The Academic Curriculum

 

Key Stage Three: Years 7-9		Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
		Number of periods
	English	8	8	8
	Mathematics	8	7	7
	Science	6	6	6
	History Geography RE	3 3 1	3 3 1	2 2 1
	Modern Language	4	6	6
	Art	2	2	2
	I.C.T.	3	2	3
	Design and Technology	3	3	3
	Music	1	1	1
	Physical Education	4	4	4
	Core Studies/ Citizenship	2	2	3
	Personal / Thinking Skills	2	2	2
		50	50	50

All students follow a broad programme of study, subject to National Curriculum requirements.  The College programme is organised into 50 x 60 minute periods organised over a two week timetable, a total of 25 hours teaching per week.  A small number of students may follow a reduced Modern Languages programme to facilitate extra work on Literacy and Numeracy.

Key Stage Four: Years  10-11			Year 10	Year 11
			Number of periods
	GCSE (x2)	English	6	6
	GCSE	Mathematics	6	6
	GCSE (x2)	Science	10	10
	GCSE	ICT	6	6
	GCSE	Option1	6	5
	GCSE	Option 2	6	5
	GCSE	Option 3	5	6
		PE	2	3
		Core Studies /Citizenship/RE	3	3
			50	50

English and Science are courses leading to 2 GCSEs.  The Core Studies programme offers an opportunity to achieve GCSE accreditation in RE and Citizenship as well as covering statutory programmes in PSHE. ICT courses are based on OCR National Qualifications which lead to the equivalent of one or two GCSE passes. A new Diploma in ICT ( equivalent to 7 GCSEs) has been offered for the first time in 2009 and replaces two of the three options choices.

An alternative or reduced programme may be offered to a small number of students for whom the above is not deemed appropriate.  A number of students may be involved in Increased Flexibility Programmes which involve one session per week at a local FE college.

Key Stage Five: Years 12 – 13

The following GCE ‘A’ or ‘A/S’ level subjects are offered:

Art	Geography	Sociology
Biology	German	Critical Thinking
Business Studies	Graphics	English Literature and Language
Chemistry Computing English Language English Literature	History ICT Mathematics Media Studies	General Studies Government & Politics Sport Studies/Physical Education
Economics	Physics
French	Psychology

 
Each subject is taught in 9 x 60 minute periods per fortnight.  Additionally, there is a weekly Enrichment programme which enables students to follow a range of examined or non examined activities. Supervised private study periods are available and students are encouraged to make use of this facility.

 

In addition to traditional A levels, the college also offers a Level 3 NVQ course (equivalent to 3 A levels) leading to a Diploma in Childcare and Education (CACHE). The Diploma in ICT ( also equivalent to 3 A levels) has also been introduced in Year 12 from 2009.

The following vocational course is offered at Intermediate level:
Business Studies

The following courses are also offered:
English and Mathematics one year GCSE                                           

Supervised private study periods are available and students are encouraged to make use of this facility.