The Curriculum

Our aim is for each pupil to develop talents and interests to the full while experiencing a broad and balanced curriculum throughout Years 7 to 11. In Years 12 and 13 the curriculum is narrower and academic and prepares pupils for further studies and many different careers. The courses offered at all levels challenge pupils to develop insight and independence of thought and value both sound learning and intellectual rigour. Our courses in Years 7 to 11 comply with the requirements of the National Curriculum. The curriculum is reviewed each year.

Key Stage 3
The curriculum is organised into a two week timetable. Lessons are taught in 40 minute periods which may be single or double periods. In Years 7 and 8 there are 74 teaching periods. For Years 7 and 8 all pupils follow the same courses subject to language variations. Pupils study either French or German in Year 7. In Year 8 pupils begin to study a second language which may be German, French, Latin or Russian. Science is taught as an integrated subject in Years 7 and 8 with the separate disciplines being taught in Year 9. In Year 9 there are 76 teaching periods. Personal and Social Education (PSE), which incorporates Citizenship, is taught by a combination of form tutors and a specialist team in Years 7 and 8. In Year 9 this part of the curriculum is taught by a specialist team and is organised in a carousel arrangement with Drama and Control Technology. The number of lessons allocated to each subject is shown in the table below.
 

Number of lessons per fortnight:		Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
	English	8	8	8
	Mathematics	8	8	9
	Science	10	10	-
	Biology			4
	Chemistry			4
	Physics			4
	Art	4	2	3*
	Technology	8	5+	4 & PECT
	History	4	4	4
	Geography	4	4	4
	Religious Education	4	4	4
	ICT	2	1+	PECT
	Drama	3	3	PECT
	1st Foreign Language	7	7	7
	2nd Foreign Language	-	9	8
	Music	4	2	3*
	Personal & Social Ed	2	1	PECT
	PE	6	6	6

Notes:

PECT	A carousel arrangement exists for 4 periods in each cycle for PSE, Drama and Control Technology in Year 9
#	Half of each year group take French, the other half German.
<	Chosen from French, German, Russian and Latin.
+	For 1 double period in the cycle, there is a carousel arrangement for Technology and ICT
*	For 1 double period in the cycle, there is a carousel arrangement for Music and Art

Key Stage 4
The curriculum at Key Stage 4 has a small optional component. There are 76 periods in the teaching cycle and all pupils will follow a curriculum as given below:

• English Language and Literature (=2 GCSE subjects)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Additional Science
• A Modern Foreign Language (chosen from those modern languages already being studied in school)
• A Humanity subject (chosen from Geography, History, Religious Education)
• Non-examination Physical Education and Religious Education

ICT is incorporated in all subjects.

Pupils choose 2 additional subjects to complete a 9 subject curriculum. The subjects on offer at present are: Art & Design, Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Business Studies, Latin, Media Studies, Music, Physical Education, Product Design, Religious Studies, Russian and Textiles Technology.

There is a Citizenship Week in summer term of Year 10 when pupils have sessions on PSE and Citizenship, and Careers Education. Pupils also have the opportunity to work shadow an adult relative or friend as a preliminary to the Work Experience offered in Year 11.

Key Stage 5 or The Sixth Form
Most pupils progress to our large sixth form, entry to which is subject to satisfactory conduct and academic achievement. A wide range of courses is available. Most pupils take 4 AS-levels in Year 12 and progress to A2 or Advanced Level in 3 or 4 subjects in Year 13. The subjects currently taught are listed later in the ‘external qualifications’ section. The School has used Advanced Extension Awards since 2002.

Sixth Formers play a major role in the organisation of School and House activities.

Physical Education
This is an important part of every pupil’s curriculum. There are many opportunities to develop a variety of skills and enjoy sport and games. Our pupils are helped to an understanding of the importance of physical activity for their life-long fitness and encouraged to develop an active lifestyle.

During their first three years our pupils follow a range of different sports, including athletics, gymnastics and tennis, as well as cricket, football, hockey, netball and rugby. From Year 10 onwards there is a wider range of activities and the opportunity to specialise. Sixth Formers have the chance to be involved in squash, golf, outdoor pursuits, swimming, orienteering and dry-slope skiing.

Sex Education
Sex education is featured in the PSE programme at KS3. In accordance with the Sex Education Act of 1994 parents have the right to withdraw their child from non-statutory aspects of Sex Education. A copy of the School’s Sex Education Policy is available on request.

Special Educational Needs
The school has two teachers with responsibility for the special needs of our pupils. One helps to identify those pupils whose needs require support in the learning process and is responsible to the Deputy Head (Pastoral). The Deputy Head (Curriculum) deals with support of gifted pupils as part of the ongoing Excellence in Cities initiative.

Religious Education
Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Enfield Education Authority Agreed Specification. All our pupils are encouraged to participate in lessons, although individuals may be withdrawn on written request from parents to the Head teacher.