Curriculum Overview

At Key Stage 3, students follow the National Curriculum with a strong focus on the core subjects. English, Maths and Science are taught four times per week giving every student a secure foundation for future success. 

This stage of education is a vibrant and exciting chapter in a student’s school journey. Building on the skills developed at primary level, the Key Stage 3 curriculum inspires curiosity, deepens knowledge, and encourages independence; it is designed to stretch and challenge students, preparing them not only for Key Stage 4 qualifications but also for the wider opportunities of further study and the world of work. 

As part of their broader personal development, students also study PSHE through a weekly carousel lesson delivered by their form tutors. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to explore topical issues, develop positive relationships, and engage in thoughtful discussion about the world around them. 

Lessons are dynamic and carefully planned to spark ambition, develop critical thinking and strengthen transferable skills that last a lifetime. A detailed overview of the sequence of units taught across all subjects at Key Stage 3 can be found in the document below. 

Key Stage 4 is the period when students build on their earlier learning and prepare for adult life, higher education and employment. Students have an opportunity to gain GCSE, OCR Cambridge National and BTEC qualifications. All students study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, and PE.

Students taking the three separate sciences take this as one of their options in Year 10.  Computer science is also available as an option.  Students are encouraged to study a humanity subject, either History or Geography.  All those who are able, also study either French or Spanish.

Students also study a range of other high quality GCSE and vocational subjects, with the vast majority of Year 10 students taking 9 GCSEs (or vocational alternatives) in year 11. Current Year 11 students are studying for 8 GCSEs (or vocational alternatives).

Further details of these courses can be found in the Year 9 Options booklet published here.

Our PDE programme is delivered for 1hr a week on a carousel throughout the different lessons during the week, alongside our assembly programme over the academic year and covers a wide range of topics that enhance, equip and provide our students with a greater understanding of the world they live in.  We have external speakers and events covering aspects such as motivation, careers, counselling, bullying, enterprise, drugs, hate crimes and great historical events, as well as assemblies for rewards and celebration.

We work closely with a range of partners to help our students make the right decisions about Post 16 education, training and employment. All sixth form students, whether they are studying academic, applied or technical qualifications are given the guidance that allows them to choose courses which will enable them to progress to the next stage of their education, training or employment. Full information regarding the sixth form can be found here. 

These courses are supplemented by a broad enrichment programme including the following:

• High quality work experience
• Duke of Edinburgh Silver award
• Extended Project qualification
• Mentoring younger students
• Running after school clubs for the younger students

Students in Year 12 are expected to select at least one additional activity to further enhance their personal development. The enrichment options are kept under review and is expected to expand in the future.

In addition, all students have access to a range of careers information, advice and guidance led by an appointed specialist. The careers programme includes mock business interviews for all students when in Year 12, external visits by apprenticeship providers, universities, local businesses and organisations, as well as a work experience placement usually in the summer term.

All year 12 and 13 students have a full-time timetable of at least three individual, full time key stage 5 courses, supported by timetabled supervised study sessions.  In addition, any student who has not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 in mathematics or English, continue with a timetabled programme of additional lessons until they have received their results of grade 4 or above in a resit.

For further information regarding the sixth form and programmes of study please contact Head of Sixth Form, Mr Matt Smith. For further information regarding the programmes of study for individual subjects please see Our Curriculum section and subject area.