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Curriculum Overview and Plans

KS3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

In year 7 students are currently taught in tutor groups for some of their lessons or in different groupings for others.  For many lessons they will be taught in mixed abilities, although some, such as English or Maths there will be an element of ability groupings. Students will study one of French, German or Spanish during KS3. All students will also study one lesson of design technology and one lesson of food technology each fortnight.  Many students will also have the opportunity to study dance during the year.  The year group is split into two balanced halves.

In years 8 and 9 students will continue to be taught in mixed ability groups in some of their lessons. In a number of subjects, including English, maths, science and humanities there is also some setting to ensure the most able are sufficiently challenged.  All students will also study one lesson of design technology and one lesson of food technology each fortnight

A comprehensive PSHE programme is covered throughout a student’s time in school.  Dedicated time is given during the morning tutor session for much of the programme, with other aspects of the work being covered within subjects.

During year 9 students will also be given careers and subject advice and guidance in preparation for choosing their options for KS4.

In each year all students will study the following subjects: 

English
Mathematics
Science
Physical Education and Dance
MFL, (French, German or Spanish)
History
Geography
RE
Art
Music
Drama
Design Technology
Food Preparation and Nutrition (Recipe Book - Year 7Year 8 and Year 9)
Computing (earphones will be needed for one of the modules they will be covering for sound editing)
PSHE (through tutor time and subjects)

Students in year 9 can also have the opportunity to begin studying astronomy as an extra-curricular subject

KS4 (Years 10 and 11)

At Key Stage 4 all students follow a core curriculum taking 60% of their teaching time.  

They will study GCSEs in:

English Language and English Literature
Mathematics
Science Combined/Separate (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) Sciences
Religious Education

Additional time will also be given to the following non-examined subjects:

Core PE (non-examined)
PSHE (through tutor time and subjects)

They will also pick 4 options from the following. The majority of students will be expected to pick at least one of history and geography, along with Spanish, German or French (it is expected that a student will have experience of the language they choose). 
 

Art
ASDAN
Business Studies
Computer Science
Construction
Dance
Design Technology
Drama
Economics
*Food Preparation and Nutrition
Nutrition
French
Geography
German
Hair & Beauty Studies
Health and Social Care
History
ICT
Media Studies
Music
Music Practitioner
Photography
Physical Education
Sociology
Spanish

*GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Booklet - Year 10 and Year 11 

Some students will also study GCSE statistics and/or Additional Mathematics FSMQ.  Other students may sit entry level qualifications in year 10 as a precursor to GCSEs.

Further information can be found on the curriculum plans or in the options booklet.

KS5 (Years 12 and 13)

A varied programme of subjects is offered in the sixth form which allow a number of pathways to be followed and the opportunity to continue studies at University. 

In year 12 students normally pick 3 options- (view the course information here) from the list along with taking part in enrichment (including DoE) and volunteering activities. Some students will also complete an extended project during the two years.  Students who take maths A level can also study Further Maths, and this may be one of their 3 main A levels, or count as a 4th A level.

For further information regarding the opportunities at Springwood Sixth Form please click here.