Diploma courses.
This provides the students with a broad and balanced provision which allows them to personalise their learning and allows them to progress onto courses and training post-16.
Years 12 and 13
The curriculum builds upon their KS4 curriculum and prepares them for education, training or employment post-19. It offers a variety of level 2 and level 3 courses across one and two years. There is a wide variety of AS and A2 courses,BTEC level 2 and 3 courses and 14 -19 Diploma options.