Curriculum
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
We believe that all children are individuals with different strengths, skills and aptitudes.
We therefore offer a curriculum which is not only broad and balanced but also gives opportunities for students to develop their understanding and knowledge in a stimulating and inspirational environment, creating lifelong learners.
In order to maximise learning, securing good progress in English and maths in particular, we run a two-week timetable allowing greater flexibility and opportunity for all students.
As part of our curriculum, we comply with the duties in the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 and are committed to making the curriculum accessible for those with disabilities or special educational needs. This means that all children have equal access to all subjects / educational visits etc. and are not discriminated against in terms of access.
Learning Support Apps
We occasionally use apps to support learning in certain subjects. Pupils are given their own log-in details.
| Subject | App |
| Science | Tassomai |
| MFL | Duolingo |
Key Stage 3
Years 7 and 8 – Number of Periods per Fortnight
- English – 8 periods
- Maths – 8 periods
- Science – 7 periods
- Physical Education – 4 periods
- Modern Foreign Languages – 4 periods
- Design Technology – 3 periods
- Computer Science – 3 period
- History – 3 periods
- Geography – 3 periods
- Religious Studied – 2 periods
- Drama – 2 periods
- Music – 1 period
- Art – 2 periods
- PSHCE is delivered through a rolling program throughout the year.
Year 9
- English – 8 periods
- Maths – 8 periods
- Science – 8 periods
- Physical Education – 4 periods
- Modern Foreign Languages – 4 periods
- Design Technology – 3 periods
- Computer Science – 2 periods
- History – 3 periods
- Geography – 3 periods
- Religious Studied – 2 periods
- Drama – 2 periods
- Music – 1 period
- Art – 2 periods
- PSHCE is delivered through a rolling program throughout the year.
Options Process
The students make their option choices during Y9. During this year students are provided with 1 to 1 careers advice as well as options assemblies where employers, as well as representatives from colleges and universities explain to the students about the various pathways available to them. A further set of assemblies take place in which Heads of Departments within the school explain how their subjects can benefit the students in the future. This also provides an opportunity to explain each course and the assessment criteria. The students are then offered 1 to 1 sessions with their teachers to discuss the various choices that can be made. Finally there is an Options Evening where parents and students are welcomed to the school to discuss option choices with the different subject departments.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
In Key Stage 4, students will be offered a wide variety of courses that both suit their abilities and their aspirations. English, Maths, Science and Physical Education are all compulsory. Students will be offered an appropriate selection of courses and options at either GCSE level or BTEC level one and two. An identified cohort of students will follow the appropriate courses that will meet the requirements of the English Baccalaureate. The English Baccalaureate subjects are English, Maths, Science, MFL and Humanities.
Students will follow the most appropriate pathway to suit their ability and aspirations:
- Pathway 1: All GCSE courses with Physics, Chemistry and Biology GCSE and covers all elements of the English Baccalaureate.
- Pathway 2: All GCSE courses with Trilogy Science GCSE with more flexible options choices. This includes either one MFL or one Humanities subject.
- Pathway 3: Combination of GCSE and BTEC courses with Trilogy Science GCSE. This includes either one MFL or one Humanities subject.
- Pathway 4: This is a bespoke pathway for students who require additional support.
All aspects of RE, Citizenship, Careers and sex education will be delivered through the PSHCE programme. This programme will also provide students with the opportunity to follow the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.
Number of Periods per Fortnight
Year 10
- English – 9 Periods
- Maths – 9 Periods
- Science – 8 Periods
- Option 1 – 6 Periods
- Option 2 – 6 Periods
- Option 3 – 6 Periods
- PE Option – 6 Periods
Year 11
- English – 9 periods
- Maths – 9 periods
- Science – 8 periods
- Options 1 – 6 periods
- Option 2 – 6 periods
- Option 3 – 6 periods
- PE Option – 6 periods
Year Assessment Dates
| Year | Date | Type of Assessment | Date results posted home |
| 7 |
Series 1: 14th – 19th November Series 2: 6th – 10th March |
Maths and English are held in the Sports Hall in formal exam conditions. Exams for other subjects take place in regular classroom setting. |
Series 1 w/c 13th December
Series 2 w/c 24th April |
| 8 |
Series 1: 22nd – 26th November Series 2: 13th – 17th March |
Maths and English are held in the Sports Hall in formal exam conditions. Exams for other subjects take place in regular classroom setting. |
Series 1 w/c 13th December
Series 2 w/c 24th April |
| 9 |
Series 1: 29th November -3rd December Series 2: 20th – 24th March |
Maths and English are held in the Sports Hall in formal exam conditions. Exams for other subjects take place in regular classroom setting. |
Series 1 w/c 13th December
Series 2 w/c 17th April |
| 10 |
Series 1: 31st October – 4th November Series 2: 1st – 12th May |
Mock exams held in the Sports Hall in formal exam conditions. |
Series 1: w/c 22nd November
Series 2: w/c 12th June |
| 11 |
Series 1: 10th -21st October
Series 2: 27th February – 10th March |
Mock exams held in the Sports Hall in formal exam conditions. |
Series 1: w/c 22nd November
Series 2: w/c 27th March |
|
Assessment |
Date taken |
Purpose of assessment |
|
Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) (All year Groups) |
WC 18th September 2023 |
This survey assesses a student’s readiness for school and provides pastoral staff with social and emotional information. This will take place during form time. |
|
New Group Reading Test (NGRT) (Year 7 only) |
WC 18th September 2023 |
This test provides teachers with information about an individual’s reading ability as well as a standardised reading age. This is used by our in-school literacy and reading team to support children with their reading skills to best equip them for future success. This will take place during English lessons. |
|
Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4) (Year 7 only) |
WC 18th September 2023
|
These tests are designed to help teachers understand how individual students learn and what their potential grade would be for each subject area. These tests will be timetabled over two days. |
Learning journeys and curriculum plans by year and by subject can be viewed by clicking the subject below.
Art and Textiles
Child Development
Computer Science
Dance
Drama
English
Enterprise
Food Studies
Humanities
Maths
Modern Foreign Languages
Music
Photography
PSHE
Science
Sports Science
Travel and Tourism
For more information on our curriculum or any of the courses that we offer, please contact Mr Kevan via our main telephone number 0151 477 8680.