Curriculum

To ensure our aims can be achieved the curriculum at KS3 follows the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for three years and is kept broad and balanced for all our students. Students then study a core curriculum at KS4 of maths, English, science and RE (10% curriculum time) with the option to study a range of subjects, including the Ebacc subjects, which are open for all students.

The way in which topics are taught and the order in which this is done are based on the knowledge and understanding of subject specialists about how best to structure the curriculum so that learning develops sequentially and coherently. We are ambitious about our curriculum. We want students to achieve well, develop their knowledge, understanding and skills which will enable them to make informed choices and decisions and we want to offer a widening of their experiences by offering extra-curricular opportunities. Our curriculum promotes preparation for and appreciation of life in modern Britain. Please click here to read more about how British Values fit with our Catholic ethos and permeate our curriculum.

CURRICULUM AIMS

WHAT DO WE WANT PUPILS TO KNOW AND BE ABLE TO DO?

We want our students to:

Recognise that we are all created as unique human beings capable of spiritual, moral and intellectual growth and development.

Students will:

• Know that they are created on purpose, out of love, by God and that by following the teachings of Jesus they can fulfil their spiritual potential.
• Know the structure and function of living organisms.
• Know and understand genetics and evolution.
• Know about human beings who have achieved greatness through learning about the work of great writers, artists, craft makers and designers, composers and musicians.
• Develop the knowledge and skills to produce creative work in art, music and technology.

Recognise that all human life is of the same value to be treated with respect and care.

Students will:

• Know how Catholic Social Teaching encourages all people to strive for a just world, where the contributions of all are valued.
• Know the importance of respecting themselves and others within a range of different relationships.

Lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Students will:

• Understand the importance of regular exercise to staying healthy.
• Develop competence in a range of physical activities and engage in competitive sports and activities.
• Understand the key principles of a healthy diet.
• Develop the ability to cook as an essential life skill and know about a range of ingredients – where they come from, what they are used for and how to use them.
• Know how and why it is important that technology is used safely, respectfully and securely
• Develop the skills and expertise to perform everyday tasks confidently in an increasingly technological world.
• Develop the fundamental mathematical and other knowledge and skills which are essential for daily life.
• Develop the mathematical knowledge and skill which increase the ability to problem solve.

Be good communicators.

Students will:

• Know how to share their own ideas and listen to those of others, being able to make a logical conclusion based on the arguments made.
• Read with fluency and interest.

Have a wide range of vocabulary, including that which is subject specific, and be able to use it appropriately.

Write clearly and fluently.

• Express themselves verbally, with confidence, using Standard English
• Understand and respond to another spoken and written language.
• Speak with confidence, fluency and spontaneity in another language.
• Write in another language.

Care for the environment.

Students will:

• Know Catholic beliefs about creation and our responsibility towards caring for the world. Understand the interactions and interdependencies in ecosystems.
• Know about materials, their sources, uses and longevity.
• Know how human and physical processes interact to influence and change environments and the climate.
• Understand the properties and subsequent use of materials to achieve solutions and what impact this may have on the environment.
• Know about energy and where it comes from.

Know about the world around them, including the diversity in our own country, in order to take their place as effective citizens.

Students will:

• Know examples of prejudice and discrimination in British history.
• Know about the world’s major countries and their physical and human features.
• Know about the history of Britain and how it has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
• Know about significant aspects of history of the wider world.

Make a positive contribution to society.

Students will:

• Contribute towards the fundraising efforts of the school for a rage of causes.
• Develop the ability to work together in teams for the good of all.

Achieve success so they can progress on to their chosen next steps at each stage of their lives.

Students will:

• Make the right choices for their KS4 curriculum having followed a broad and balanced KS3 curriculum. Students will have a free choice of GCSE options, with guidance, and with Ebacc encouraged.
• Know what they need to learn in their GCSE subjects and develop the skills required to learn that content.
• Manage anxiety and stress effectively to enable optimum performance. Students will have the opportunity to practice Heartmath strategies to develop their coping and resilience strategies and have access to a school counsellor where needed.
• Know what is required of them for their chosen post-16 courses. Students will access an effective CEIAG programme from Y8-11 with additional support provided to students with SEND (e.g. additional careers interviews).
• Complete a successful work experience placement.

KS3 CURRICULUM

Students attending Saint Pius X Catholic High School will study the following compulsory subjects:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Design and technology (which includes food and nutrition)
• Computing
• History
• Geography
• Modern foreign languages (either French or Spanish)
• Art and Design
• Music
• PSHE and RSE
• Physical Education
• Religious Education

At the end of Year 8 students choose which subjects they will study at Key Stage 4. Their studies in these subjects will lead to nationally recognised qualifications – GCSEs or equivalent.  One of the choices made will be studied staring in Y9 and will be examined at the end of Y10.

KS4 CURRICULUM

In Key Stage 4, students will study a mixture of compulsory and optional subjects. The compulsory subjects are:

• GCSE English Language
• GCSE English Literature
• GCSE Mathematics
• GCSE Science – Triple award GCSE or Trilogy
• GCSE Religious Studies
• Physical Education – non examined
• PSHE and RSE

They are then able to select three subjects from a selection which typically includes

GCSE Geography

GCSE History

GCSE French or GCSE Spanish

GCSE Art, Craft and Design

GCSE Computing

GCSE Design Technology

Technical Awards Level 1/2 Performing Arts

NCFE Level 1/2 Food and Cookery

OCR Cambridge National Award in Sport

Btec Land based Studies

CAREERS EDUCATION

There is a full programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance which is taught from Y7 through to Y11.