Learning and Teaching

Curriculum Overview

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Students are taught a balanced and broad curriculum based on the National Curriculum (modified in line with Government guidelines from September 2014). Subjects taught are: English, Maths, Science, Art, Computer Science, Drama, Design and Technology, French, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies.


Key Stage 4 Curriculum

All students follow a core curriculum in Key Stage 4 including English Language and Literature (GCSE), Mathematics (GCSE), Science (GCSE), Physical Education and Religious Studies (GCSE)


The pathway model at Key Stage 4 guides students towards three option choices. For example, some students will be guided towards a range of academic subjects within the English Baccalaureate whereas other students may select BTEC subjects.


GCSE options are offered in: Art, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Drama, French, Geography, History, Resistant Materials and Textiles. BTECs are offered in Health and Social Care, Music, Sport and Travel and Tourism.


Detailed information about the topics and skills covered within each department can be seen on the various subject pages of the website.


Key features of our curriculum

  • Subject specialist teaching staff

  • Students are taught in sets in core subjects at Key Stage 4 and mixed groups for option subjects

  • Groupings vary across Key Stage 3 depending on the subject

  • A balanced curriculum promotes a range of personal, learning and thinking skills.

  • Citizenship and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health education) are taught throughout the curriculum with additional enrichment days to improve the context of learning. Learning promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness wherever possible.

  • Home learning is an expectation with some subjects setting home learning tasks

  • Religious Education is offered to all our students through the curriculum. A parent may request the withdrawal of their child from Religious Education with a meeting arranged with the Head of Humanities to explore alternative options.

  • Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance is offered throughout the curriculum with weekly assemblies at Key Stage 4 with all students between Year 8 and 11 accessing meaningful engagement opportunities with employers.

  • Extra-curricular activities are offered throughout the curriculum with opportunities to participate in events such as debate mate (very successful debating skills) and sporting teams (such as football and basketball). Facilities such the school library, the ICT suite and homework club are also available to support learning

  • British Values is promoted in all our work but we specifically promote these values through our assemblies, PHSE calendar, tutor time and across our taught curriculum