CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

KEY STAGE 3

We run a three-year Key Stage 3 programme with a focus on breadth, balance and challenge. At KS3, students study English, Maths, Science, History, Geography and Modern Languages (German/French), Performing Arts (Drama and Music), Design Technology (Food Technology, Textiles, Design Technology), Art, Computing, Religious Studies, Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) and PE.

A great deal of work supports the transition from Primary school into Secondary school and some students who are given additional support to catch up with their peers.  Both Maths and English have smaller classes for students who require additional literacy and numeracy support during Year 7 and 8.

KEY STAGE 4

At Key Stage 4, students select options that they choose to specialise in at greater depth. These options are undertaken alongside the core provision of GCSE English, GCSE English Literature, GCSE Maths, GCSE Combined Science and GCSE Religious Studies.  All students benefit from Core Physical Education too. All of our Key Stage 4 courses are two year courses.

Options are chosen at the mid- point of Year 9. Our model is designed to offer students opportunities to expand the subjects they can study so they can gain access to new subjects such as Health and Social Care, Business Studies, Engineering or Catering. We also provide an option for all students to deepen their science studies, should they wish to do so, by selecting triple science (separate GCSEs in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics).  Our options process strongly advises students to consider the value of studying a modern foreign language; we strongly steer all students, across the ability range, who would enjoy a GCSE in French or German to take it further.

KEY STAGE 5

At Key Stage 5 students can select from a good range of A Level and Applied General Qualifications.  Whilst many of these build on the options available within the main school curriculum some options are introduced for the first time, such as Child Development, Psychology and Further Maths.   The possibility of retaking Maths and English GCSE is available to all students who require this. We also have a popular and successful ‘Bridge’ course for students who might benefit from a one-year course designed to boost their academic confidence and broaden their knowledge. The Bridge programme also introduces them to the world of work through work experience, and it offers a route to qualifications that could lead to Level 3 study or apprenticeships.  All students in the Sixth Form College study a programme of taught skills in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).  They also benefit from a comprehensive tutorial programme designed to tackle issues which are relevant to young adults as well as preparing for progression into further study or training for employment.  There is a core PE lesson each week which is usually co-designed with the students to encourage their participation. Leadership is a feature of the learning in College – a tradition of student leadership is fulfilled in a number of ways with the Sixth Form Council being prominent in many whole school events.