Introduction to the Secondary Curriculum

As our students move into our secondary phases they begin to study individual subjects and follow a more structured timetable. However learning links are still important and to enable this to happen effectively we have grouped our Secondary curriculum into four faculties:

STEM

Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, Maths

Communication
Modern foreign languages, Spanish, English, (first and second languages) Media

Humanities
Business, History, Geography, Social Studies, Opening minds,

Applied learning (Practical)
Art, Drama, PE, PSHE, learning support.

Year 7

Year 7 is the first year of the students’ Key Stage 3 studies and is a crucial time in a young person’s education as it sees the transition from our primary to secondary department. It is a challenging time, both academically and socially, for the student.
During Year 7 students continue to follow a common curriculum, which includes the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish Studies, German or French, Opening Minds (History, Geography, Philosophy and Belief) Art, Computing and Physical Education. PSHE is taught during specific lessons following an age-related curriculum, the main focus being on social and emotional health and well being.

Year 8

Year 8 is the second year of Key Stage 3 studies. Students build on the good habits learnt in Year 7 and work towards reaching their Key Stage 3 targets. We begin to develop examination techniques and study skills during this year.
During Year 8 students continue to follow a common curriculum, which includes the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish Studies, an additional modern foreign language, History, Geography, Art, Opening Minds, Computing and Physical Education. PSHE is taught during specific lessons following an age-related curriculum, the main focus being on Philosophy and Ethics as well as Learning to Learn.

Year 9

Year 9 is the final year of the students’ Key Stage 3 studies. It is a busy and very important year in which students will take examinations in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. They will also be choosing their GCSE courses for Year 10 and 11. In some subjects we begin GCSE programmes of study during the Summer term.
During Year 9 students continue to follow a common curriculum, which includes the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish studies, a modern foreign language, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Computing and Physical Education. Career Planning is taught during PSHE.

Year 10

Year 10 is the first year of the students’ preparation for the Level 2 examinations. It is a very important year when firm foundations are set and during which course work in many subjects is started.
All our students are entered into GCSE qualifications and working together student, family and the school endeavour to ensure that all our students achieve A* to C grades. There is a lot of practice, skill building and research-based activity during this year to make sure our students are well equipped for the final GCSE year.

The curriculum is based around the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Spanish studies. The remainder of the curriculum consists of the options subjects chosen by students during Year 9.
Some students, if ready, are able to enter examinations early.

Year 11

Year 11 is the final year of the students’ Key Stage 4 studies. It is a busy and very important year in which students will take Spanish as well as GCSE examinations in May and June in all of their Level 2 subjects. During Year 11 students continue to follow the core subjects – English, Mathematics and Science as well as their chosen options subjects which include the following: Geography History, Business Studies, Art and Design, Media, PE and Global Perspectives.
A homework timetable will be issued during the first week of term. This will be written into each student’s Planner. We ask parents to monitor the completion of homework very carefully and to contact us at school if there are any issues regarding homework.