Curriculum

The school seeks to conform strictly to the legal requirements of the National Curriculum (and those for Religious Education).  Within the limits of the resources we are given, we make extra provision for students with Special Educational Needs, seeking in particular to improve literacy skills in Key Stage 3.  Personal, Social and Health Education is provided across the curriculum and this includes Relationships and Sex Education.

From September 2010 we changed to a two year KS3 (Years 7 and 8) and a three year KS4 (Years 9, 10 and 11) this  enables us to, offer a more flexible and individual curriculum for students, respond to changing national curriculum developments  and to maintain our traditional high standards.

At Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) all students follow a common curriculum:  English, Mathematics, Science, French, German, Design Technology, History, Geography, PE, Art, Music, Drama and Religious Studies.  ICT is taught through the medium of these subjects (with specialist teaching of ICT skills), as is Citizenship.

In Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11) there is a balance of core and option subjects, leading to GCSE examinations in 9 or 10 subjects.  The core subjects are:  English (Language and Literature), mathematics, two or three science GCSEs. All pupils study a modern language either up to GCSE or a shorter language course. All pupils who do not study a full language GCSE are expected to study either history or geography.  Students have a wide choice of options: history, geography, second modern language (French, German or Spanish), art, business studies, computer science, design technology (either resistant materials or textiles), drama, food & nutrition, music, Latin, physical education and religious studies.  All students also follow non-exam courses in religious studies, PE, health education, and ICT.  All pupils are also involved in work-related learning (including work experience).

National Curriculum - (gov.uk)