If you wish to find out more or more specific information about our curriculum please visit the Contact Us section of the website and send us a message via the online form. One of our colleagues will then be in touch to discuss your enquiry.
We take pride in being an inclusive school that develops the whole person, recognising that every student is made in the image and likeness of God. For that reason, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum that caters to the diverse needs of our pupils, so they may become the best that they can be and live the best possible life.
Curriculum Goals
- Holistic Development: Our curriculum is designed to nurture the spiritual, moral, social, and academic growth of our pupils. We aim to develop well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their community.
- Engaging Learning Experiences: We provide a range of exciting experiences through a variety of extracurricular activities. These experiences are designed to help pupils build resilience, confidence and self-esteem.
- Inclusive Education: The curriculum is designed to provide access and opportunity for all pupils who attend the school. Where required, pupils with SEND will receive the additional support they require both academically and with their personal development.
Assessment and Reporting
Regular testing and assessment are integral parts of our curriculum. These assessments help us to monitor the progress of our pupils and ensure they are meeting their learning objectives. Full reports are sent to parents/guardians annually, detailing their child's progress and achievements. We encourage parents/guardians to actively engage with their child’s education by:
- Monitoring their child's work and activities.
- Frequently inspecting the homework diary.
- Attending meetings arranged to discuss pupils' progress.
Support for Pupils with SEND
In line with our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy, we provide additional support to pupils with SEND to help them thrive academically and personally. This support includes:
- Small Group Work: Pupils with SEND may work in smaller groups with Teaching Assistants (TAs) on topics covered in lessons, ensuring they do not fall behind their peers.
- Non-Discrimination: We take measures to ensure pupils with SEND are not discriminated against in any way - “Staff keep pupils safe. Pupils know that if they have any problems, they can approach their mentors, support staff or counsellors for help.” Ofsted 2021
- Progress Monitoring: Teachers closely monitor the progress of pupils with SEND and report this to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
- Collaborative Approach: A close working relationship between the SENCO and teachers helps break down any barriers pupils with SEND may face in their education.
All our teachers are here to transform lives and support every pupil to be the best they can be. We work hard to ensure everyone feels happy, safe, and secure and to grow in God’s love. When our pupils leave school, they are equipped to cope and deal with the world and make it a better place.
Timings of the School Day
|
Activity |
Start time |
End time |
|
8:30 – 8:50
|
Line-up / Registration |
20 mins |
|
8:50 – 9:50
|
Period 1 |
1 hour |
|
9:50 – 10:50
|
Period 2 |
1 hour |
|
10:50 – 11:10 |
Break / Line-up
|
20 mins |
|
11:10 – 12:10 |
Period 3
|
1 hour |
|
12:10 – 13:10 |
Period 4
|
1 hour |
|
13:10 – 13:55
|
Lunch / Line-up |
50 mins |
|
13:55 – 14:55
|
Period 5 |
1 hour |
|
14:55 – 15:10 |
Line-up / Dismissal
|
15 mins |
Key Stage 3
During KS3, lessons are taught as five, 60-minute lessons per day. The timetable is organised on a fortnightly rotation.
The table below outlines the subjects and number of lessons that are taught during Year 7, 8 and 9.
|
Subject |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
|
English |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Mathematics |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Science |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
RE |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
History |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Geography |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
French/Spanish |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Computing/IT |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Technology |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
PE |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Art |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Music |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Drama |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Dance |
2 |
2 |
2 |
In English (y7/8/9), Mathematics (y7/8/9) and Science (y9) pupils are taught in sets to appropriately allocate pupils within groups where they are amongst peers with similar progress and attainment. In order to group pupils into sets, information is used from prior attainment information during KS2; however, classroom teachers are responsible for reviewing throughout the year and may move pupils into different sets as appropriate
Key Stage 4
During KS4, lessons are taught as five, 60-minute lessons per day. The timetable is organised on a fortnightly rotation.
In KS4, pupils are taught five compulsory, core subjects, and are able to choose a further three choices from the optional subjects to study at GCSE level.
The table below outlines the subjects and number of lessons that are taught during Years 10 and 11:
|
Subject |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
|
English |
9 |
9 |
|
Mathematics |
8 |
8 |
|
Science |
9 |
10 |
|
RE |
5 |
5 |
|
Option A |
5 |
5 |
|
Option B |
5 |
5 |
|
Option C |
5 |
4 |
The optional subjects are allocated to three blocks – pupils choose one subject from each block at the end of Year 9 to study at GCSE level, throughout Year 10 and 11 for timetabling purposes.
The blocks available are as follows:
|
Option A |
Option B |
Option C |
|
History Geography Business BTEC Media BTEC Sport BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC |
Spanish French Art Music Drama Computing PE Media History Geography Health and Social Care BTEC Triple Science Media BTEC |
Spanish French Product Design Food & Nutrition Economics Textiles Sociology History Geography Business BTEC IT |
Careers Education
The school will work to encompass careers education and guidance into subjects across the curriculum, in line with the Careers Policy.
The school will ensure that every pupil is exposed to the world of work by the age of 14.
The school will engage with and ensure pupils have access to local employers, businesses and professional networks, and providers of post-14, post-16 and post-18 education and training, including by inviting visiting speakers with whom pupils can relate.
The school will host a variety of career experiences throughout the academic year, on which pupils can participate in meaningful encounters with employers. These encounters will include:
Careers events such as careers talks, careers carousels and careers fairs. Transition skills workshops such as CV workshops and mock interviews. Mentoring, including online mentoring. Employer-delivered employability workshops. Business games and enterprise competitions.
PSHE and RSE
Our pupils benefit from a comprehensive programme of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), RSE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) and careers advice and guidance.
RSE for KS3, KS4 and KS5 is delivered through the RE and PSHE curriculum.
PSHE education is delivered via:
Dedicated Form Time Dedicated assemblies
All provisions made regarding RSE and PSHE lessons will be made in line with the school’s PSHE Policy.
- Mental Health
- Forms of Abuse
- Radicalisation
- Finances
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Gangs
- Digital Literacy
- Social Media
As part of the curriculum, the school will make provision for PSHE where everyday topics, such as raising awareness of different cultures or anti-bullying, can be addressed.
The school will hold 10 PSHE sessions per term. Topics covered within these sessions include the following:
- Anti-bullying
- Celebrating different cultures
- British values