Curriculum Overview

Our vision at Thomas Mills is to develop well-rounded successful individuals, all of whom make a positive contribution both at school and beyond.

We aim to provide an inclusive, safe, happy and stimulating environment, one which is based on mutual respect and collaborative relationships between students, staff and the wider community.

We believe in and provide a broad and balanced curriculum in Key Stage 3, with an increasing degree of choice as pupils mature. Our aim is to provide high-quality teaching across a range of established and recognised subjects, which have both educational merit and credibility in the world beyond school, giving our pupils the best possible start to their futures.

Although enjoying academy freedoms, the school largely conforms to the requirements of the National Curriculum (including those for Religious Education). All our resources are carefully allocated, but we endeavour to make extra provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and to improve literacy skills in Key Stage 3.

Pupils at Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) follow a common curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science, French, German, Design Technology, History, ICT, Geography, PE, Art, Music, Drama, Religious Studies and Personal Development (which includes the statutory Careers Education and Relationships and Sex Education).

In Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11}, pupils are able to experience a balance of core and option subjects, with GCSE examinations offered in 13 subjects.

The Core subjects are: English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and one of French, German, History or Geography.

Pupils then have a wide choice of other options, which are detailed in the subjects above.

All our pupils follow non-exam courses in Religious Studies, PE and Personal Development (which includes the statutory Careers Education and Relationships and Sex Education).

Many of our pupils continue into the Sixth Form, where 24 subjects are offered at GCE Advanced Level, including Computer Science, Classical Civilisation, Psychology, Sociology, PE and Politics. Technical Awards are offered in Business, ICT and in Health and Social Care.

We encourage students, whether from our school or other establishments, to negotiate their courses individually with Sixth Form staff and they are supported in this by their dedicated form tutors.