Curriculum Overview

Curriculum

We define our curriculum as ‘the articulation of the knowledge, skills and values we intend our students to learn’

Intent

Our curriculum has been designed to be ambitious, rich, diverse and sensitive to our context. It is carefully sequenced to ensure that key aspects are revisited and built up over time. Departments produce curriculum plans which detail what is to be delivered and when. These are regularly reviewed so that any adjustments can be made. The intent includes lesson planning, so that teachers are aware of what they intend for the students to learn and are able to plan lessons accordingly to ensure that this happens, using information from previous lessons to inform this planning.

Implementation

This is the delivery of the curriculum. The time we spend working with teachers to improve their own practice ensures that time is not wasted. The quality of our teaching is the single most important factor in ensuring that our curriculum is successfully taught.

Impact

This is the extent to which the curriculum has been successfully learned by our students. It is evidenced through key summative assessment tasks as well as through formative assessment, including regular low stakes testing and retrieval practice that informs planning.

Life Programme

All students follow the ‘Life’ programme which encompasses PSHE, RSE and Careers Education. This is delivered in form time, through drop-down mornings and, where relevant through subject areas.

Key Stage 3

English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, RE, Art, Music, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Business Studies, PE and French. In Year 8 Spanish is also studied.

Key Stage 4

All students study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science (or triple if taken as an extra option) and Religious Studies, as well as Core PE.

All students will study a GCSE in either History or Geography and will then choose 3 further options (or 2 if taking triple science) from:

Art	Electromechanical Systems	History
Business Studies	Food Preparation and Nutrition	Music
Computer Science	French	Physical Education
Designing the Built Environment	Geography	Spanish

Key Stage 5

Our A level programme is extensive – please see our curriculum booklet here:

In order to support our students, we offer a broad enrichment programme which includes electives, a Scholars programme, careers and next steps advice and a ride range of visits and sporting opportunities.

Curriculum Allocation

	Number of Periods per Fortnight
	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11
English	9	8	8	8	10
Maths	8	8	8	8	9
Science	9	9	9	12	10
MFL	8	8	8
History	4	3	3
Geography	4	3	3
Art	2	2	2
Music	2	2	2
Drama	2	2
Design Technology	3	4	4
Computer Science	2	2	2
PE & Games	4	4	6	4	4
Religious Studies	2	2	2	4	3
Option 1				6	6
Option 2				6	6
Option 3				6	6
Option 4				6	6
Finance		2	2
Life Programme	1	1	1
TOTAL	60	60	60	60	60

In theWG6, each subject is allocated 14 periods per fortnight, 2 of which are subject study. Wednesday afternoon is allocated for enrichment and electives. To view our Electives Booklet, which lists our programme of activities please click here. Students in Year 12 attend supervised study during their non-contact time.

Subject	Video link
English	GCSE English Language and Literature Introduction - YouTube
Mathematics	GCSE Mathematics Introduction - YouTube
Religious Studies	GCSE RS Introduction - YouTube
Science	GCSE Science Introduction - YouTube
Geography	GCSE Geography Introduction - YouTube
History	GCSE History Introduction - YouTube
Fine Art	GCSE Art Introduction - YouTube
Business	GCSE Business Studies Introduction - YouTube
Computer Science	GCSE Computer Science Introduction - YouTube
Design & Technology (DBE, DT & Food Tech)	GCSE DT, DBE, and Food Preparation & Nutrition Introduction - YouTube
Music	GCSE Music Introduction - YouTube