Curriculum Statement
Curriculum Statement – Sept 2020
Vision
Our curriculum will:
- Build confidence, engage and challenge students
- Develop reflective, independent life-long learners
- Grow resilient, creative thinkers
- Be broad, balanced and varied to meet the individual needs of every learner
- Develop effective digital learners
- Reflect local needs and respond to the wider demands of modern society
Key Stage 3
In Year 7 and 8, students are taught in ability sets for Mathematics, English, Science, and French. Students who arrive below level 4 in English undergo an intensive support programme instead of French. The remainder of their subjects are taught in mixed ability groups.
In Year 9, students are taught in sets for English, History, RE and French based on their ability in these subjects. Mathematics, Science and IT are taught in different sets based on students’ ability in these subjects. The remainder of lessons are taught in mixed ability classes.
| Subjects | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
| English | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Mathematics | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Science | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Skills of Success | 5 | ||
| Art | 0.5 | 1 | 1 |
| Design Technology | 0.5 | 1 | 1 |
| Drama | 0.5 | 0.5 | |
| Music | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| History | 1 | 1 | |
| Geography | 1 | 1 | |
| French | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| PE | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| RE | 1 | 1 | |
| IT | 1 | 1 |
Key Stage 4
| Subjects | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| English Language and Literature GCSE | 3 | 3 |
| Mathematics GCSE | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Science (2 GCSEs) | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Core PE (not examined) | 1 | 1 |
The above subjects are taught in sets pertinent to the subject except RE that is taught in maths sets and PE that is mixed ability.
Students chose three from the following subjects ensuring that at least one is from the E-Baccalaureate group of subjects. Each subject is studied for two 100 minute sessions per week.
| Optional Subject | Level 3 progression |
| Art GCSE | Art A Level, Art Cambridge Technical Level 3 or Photography A Level |
| Drama GCSE | Performing Arts BTEC Level 3 |
| French GCSE | French A Level |
| Geography GCSE | Geography A Level |
| History GCSE | History A Level |
| RE GCSE | Other Humanities A Levels |
| Health and Social Care Technical Award | HSC BTEC Level 3 |
| Certificate in Digital Applications | ICT BTEC Level 3 |
| Media Studies GCSE | Media Studies A Level |
| Music GCSE | Music BTEC Level 3/ A Level |
| Food preparation and Nutrition GCSE | – |
| Design Technology GCSE | – |
| Sport BTEC | PE BTEC Level 3 |
| Triple Science GCSE | A Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. NB not a pre-requisite for A Level Science but very useful. |
Key Stage 5
Most students at Key Stage 5 take 3 A Levels from the following options with 300 minutes per subject in Y12 and 200 minutes plus 100 supported Study in Y13. BTECs and Applied GCEs are also available.
Level 3
| Subject | Qualification |
| Art | A Level |
| Art Cambridge Technical Double | Vocational Level 3 |
| Biology | A Level |
| Business | BTEC Level 3 |
| Chemistry | A Level |
| English Language | A Level |
| English Literature | A Level |
| Geography | A Level |
| History | A Level |
| Health and Social Care | BTEC Level 3 |
| ICT | BTEC Level 3 |
| Mathematics | A Level |
| Media Studies | A Level |
| Music | BTEC / A Level |
| P.E. | BTEC Level 3 |
| Photography | A Level |
| Physics | A Level |
| Psychology | A Level |
| Sociology | A Level |
| Performing Arts | BTEC Level 3 |
Personal, Social and Health Education
The aim for students’ PSHE education is to provide students with:
- Accurate and relevant knowledge
- Opportunities to turn that knowledge into personal understanding
- Opportunities to explore, clarify and if necessary challenge their own and others’ values, attitudes, beliefs, rights and responsibilities
- The skills and strategies they need in order to live healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible and balanced lives.
At KS3 students build on the skills, attitudes, values, knowledge and understanding they have acquired and developed during the primary phase. PSHE education acknowledges and addresses the changes that learners are experiencing beginning with transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. PSHE education allows them to be more confident in addressing the challenges of effective learning and making a full and active contribution to society.
At KS4 students extend and rehearse the skills, further explore attitudes and values and deepen knowledge and understanding acquired during KS3. PSHE education reflects the fact that learners are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others.
At KS5 students focus on similar areas to KS4. Emphasis is added on preparing them for independent life, work and university.
PSHE at Abbot Beyne is delivered through three off-timetable days per year group per school year where students receive an exciting, varied and challenging programme depending on their stage of education and needs.
