Curriculum

Key Stage Three (KS3) is the bridge between the knowledge and skills students have developed at Key Stage Two, and the knowledge and skills we want our students to have to prepare them for Key Stage Four. In KS3, students study a wide variety of subjects, allowing them to explore and engage with a rich quality of education across all aspects of the curriculum.

Throughout Years 7 and 8, students follow a progressive curriculum, which is built around the principles of knowledge, skills and passion. The KS3 curriculum will prepare students for the next stage in their learning journey by making them the readers, writers and thinkers we want them to be. Regular opportunities are built in for students to activate prior knowledge, whilst adding complexity, to ensure students can see how each Key Stage builds on each other; helping students to make connections between, and use the knowledge and skills previously learnt and understand how they expand on it. Each curriculum area has thoughtful, sequenced learning journeys which not only build on prior knowledge, but allows students to apply it to different contexts.

If KS3 is the bridge in our student’s educational journey then KS4 is the next exciting destination on the student’s travel through an ambitious and progressive learning experience. As our students begin to develop and discover new abilities and knowledge in areas that they are inherently passionate about, they are presented with opportunities to deepen their experiences and understanding of intriguing and often complex ideas. It is these complex ideas and experiences that are skillfully woven throughout the curriculum ensuring that concepts link to prior learning and build on new skills and knowledge. KS4 is the gateway to continued learning for our students and is the bedrock from which their future learning and career journeys begin. 

In Year 8, students choose a selection of subjects to specialise in for KS4, having more time to study to a deeper level the subjects they enjoy and have a passion for. This includes the option to study new subjects which are linked to GCSE opportunities that were not included discreetly at KS3. Further information about this and the pathways process is given to parents in the Spring of Year 8, to support students in making these choices. 

It is within these specialist areas that students flourish and deepen their experiences by partaking in the extensive offer of co-curricular activities including international trips, which like at KS3, strengthens students' cultural references to ensure they are able to make real connections linked to the content within the GCSE specifications that they are studying. 

The quality of education designed for KS4 study builds on KS3, extending, enriching and deepening understanding, knowledge and skills. KS4 courses will ensure that the Specifications for GCSE courses are delivered, with the opportunity to follow lines of enquiries as a response to student questions, enabling learning around the subject and to a greater depth.

In Year 7 and 8, we aim to give all students a broad education in a wide variety of subjects. In Year 7 and Year 8 students study the following subjects:

The Core Subjects

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

• Physical Education

• Education for Life

Foundation Subjects

• Art

• Computing

• Design Technology

• Food Technology

• Drama

• Dance

• French, Spanish or German

• Geography

• History

• Music

• RE

This curriculum provides greater breadth than the National curriculum requires, although a significant amount of time is devoted to the core subjects.

In Year 7, some students are members of the Apollo group and have additional time to develop their skills in literacy. This means that they spend less time in Humanities and Language lessons. For some students this programme continues into year 8. 

All students follow an Education for Life course course throughout Years 7 and 8. This includes aspects of Citizenship, Health Education including Drugs and Sex Education and Careers Education and Guidance. During Year 8 the course includes specific modules which relate to the selection of option subjects for Key Stage 4 (KS4). 

At KS4, students still maintain the focus on the core subjects - English, Mathematics, Science, P.E. and Education for life alongside 3 other foundation subjects.

Each year information about the Key Stage 4 courses is published in the Spring term, followed by a thorough programme of advice and guidance so that students and their parents/carers can make well informed choices.

All students will have the opportunity to gain GCSE qualifications in English, English Literature and Mathematics. Some students also have the opportunity to study GCSE Statistics as part of their Mathematics course.

In Science, students work towards either dual certification in Combined Science or separate certification in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Again students and their parents are advised as to the course which will best suit each individual’s abilities and aspirations.

All students have at least three hours of PE and two hours of our Education for Life course which incorporates Citizenship, Relationships, Sex and Health Education, Religious Education and Careers Education and Guidance. These subjects are not examined.

For their 3 other options, students can choose from a wide range of choices which creates their broad and balanced timetable.

Currently students in Year 9 have selected from the following subjects:-

• Animal Care

• Art (Fine Art or Photography)

• Business Studies 

• Dance

• Design Technology (including Textiles)

• Digital Pathways (that will lead to either Computer Science or IT)

• Drama

• Food & Nutrition 

• French

• Geography

• German

• History

• Hospitality and Catering

• Media

• Music

• PE

• Psychology

• Religious Studies

• Spanish

Subjects which are available in each option block may vary from year to year.

This programme means that students are likely to gain 8, 9 or 10 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.

The curriculum model is reviewed annually by the Senior Leadership Team and Governors during the Autumn Term.

Students follow a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum which will prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.