Students are placed in mixed ability groups in Year 7, with maths setting in the Autumn term once we have got to properly know students. As well as English, maths and science students follow courses in history, geography and religious studies (RS); art, music and drama (which includes personal, social and health education); a modern foreign language (either French or German); PE and ICT; and a range of courses in technology.
In Year 8 most students also study some further foreign languages, including Mandarin, Danish and Latin. This new development for 2008-9 is one of the first changes due to our ongoing curriculum review. Further setting is introduced in English and science. Towards the end of the year students decide which technology area they want to follow in more depth in Year 9.
During Year 9 students prepare for the National Curriculum Tests (often referred to as SATs) in English, maths and science, and also aim to complete a Key Skills qualification in ICT. This is also the year when students choose their Options for Key Stage 4, which will probably include some of the new Diploma courses from September 2009.
The Key Stage 4 curriculum includes the core subjects of English, maths and science, RS, careers education and guidance, personal, health and social education, core PE and outdoor education. In addition students choose from a range of GCSE courses and some non-GCSE vocationally oriented courses. The menu Options in Key Stage 4 on the right provides more information.
In addition subject lessons are supplemented by Curriculum Enrichment days, some of which are blocked into an Activities Week, and a programme of Work Experience, both of which take place in July.
Further information about subjects can be found through the menus on the right. We welcome student and parent feedback on the curriculum, and the section on Curriculum Review gives more information on this.
