The Curriculum

 Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

Key Stage 3 students work for much of their week in ability sets, in the core subjects, modern foreign languages, humanities subjects and music. The size of sets is carefully reduced as students need more support with their learning; and special arrangements are made for students who find their learning especially difficult. For some subjects students are placed in broad ability groups. All students study English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology, History, Geography, French, Art, Drama, Music, Religious Education and Physical Education. At the start of Year 8 students begin a two-year course in a second foreign language (at present, German, Latin or Spanish). Careers teaching is introduced for all students in Year 9. Additional music and English activities, both in year groups and combining subjects across the curriculum, are part of our programme as a Music College. Careers guidance, health education, enterprise education and Citizenship are provided for all students.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

In the two years leading to the GCSE examination all students follow courses in English, Mathematics and Science. We strongly recommend, but do not insist, that students also take courses in a Modern Foreign Language, a Design and Technology subject, a Humanities subject, and a Creative or Performing Arts subject. We also recognise, however, that they are most likely to gain success and satisfaction by taking a combination of subjects which best meets their interests, strengths and future career choices at this stage. In addition we take advantage of curriculum flexibility to offer some students a more personalised curriculum incorporating the Diploma in Digital Applications, ASDAN, Young Apprenticeships, and college or work placements for part of the week. Students also follow a programme which includes ICT, religious education, careers education, health education, citizenship and work-related learning and a non-examination Physical Education course.