Curriculum
In line with our sponsor (ATT) we are committed to transforming the learning opportunities and aspirations for our students, and the community in which they live. See their World Class Curriculum Strategy here.
We believe that every child matters and deserves a first class education. We believe everyone has hidden potential to be uncovered and nurtured.
We are committed to playing our part in giving young people the education and opportunities they need to succeed in a changing world.
Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education so that all students, whatever their age, ability or background, maximise their potential.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 students are mainly taught in mixed ability groups with setting in Maths, Science and French. |In Year 8 and 9 this continues with setting also in Spanish and English. The time allocations for 2016/7 are as follows
The time allocations for 2015/6 are as follows
| Subject | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
| English | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Science | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| French | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Spanish/Literacy | 1 | 1 | |
| Design & Technology | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Sport | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| History | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Geography | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| RE | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| ICT | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Art | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Music | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Drama | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| PSHCE | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Those students who arrive in Year 7 below national average have catch up sessions of an hour each week in literacy/numeracy.
All students in Year 7 and 8 are involved in the Accelerated Reader scheme and read for 10 minutes at the start of the majority of lessons.
Those students who are on track to reach national averages in English by the end of year 9 study a second language (Spanish) in Years 8 and 9.
Students requiring extra help with reading and spelling are withdrawn for individual or small group work throughout Key Stage 3 and 4.
There is the opportunity in both Key Stages for alternative curriculum. This is arranged on an individual basis to meet the needs and interests of the students involved. At Key Stage 4 there is shared provision with the other 3 schools in the area.
In Year 9 English, Maths, Science, French, Spanish and ICT start GCSE work and there is a comprehensive careers and guidance programme in preparation for the option process.
Key Stage 4
All students study English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Sport, PSHCE/Beliefs as part of the core. The vast majority of students study one MFL and then have a further set of subjects to choose from. These combine a mixture of GCSEs, BTECs and Cambridge Nationals in subjects as varied as Media Studies, Business, Construction, History, Graphics etc. The combination of these subjects in option blocks vary from year to year depending on the interests of the year group. Students are encouraged to choose the EBacc subjects, but advice is given on an individual basis so that strengths and interests are followed. The curriculum is organised at Key Stage 4 so that progression at Post 16 is facilitated.
Students can choose to study a second MFL or follow a fast-track GCSE Art in twilight sessions after school and have the opportunity to study a Finance qualification as an extra subject.
During Year 10 all students have a citizenship placement one morning a week for 6 weeks and at the end of Year 10 there is a 2 week work experience block for everyone.
Key Stage 5
Depending on the ability of students on entry we offer a wide range of level 3 courses at AS, A level as well as BTEC and Cambridge Technicals in a range of subjects such as English Literature, Physics, Travel and Tourism, Performing Arts, Sport etc. At level 2 we offer vocational courses in Joinery and Childcare. All students who have yet to achieve a grade C in either Maths or English continue to have tuition in order to achieve this. An enrichment programme supplements examination work. All students have a work experience placement at the end of Year 12.
Further Information
Details of each department can be found in the Department section of the website. If you would like any further information on the curriculum please contact Jane Campbell on 01623 980055.
Time Allocations
Year 10
| Subject | Qualification | Time |
| English | English Language GCSE
English Literature GCSE |
4 hours |
| Maths | GCSE | 4 hours |
| Science | Double Award GCSE | 5 hours |
| IT | Cambridge National
EDCL |
1 |
| PE | 1 | |
| PSHCE/Beliefs | 1 | |
| Option 1 | French GCSE
Spanish GCSE Art GCSE Learning Support |
2 |
| Option 2 | History GCSE
Geography GCSE Religious Studies GCSE Travel and Tourism BTEC |
2 |
| Option 3 | Sport Cambridge National
Dance BTEC Hospitality and Catering Level 1/2 Award Drama BTEC Computing GCSE Art GCSE |
2 |
| Option 4 | Media GCSE
Graphics GCSE Art GCSE Construction BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Music BTEC |
2 |
| Twilight | Art GCSE
Spanish GCSE |
2 |
Year 11
| Subject | Qualification | Time |
| English | English Language GCSE
English Literature GCSE |
4 hours |
| Maths | GCSE | 4 hours |
| Science | Core and Additional GCSE
Physics GCSE Chemistry GCSE Biology GCSE |
5 hours |
| IT | Cambridge National
EDCL |
1 |
| PE | 1 | |
| PSHCE | 1 | |
| Option 1 | French GCSE
Spanish GCSE Art GCSE Learning Support |
3 |
| Option 2 | History GCSE
Geography GCSE Travel and Tourism BTEC Construction BTEC |
3 |
| Option 3 | Construction BTEC
Dance BTEC Catering GCSE Drama GCSE Media GCSE ICT GCSE |
2 |
| Option 4 | Resistant Materials GCSE
Business GCSE Art GCSE Sport Cambridge National Health and Social Care BTEC Music BTEC |
2 |
| Twilight | Triple Science GCSE
Art GCSE Certificate in Financial Education – Level 2 Study support in all subjects |
1
2
1 |
Post 16
Level 2
| Course | Hours |
| Cskills – Site carpentry and Joinery
BTEC – Children’s Care, Learning and Development |
10 |
| Work experience | 5 |
| IFS – Personal Finance Level 2 | 2 |
| Maths GCSE/Functional Skills | 2 |
| English GCSE/Functional Skills | 2 |
| Tutor review | 1 |
Level 3 (Y12)
| Course | Hours |
| Maths A level
Photography A level Sociology A level Travel & Tourism A level |
4 |
| Performing Arts BTEC
Hospitality & Catering Diploma Chemistry A level English Language A level |
4 |
| Sport Cambridge National
ICT BTEC Art A level French A level |
4 |
| History A level
Geography A level Physics A level Media A level |
4 |
| Health and Social Care BTEC
English Literature A level Forensic Science BTEC Biology A level |
4 |
| English GCSE
Maths GCSE Extended Project Certificate in Financial Studies |
2 |
| Tutor review | 1 |
Level 3 (Y13)
| Course | Hours |
| Maths A level
Health & Social Care BTEC Sociology A level |
5 |
| Art A level
Media A level Physics A level Sport Cambridge Technicals |
5 |
| Chemistry A level
Geography A level Travel & Tourism A level History A level |
5 |
| Forensic Science BTEC
Biology A level English Language A level |
5 |
| Cskills Site Carpentry | 9 |
| Maths GCSE
Certificate in Enterprise, Employability and Personal Finance |
2 |
| Enrichment | 1 |