Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity and a desire for learning in all pupils, regardless of their background, strengths and needs. It is ambitious, challenging and engaging. It builds on the essential knowledge, skills and understanding from primary school and enables pupils to become informed citizens who have an appreciation of human creativity, ingenuity and achievement.

Our curriculum draws out key concepts that provide a rich web of knowledge for our pupils and help them to become expert critical thinkers.

Our curriculum aims to:

  • cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware students.
  • develop cultural capital in all pupils, so that they have an appreciation of human creativity and talents.
  • develop pupils as excellent citizens with a strong sense of responsibility for their actions.
  • encourage civic and social participation within their community.
  • promote and develop leadership within all pupils.
  • encourage pupils to develop their individuality and lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
  • inspire and motivate.
  • foster a deep and durable love of lifelong learning.
  • provide a strong and lasting foundation for future learning at every stage.
  • deliver excellent exam results, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can compete for the best jobs locally, nationally and globally.

At the heart of our curriculum is a strong academic core for all our pupils at key stage 3 and key stage 4: the English Baccalaureate. This includes English, mathematics, sciences, history, geography and a modern foreign language. Creative and performing arts, technology, computing, and physical education are central to our curriculum offer sparking curiosity, interests and talent. At Key Stage 5, we offer a range of A Levels to prepare students well for their next stage in education, employment or training.

Our curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and emotional development of pupils at school and in society more widely. Religious Education, Relationship and Sex Education, Personal, Social Health Education are fully timetabled and taught by specialists throughout key stage 3 and key stage 4.

We believe every pupil is entitled to a curriculum that is varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, developing enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument.

In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement.

We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance.

Our curriculum also provides opportunities for pupils to consider careers in each subject – more details are provided in the careers page of our website.

Our school operates a seven-year curriculum journey, from Year 7 to Year 13.

All pupils will follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects.

All pupils will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate.

Subjects studied at key stage 3

At key stage 3, pupils will complete the following programmes of study:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Spanish or German
  • Religious Education
  • PSHCE
  • Art & Design
  • Music
  • Computing
  • Design Technology (including Food and Textiles)
  • Physical Education

Subjects Studied at Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, pupils will complete a range of qualifications. All pupils will follow a combination of core subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate: English, mathematics, sciences, humanities and one modern foreign language. As part of the core curriculum, they will continue to study physical education and PSHCE. In addition, pupils will choose optional subjects from a broad suite of choices covering both GCSE and vocational qualifications.

Subject Course Title Core/Option Exam Board
English GCSE English Language  Core AQA
GCSE English Literature  Core AQA
Mathematics GCSE Mathematics  Core Pearson (Edexcel)
Humanities GCSE History
GCSE Geography
Core (pupils study one of the two courses) AQA
GCSE Religious Studies Core AQA
Modern Foreign Languages GCSE Spanish
or
GCSE German
Core AQA
GCSE French (Legacy, current Yr11s only) Core AQA
Science GCSE Biology,
GCSE Chemistry &
GCSE Physics
or
GCSE Combined Science
 Core AQA
Physical Education GCSE PE Option Pearson (Edexcel)
Art GCSE Art and Design  Core AQA
Design Technology GCSE Design Technology OR GCSE Food and Nutrition  Option AQA
Computing GCSE Computer Science  Option OCR
Music GCSE Music Option Edexcel
Drama GCSE Drama Option AQA

 

Subjects studied at key stage 5

At KS5, students may study up to four A-Level courses.

Subject A Level Exam Board
Art A Level Eduqas
Business A Level AQA
Biology A Level AQA
Chemistry A Level AQA
Computer Science A Level AQA
Drama and Theatre* A Level AQA
Economics A Level AQA
English Language A Level Edexcel
English Literature A Level Edexcel
French**  A Level AQA
Geography A Level AQA
German A Level AQA
History A Level AQA
Law A Level AQA
Mathematics A Level Edexcel
Mathematics: Further A Level Edexcel
Music* A Level AQA
Physical Education* A Level AQA
Physics A Level AQA
Psychology A Level AQA
Religious Studies A Level Eduqas
Sociology A Level Edqas
Spanish A Level AQA
Extended Project Qualification Level 3 (equivalent to AS Level) AQA

*Subjects last sitting in summer 2024

**Subjects last sitting in summer 2026

For more information on our Sixth Form curriculum, please see our prospectus.

For more information on our curriculum, please contact: