Curriculum

Aims

The taught curriculum is based on the concept of “Powerful Knowledge for Global Citizens”. Students study a broad and balanced curriculum, in order to: 

• be inducted into the powerful knowledge of the subject, as defined by the subject community 

• develop their literacy and numeracy; 

• develop their cultural, social, moral, mental and physical development; 

• build their character; 

• develop the knowledge and skills that are needed for future opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in life; 

• have high expectations for their behaviour and achievement, including the resources and accountability to engage in regular and effective revision as home learning. 

Our taught curriculum uses the National Curriculum as its baseline, to ensure that all children are taught the essential knowledge in these subjects. Subject-specific content is carefully tracked to ensure that students have covered all areas of non-statutory Key Stage 4 subjects by the end of Year 9.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum (Years 7-9)

Literacy and Numeracy

Literacy and Numeracy are embedded across all subjects. The English and Maths curriculum are aligned with the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum, to ensure that students build on their previous knowledge. Through our ‘Register, Read, Rally’ KS3 tutor time reading programme students regularly engage with a rich and diverse range of texts to develop their literacy, love for reading and understanding of the world around them. 

Broad and Balanced

All students take up the study of a modern foreign language, either French or Spanish. All students also study Latin from Year 8. 

Students study the Humanities as the separate subjects of Geography, History and RE. In Year 9, all students begin RE GCSE, which they complete at the end of Year 10. 

All students study Art, Music and Drama, and Technology is taught as a carousel of Food and Nutrition, Graphics and Design and Technology, with one taught per term. Some students are admitted to the school as Music Scholars through our Music Scholarship Programme.

Curriculum Support Base

A small number of delicate learners study a combined curriculum in Years 7 to 9. The curriculum is designed to build students’ skills in literacy and numeracy, and is delivered by a SEND trained teacher as well as by mainstream teachers. The group is reviewed regularly and students may join mainstream classes when they are ready.

Timetabling and allocations

Students in all years follow a timetable over two weeks of 60 lessons (30 per week).

All lessons in Years 10, 11 and the sixth form consist of ‘double’ periods lasting 100 minutes. Lessons in Year 7, 8 and 9 are a mixture of 50 and 100 minute lessons.

*Technology is taught as a carousel of three discrete subjects: Food and Nutrition; Design and Technology; and Graphics. 

Key Stage 4 Pathways

English Baccalaureate (EBacc) Pathway: This pathway is recommended for the majority of students. It provides a balanced curriculum that will leave options open for A-levels, university and careers. One Humanities subject (Geography or History) and one language (French, Latin or Spanish) must be chosen. Any third subject can then be chosen.

Faraday EBacc Pathway: This is for students who have a particular interest and ability in science. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied as three separate GCSEs. To follow this pathway a student must be recommended by their Science teacher. A Humanities subject and Language must also be chosen.

Blended Pathway: You may wish to create a different pathway choosing one subject from each block, This will be discussed carefully with your form tutor and Year Team Leader, to ensure that a balanced curriculum is achieved.

To view all subjects available to study at KS4, please refer to the Year 9 Pathways Booklet.

Timetabling and allocations

Curriculum Booklets

Our curriculum booklets outline the way subjects are taught at SPWT.

Browse curriculum booklets...