CURRICULUM
The curriculum at St Gregory’s includes the entire planned learning experience for pupils. The statutory programmes of study are an important element of the wider curriculum and establish the core entitlements for all pupils. The Curriculum is both broad and balanced and it has been designed to meet the needs, aspirations and capabilities of all learners. The National Curriculum develops pupil’s knowledge, understanding, skills and personal qualities in order that they become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
St Gregory’s has a positive commitment to quality and excellence for all and constantly seeks to ensure that equal opportunities for learning are available to all pupils.
The statutory subjects that all pupils must study at key stage 3 in years 7, 8, and 9 are: Art, Citizenship, Design and Technology, English, Geography, History, Information Technology, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education and Science. The Curriculum also includes non-statutory programmes of study for Personal, Social and Health Education which includes personal well being and economic well being and financial capability, which includes the requirements for Careers Education.
St Gregory’s also runs Cross Curricular Themed Projects in Years 7 and 8 at the end of the summer term. In these projects Departments work together and pupils understand the importance of transferable skills based around a Theme.
“At Key stage 3, imaginative themed weeks, such as on the global community, establish links between subjects and bring increased relevance.” (Ofsted October 2009).
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
It is important that pupils continue with a broad and balanced curriculum at key stage 4 and in designing the key stage 4 curriculum we aim to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and also provide an inclusive curriculum for our pupils. Most pupils will have the opportunity to study nine or ten GCSE’s in Years 10 and 11. All pupils will follow the statutory subjects in English Language, Mathematics, Science, ICT, RE and also statutory but non examination courses in PE, Citizenship, Personal Social, Health Education and Careers and Work Related Learning.
To support pupils in their option choices and to offer direction, we have designed three pathways that can be followed at key stage 4. This provides all our pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum and pupils are on courses suitable to their needs and abilities.
Pathways 1 & 2 |
Follow the English Baccalaureate |
Pathway 1 |
Triple Science |
Pathway 2 |
Core and Additional Science |
Pathway 3 |
BTEC Science |
The GCSE and BTEC subjects students can choose from:
Art & Design BTEC Applied Science
Business Studies BTECFashion&Clothing
Drama BTEC Performing Arts
Economics BTEC Sport
French
Geography
History
Music
Technology – Product Design, Resistant Materials and Food
Science – Core and Applied
Triple Science – Biology, Chemistry & Physics
BTEC Science
All students study English Maths, RE, IT and Science
The Key Stage 4 choice is made in co-operation with parents, pupils, subject teachers and the Head of Special Needs. A meeting for the Parents of Year 9 is held in the Spring Term and information is given on all the subjects and Pathways to parents and pupils.
Our School Careers Officer is also present to give advice on subjects, Training and Apprenticeships. All our Year 10 students participate in a mock interview and two week work placement at the end of the summer term.
“The Curriculum provides good breadth and balance, It now provides vocational pathways for ages 14 to 19” (Ofsted October 2009).
All Year 11 students have a Careers Interview to help them with their post 16 options.
Sixth Form
The Curriculum in the Sixth Form is designed to meet the individual needs, interest and abilities of all the students.
The Sixth form is open to applicants of 16 years and upwards.
Students have the choice of studying for three or four AS levels from the following subjects: Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Drama, Economics, English Literature, French, Further Maths, Geography, History, Information Technology, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music Technology, Physics, Product Design, Psychology, Sociology, Sports Science and Theology.
We also offer some vocational courses, a BTEC National in Business, Music and Information Technology.
“Students make good progress across the Sixth Form and attain above average results at A level” (Ofsted October 2009).
Careers advice continues in the Sixth form where specialist Careers advisors and Higher education guidance and support is given with individual applications to university.
“Care, guidance and support are outstanding because teachers invest a lot of time in supporting individual students”. (Ofsted October 2009)
All of our Sixth form students apply to university and are given effective advice, support and guidance.For the last three academic years 2008-2011, our outstanding success at A level and BTEC has placed St Gregory’s in the top 3% of schools in the country for academic achievement.
Mrs M Coyle
Deputy Head Curriculum
