Learning

Aldworth School aims to provide a curriculum, within and outside of school hours, which develops students who harness knowledge, possess skills and behave as informed, responsible citizens. Through a broad curriculum, we aspire for all our learners to be not only confident in themselves, but confident in their ability to learn throughout their lives, safe in the knowledge that hard work and resilience leads to results. The taught curriculum aims to equip students with a practical and intellectual skills to underpin their understanding of the world. Through the emerging ethos of the school, students will develop a strong sense of self and recognize the contribution they can make to the school, the area and ultimately discover their sense of place in the world.

Our curriculum is designed with the aspiration that every learner should leave the school fully qualified to enter the next phase of their education. Teaching groups are organised according to the year group and subject. The grouping arrangements are reviewed periodically to ensure students are in a group that will allow them to progress as well as they possibly can. On arrival in Year 7 pupils are taught in sets for core subjects and mixed ability groups in all other subjects.

We have a broad and balanced selection of subjects. In Key Stage 3 we have introduced exciting new subjects such as journalism, global studies and STEM. Further to this we have a comprehensive inclusive curriculum off in Key Stage 4, this includes vocational subjects for which we are fortunate to have the facilities to be able to offer. Students are carefully supported by tutors, year leaders and senior staff at this stage that will meet their needs in the future.

English, Mathematics and Science are at the core of the Key Stage 4 curriculum. Even within these compulsory subjects we have some choices. English Literature, Physics, Chemistry and Biology are all possibilities.

The timetable plans below show a typical curriculum offer as an example. This will vary according to year group and choices made.

There are 30 fifty minute periods per week. Therefore the school spends 25 hours per week on teaching, excluding assemblies, registration periods and breaks. The Government recommends a minimum of 24 hours. We also run enhancement lessons after school.

Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Number of periods per week
English
4
4
4
Mathematics
4
4
4
Science
4
4
4
Technology
2
2
2
Computer Science/ICT*
1
1
Modern Foreign Languages (French, German & Spanish)
3
3
3
Humanities (Geography, History & RS)
5
5
5
Art
1
1
1
Music/Drama
2
2
2
Physical Education
2
2
2
PSHE
1
1
1
Oracy
1
Journalism
1
Global Studies
1
STEM
1

* Computer Science/ICT is currently delivered within the Technology curriculum in Year 7

Years 10 and 11
Compulsory Subjects
Number of periods per week
English
5
Mathematics
4
Science
6
Physical Education
2
Personal, Social and Health Education
1


Option Subjects*
Number of periods per week
Option 1
3
Option 2
3
Option 3
3
Option 4
3


TOTAL PERIODS
30

*Option Subjects taught at Key Stage 4 will vary each year depending on pupil choice and staffing.

All KS3 students follow the national curriculum subjects in English, maths, science, a modern foreign language, history, geography, design technology, art, music, physical education, religious studies, computing (Year 8/9), PSHE and drama. In 2021 we introduced some exciting new subjects in order to broaden students’ learning and make each year a little different. Year 7’s learning is complemented with oracy, and journalism. Year 8 will have lessons in Global Studies and Year 9 will have dedicated STEM lessons.

Our KS4 curriculum is designed to offer students a range of academic and practical subjects to support their future career choices. All students study English Language, English Literature, Maths and Science (either separate or double). Students then choose between History, Geography, MFL or computing. They then have three choices from a wide range of subjects from GCSEs in Media Studies, Design Technology, Art & Design, Drama, Music, BTECs in PE, Hair & Beauty, Health & Social Care, ICT, Business. Students continue to study PSHE with RE and Core PE in weekly sessions. Some students are able to access vocational courses with BCoT or have more bespoke curriculum choices because of their learning needs.

Information on the options process is updated every year and the KS4 curriculum is altered to reflect the year group and the staffing of the school.

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