Curriculum

Religious Education

As a voluntary aided Roman Catholic school, doctrine is given in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic church.

Collective worship is celebrated daily through assemblies and morning prayer in Tutor Groups.

Key Stage 3

All pupils follow a common curriculum in the first three years (National Curriculum Years 7, 8 and 9) studying Religious Education, Science, Mathematics, English, French, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Technology, Music, Physical Education, Information and Communication Technology, and Citizenship/PSHME (Personal, Social and Moral Education).

There may also be an opportunity to study German or Spanish.

Key Stage 4

At the end of the third year (National Curriculum Year 9) pupils make their subject choices for Year 10 and Year 11.

This is done in consultation with parents and teachers.

The broad range of subjects studied in the three foundation years will be replaced by a more detailed study of core and optional subjects.

It is important that pupils maintain a balanced curriculum and avoid early over-specialisation.

Our curriculum provision is constantly under review.

In line with developing arrangements for increased flexibility within the 14-19 curriculum we are also able to offer vocationally oriented programmes. These are based at Stafford College.

The availability of these vocational courses is explained in detail in the option booklet distributed to Year 9 in the Spring Term.

KS4 Home Learning Timetable

Compulsory Core of Subjects

• English (GCSE) Mathematics (GCSE)
• Science (GCSE-single award)
• Religious Education (GCSE)
• Information & Communication Technology
• Physical Education (non exam)
• Citizenship

Optional Subjects

• Art
• Business and Communication Systems
• Child Development
• Dance
• Design & Technology
• Drama
• Economics/Business Studies
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• Leisure & Tourism (Double GCSE)
• Music
• Physical Education
• Science (Additional or Applied)

Post 16

Following compulsory education, students may apply to enter the Sixth Form with a view to studying a range of Advanced Level academic or vocational subjects either entirely in school or through a collaborative consortium arrangement with the Stafford Collegiate which incorporates the other Stafford High Schools and Stafford College.

Homework

The school encourages and supports the setting of homework to help all pupils to adopt, from the earliest stages, the habit of study at home. Homework is intended to provide pupils with the experience of working by themselves and to develop the skills necessary for individual work and research.

All pupils are issued with a school planner in which homework is recorded and then monitored and countersigned by parents and the pupil’s form tutor.

This acts as another important link between home and school.

The school encourages parents to discuss and share in their children’s homework as part of the home-school partnership.

Sex Education

Sex Education will be given in the context of the Church’s moral and sacramental teaching.

In compliance with the Education Act of 1986 the Governors are empowered to determine the arrangements made for Sex Education in the school.

The Governors, in conjunction with the Diocesan authorities, have chosen the ‘All that I am’ project produced by the Diocesan centre at Maryvale for use in the school.

Sport

The P.E. department encourages as many pupils as possible to participate in extra curricular activities.

Pupils are regularly selected for District and County teams in a variety of sports.

The Physical Education curriculum is both broad and balanced. Pupils are involved in problem solving activities, expected to integrate well with others, work on their own and play organised games in teams.

Pupils are taught to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Through participation in, and enjoyment of, a variety of activities and environments they are encouraged to develop their talents, characters and sportsmanship within the Christian ethos of understanding and tolerance.