The Key Stage 3 Curriculum

During Key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) students study a wide variety of subjects that will provide them with a secure foundation in each subject, equip them with the key knowledge and skills to be successful in their GCSE qualifications; and contribute to the overriding intent of the whole school curriculum.

The content and skills that each subject delivers across Key Stage 3 has been carefully chosen and sequenced to ensure that it provides students with a rich learning experience, the opportunities to master key areas of subject content and increasing intellectual challenge and rigour as they progress from one year to the next.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum runs through Years 7-9 and the timetable operates on a two-week cycle with a  Week A and a Week B. There are 25 lessons per week lasting 1 hour each. The Year 7 – 9 students enjoy the following lessons across the fortnight.

The table below outlines the subjects that are taught at Key Stage 3 and the lesson time that is allocated to each subject per fortnight.

* Students are taught both French and Spanish in Year 7, they then select the language they would like to study in Year 8 and Year 9.

** These subjects formally start teaching the GCSE Specification during Y9

The Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Key Stage 4 is comprised of two years (years 10-11), with the exception of Maths and Science subjects which start teaching the GCSE Specification during Year 9.

The KS 4 curriculum consists of compulsory core subjects, a guided option choice of either History or Geography and three other ‘free’ options choices. A strong academic core is at the heart of the curriculum, and this provides all students with opportunity to study a range of subjects, many of which contribute to the EBACC. Students will study 9 subjects at GCSE or equivalent level. The sequencing of lessons at Key Stage 4 is driven by the demands of the exam board and syllabus and is carefully connected to the key skills and content that has been delivered to students at key stage 3.

Gateway and ASDAN Land Based courses are offered as an alternative programme of study for students for whom a full programme of academic courses is not appropriate. These courses focus on developing students’ confidence, self-esteem and resilience. In addition, students develop core skills in teamwork, communication, problem solving, research and self-management.

The Key Stage 4 curriculum runs through Years 10 – 11 and the timetable operates on a two-week cycle with Week 1 and Week 2 differing.

There are 25 lessons per week lasting 1 hour each. The Year 10 – 11 students enjoy the following lessons across the fortnight:

* This course has been designed specifically in consultation with students at CVCC to meet the needs of our students. This bespoke course draws together both the statutory RSHE (relationship, sex and health education) and RE curriculums.

The Key Stage 5 Curriculum

Our 16 to 19 study programme is designed to provide students with a structured and challenging learning programme that supports their development and progression in line with their career plans. These are individually tailored to suit each student but will typically combine the following elements:

Key Stage 5 is comprised of two years (years 12-13). In the Spring Term of Year 11, students choose their A’ Level/L3 subjects. Advice and guidance is given to all students through the taught and non-taught curriculum on how best to choose A’ Level /L3 subjects.

The table below outlines the subjects that are taught at Key Stage 5 (years 12-13) and the lesson time that is allocated to each subject per fortnight.

* These two courses are delivered together

** ‘A’ Level Art / Photography groups are combined in Year 12 and Year 13