The National Curriculum

We will provide a broad, balanced curriculum at GCSE enabling students to embark on "learning pathways" that cater for their individual needs and providing opportunities to study up to 13 subjects.

The National Curriculum is currently under government review and the proposed changes affecting secondary schools are likely to begin from September 2014. We are planning our curriculum with these already in mind and will incorporate new developments right from the start.

Teaching and learning will be based around 3 clusters of subjects within the National Curriculum: Core, Foundation and Basic:

  • All students will cover the 'Core' subjects of maths, English and science.
  • The majority will also study the 'Foundation' subjects of art and design, geography, history, modern foreign languages, music and PE.
  • The 'Basic' curriculum comprises citizenship, design technology, ICT, careers, PRE, sex and relationships education (SRE) and, for some students, work-related learning.

Learning Pathways

"Learning pathways" cater for a student's individual needs and provide opportunities to study up to 13 subjects.

For example, a keen linguist can study two languages, a student interested in learning a craft, skill or trade can do so, and those with scientific interests can study three separate sciences; biology, chemistry and physics.

We will offer a 'fast track' programme to engage more able learners in study beyond level 2 (GCSE), giving them an opportunity to access learning at level 3. We will provide enrichment opportunities for all students by involving inspiring speakers, visiting universities and inviting 'expert witnesses' to inspire them about the wider world.

GCSE Choices

The Ebacc

The Ebacc is not a qualification in itself but is a performance indicator which recognises achievement in at least 5 A*-C GCSEs from the core GCSE subjects plus history / geography and a modern foreign language.

Our aim is for the majority of our students to achieve the Ebacc award by achieving high GCSE grades in:

  • Maths
  • English
  • History and/or Geography
  • Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics(or Dual Award Science)
  • French and/or Spanish (or another modern foreign language)

Additional Subjects

As well as the Ebacc subjects above, students will be able to access a range of qualifications at GCSE, some will be compulsory such as ICT, and others part of the option blocks. We will consult with parents and students so that we can timetable the most appropriate range of subjects based on student interest, therefore, at this stage, the list of GCSEs on offer is provisional but subjects will include:

  • Computing
  • Art
  • Design Technology
  • Food Science
  • Textiles
  • Graphic Design
  • Product Design
  • Music
  • Drama
  • Dance
  • Citizenship
  • PE Studies / Sport Science
  • Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE)
  • Statistics
  • Economics
  • Further Maths
  • Geology
  • French
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Latin

 We will also offer the opportunity to study for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

 

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