St Bede's Inter-Church School

The Organisation of the Curriculum

A Wide and Vibrant Curriculum

At St Bede's we strive to deliver an interesting and vibrant curriculum that is of great practical relevance to all our students whatever their academic ability. We have policies to actively support students' individual needs, especially the more able and those facing particular learning difficulties. Help with learning difficulties is mainly provided through in-class support. One of our primary goals is the pursuit of excellence in whatever students undertake, individually or in groups, across the whole curriculum.

We believe the breadth of our curriculum is exceptional for a small school, with the majority of upper school students studying for ten GCSEs. Options include two languages, drama, music and applied GCSEs in ICT and Business Studies. Alternatively accredited courses are provided in a number of subject areas for those students with differing needs.

Organisation

The curriculum is organised on a 5 day cycle, with 5 teaching hours in each day together with assembly or tutor time. Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups for most subjects, though there is some setting in Maths and English. This gradually changes with increased ability setting in most subjects in Years 8 and 9.

During KS4, Years 10 and 11, English, Maths and Science are set across the whole year group, with other sets determined by the choice of options made at the end of Year 9.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 strategy is well embedded within the school and its implementation is evident in core subject areas, including ICT. As the strategy continues with the foundation subjects, further development work is taking place within the school to incorporate the changes into the curriculum.

Each student follows a programme of studies. Their programme is monitored and assessed carefully. Parents are involved in this process at three points each year.

Key Stage 4

All students study Maths, English Literature, English Language, Religious Education, Science (Double Award), PE, Citizenship and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

In resposne to government initiatives, we are offering greater flexibility to students to choose courses that match their particular requierments. Therefore, students complete their timetable by selecting from French, German, Textiles, Food Technology, Resistant Materials,Graphic Design, History, Geography, Child Development, Youth Award (ASDAN), Art, Drama, Sports Studies, ICT and Music. Also, there is an opportunity to take vocational GCSEs in Business Studies and Leisure and Tourism, which are equivalent to 2 GCSEs. A short GCSE course in ICT has been introduced to complement the delivery of ICT across the full range of subjects. Developments in work-related learning courses now see some of our students studying on day release at Cambridge Regional College in Childcare and Construction.

Gifted & Talented

Providing opportunities for gifted and talented students is a priority. We aim to meet the individual needs of our most able children thus allowing them to reach their full potential. We offer a variety of activities, both in and out of the classroom, with the aim of helping students to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to use their gifts to the best of their ability.

For the gifted and talented student, we aim to provide:

Education at an appropriate level in both the formal and informal curriculum.

Opportunities to develop specific skills and talents both inside and out of the classroom.

A framework of concern for the development of the individual as a whole, intellectually and spiritually.

Curriculum areas are constantly developing extension activities and students also benefit from year group enrichment projects. Homework activities also provide opportunities for independent research. We were very proud of a recent student who achieved 13 grade A* GCSEs – a year early!

Literacy Programme

We are very aware of the importance of good literacy skills and keen to build on the good work of primary schools. Year 7 students have several literacy lessons each week in small groups tailored to their needs, either to continue developing basic skills or to reinforce and extend existing strengths. The full literacy strategy is incorporated within all curriculum areas at Key Stage 3, with a particular focus within the English Department.

Personal Social and Health Education

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) PSHE is delivered through 'conferences', which may last half a day or a day. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) PSHE is mainly delivered through the RE curriculum, with additional conference days as necessary. Topics delivered in the PSHE include Sex Education, Drugs and Alcohol Education, Economic Awareness and Politics.

Curriculum Complaints Policy

We place great emphasis on our partnership with parents. We aim to respond quickly and effectively to any complaints.