Senior Section Curriculum, Sept 2011 - July 2012

 Year 7 and Year 8

Classes in Maths and English are set according to ability to ensure appropriate progression.  All other subjects are taught in mixed ability classes.  The following subjects are studied in Year 7 and Year 8:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science - Discrete topics are taught in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Information Technology
• History
• Geography
• Religious Studies
• Spanish
• Latin
• Music
• Creative Arts Art, Design and Technology and Drama are taught on a carousel
• PHME Personal, Health and Moral Education including Citizenship and Careers
• Physical education
• Games

Year 9

Year 9 pupils continue to follow the same curriculum as they have in Year 8, including the second year of the Languages and Creative Arts option subjects.  

Group 1: French (3 sets), Drama

Group 2: Latin (2 sets), Art

Group 3: Spanish, German, Welsh, Design Technology

Group 4: Art, DT, Drama

Year 9 is an important year as GCSE subjects are chosen in February after detailed discussion between teachers, pupils and parents.  Four subjects are chosen in addition to the core curriculum.  The option groups are drawn up in response to the pupils' subject choices, a process that allows great flexibility to meet pupils' needs.

The GCSE specification is started in Year 9 in several subjects; this allows greater depth and breadth of learning throughout the course and enables pupils to make very informed decisions about their option subjects.

The iGCSE (‘International' GCSE, a more demanding course which is better preparation for A level than conventional GCSE in certain subjects) is followed for Biology, Chemistry and Physics with the option at the end of Year 10 to continue with three Separate Sciences or Double Award Science.

The iGCSE course in Further Mathematics is followed by the more able pupils.  The extended content of the examination has led to the introduction of a ‘Super A*' grade.  Pupils who do not pursue the extended maths course will study for the conventional GCSE in Maths.

Years 10 and 11

In Year 10 pupils will study their chosen GCSE option subjects in addition to the core curriculum subjects.

Year 10 is the first year to embark on the iGCSE course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics with the option at the end of Year 10 to continue with three Separate Sciences or Double Award Science.

The iGCSE course has also been introduced for the more able pupils who will study for the Further Mathematics iGCSE.  The extended content of the examination has led to the introduction of a ‘Super A*' grade.  Pupils who do not pursue the extended maths course will study for the conventional GCSE in Maths.

Core curriculum:

GCSE Option subjects: