At All Saints our intent is to deliver:
- A high aspirations curriculum designed to engage and inspire all our students at All Saints.
- Christian values permeate all aspects of our curriculum supporting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
- A challenging curriculum that supports our students in achieving their highest potential.
- A broad, balanced and challenging curriculum that prepares our students for the next steps of their education / employment and prepares them to be active members of British society.
- The development of deep subject knowledge developed through a curriculum where students will know more, remember more and are able to do more.
- A continually evaluated curriculum with suitable bespoke pathways for all.
- An equal opportunities curriculum where all pathways are open to all students.
- A broad range of subjects in KS3-4 including the arts, technology and vocational options.
- Working towards increasing the number of students following full EBacc pathways (currently Year 11 = 30%, Year 10 = 30%).
- Supportive alternate pathways for SEND and other students that require it.
- A Christian-values driven development curriculum that ensures students have a broad and balanced understanding of the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to lead healthy, safe and happy lives working in modern Britain.
Following a curriculum review Sept-Jan 2020 we have significantly refocused our Curriculum. We have moved to from a 3 year Key Stage 4 to a 2 year Key Stage 4 and a 3 year Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
- This is designed to provide a broad, balanced and comprehensive curriculum that provides a clear transition between primary and secondary school. The curriculum ensures that students experience a range of subject areas to inform and inspire their learning. This ensures a strong core to underpin functional skills in readiness for GCSE. Groupings for subjects are organised to plan for and deliver appropriate challenge and progression.
- Students cover a broad and balanced curriculum. There is a core programme of English, Maths, Religious Studies, Science, History, Geography, French, Spanish, Art, Music, Technology (Design Technology, Food and Textiles), Computing, Physical Education, and PSHCE, Life Skills and Literacy (in Year 7 and Year 8). There is a programme of careers education that is threaded through all Key Stages.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
- It is important that all our students continue with a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4 and in designing the Key Stage 4 curriculum we aim to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and also provide an inclusive curriculum for our students.
- All Saints expects students to complete 9 or 10 GCSEs, including:
- English Language and English Literature
- Maths
- Science (Double)
- Religious Studies
- 3 Option subjects
Option subject on offer are: History, Geography, Spanish, French, Computer Science, Triple Award Science, Art and Design, Photography, Dance, Drama, Music, Catering, Design Technology, Textiles, Child Development, Sports Studies, Enterprise, iMedia.
The impact of the curriculum will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will include:
- GCSE results analysis
- Vocational results analysis
- Post 16 Progression
- S2S Reports
- Termly analysis of in-year data for Years 7-11
- Progress reports by subject, student and groups of students
However, we recognise that impact is not just about results. The impact may also be seen through a range of indicators, some of which better lend themselves to measurement than others. These may include but are not limited to:
- Participation in school events
- Participation in extra-curricular activities
- Success in non-examination internal and external opportunities (e.g. DofE, Maths Challenge)
- Wider contribution to the school
- Wider contribution to the community
For more information please see our Curriculum Policy.
Examination systems and assessment are under constant review and can change frequently. This can make the role of the parent somewhat challenging, especially if you do not feel that you are armed with the appropriate and up-to-date information to support your child. However, you do not have to be an expert in education or all the academic subjects to be involved in supporting your child through these critical years.
The role of parent in supporting your child as they embark upon their GCSE courses will also vary greatly in accordance to the individual strengths and needs of the child.
Key Points to Consider
Working Environment: It is crucial that your child has a quiet space to complete any form of preparation at home.
Balance of work and play: Help your child manage their timetable of work and extra-curricular activities effectively. There is significant difference in workload from Key Stage 3 to the GCSE years and this will become apparent to your child in the early stages of Key Stage 4.
Celebrating Achievement: We all thrive when we receive praise and success and your child will not be an exception.
Encouragement during times of academic difficulty: Support and encourage your child to seek advice from yourself, the school staff, attending revision classes in order to help overcome any concerns that they may have.
Be the student: Take an interest in your child’s work by learning with them. Reversing the roles and asking your child to teach you what they are learning at school can clarify their learning and understanding of their academic studies.
Communication: If in doubt, ask! Staff are always on hand to support your child and indeed parents through the GCSE years. Teachers, Heads of Faculty, Learning Tutors, Achievement Coordinators, Senior Leaders and the Principal are available to answer your questions and clarify any uncertainties you or your child may have.