All students follow a common core of learning in Years 7, 8 and 9 which includes English, Mathematics, Science, at least one language (French, German and Spanish), Humanities (History, Geography and religious Education), Computer Science, Performing Arts (Drama, Dance and Music), Design Arts (Art and Design Technology) and Physical Education.  The Personal Development Programme includes Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Enterprise education, as well as Careers Education.

The Year 7 curriculum also includes Countryside and Environment, ensuring students have an appreciation of the schools’ surrounding rural environment. A second language is introduced in year 8 to support the focus on internationalism and is in addition to the study of French during year 7. From year 8 onwards students are placed in very broad ability groupings in mathematics and science.

The study of at least one language subject and at least one applied subject will be encouraged for all students entering Key Stage 4, to support the aim of breath, challenge and balance as important components of the programme of study for the majority of students during Key Stage 4.

The allocation of time to the various curriculum areas is subject to annual review. For the academic year 2020-21 the distribution of curriculum time across a two- week timetable is as follows:

Year 7 – Year 11

* Available as an optional GCSE and/or Applied Full Course in Years 10 and 11 (5 hours each). For Science this facilitates study of the three separate sciences for students who meet the required standard in KS3.

In years 10 and 11, students study a common core of English, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Religious Studies. A further guided choice of subjects is then available from a list of optional subjects. For students looking for further challenge there is opportunity to study more than one language.

Courses in all subjects offered in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) normally lead to an external assessment except for religious studies and physical education which are taught as part of the core curriculum.

Year group curriculum maps for Years 7 – 9, and subject curriculum summaries Years 7-13 are available on the school website and show the coverage of subject content across each year

Sixth Form

In the Sixth Form the following subjects are offered at Level 3 (Applied or A Level):

A one year, level 2 qualification, is also offered in Performing Arts with additional certification in First Aid, Workskills and functional numeracy and literacy. GCSE English and Mathematics is also available for those not attaining grade 4 during KS4.

All sixth form students also take part in a “Personal Development Programme” which covers topics related to personal, social, health and cultural learning, career progression, enterprise and citizenship.

Organisation of Teaching Groups and Timetable

Students are taught in a variety of groupings depending on the needs of the students and the demands of the particular curriculum area; these may vary from year to year.  Teachers are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ensure success shines through at all levels both academically and vocationally.

Mixed ability teaching groups are the most common for the teaching of years 7 and 8.  Broad ability groups or sets are introduced generally higher up the school. The school week is divided into an allocation of twenty-five periods each of one-hour duration. The timetable operates over a two-week, fifty period cycle. In addition, other aspects of the curriculum, forming part of the Personal Development Programme (including PSHCE, Careers Education and Enterprise) are covered in separate lessons and programmed events. Time is also allocated for a daily act of worship, assemblies and the registration of students

English

Mathematics

Science