Curriculum

An education that inspires

Our aim is to provide an excellent education for all our students; an education which brings out the best in all of them and prepares them for success in life.

Our curriculum is designed to provide children with the core knowledge they need for success in education and later life, to maximise their cognitive development, to develop the whole person and the talents of the individual and to allow all children to become active and economically self-sufficient citizens.

Through our curriculum we empower students to understand and shape the world around them, as well as achieve great academic results. Literacy and mastery of language are at the heart of our approach. We have a whole school reading programme exposing all students to thousands of words a year that they may otherwise not encounter. We use technologies to support effective learning both in the classroom and at home.

We develop the whole person not just the mind. Our students have opportunities to lead and to serve their local community. Sports, music and the arts are key components of our curriculum.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

English
Maths
Science
Technology
Computer Science
Geography
History
Modern Foreign Languages (French OR Spanish)
Drama
Art
Music
Physical Education
Personal Social, Health and Careers Education
Religious Education

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed to give students the foundation, knowledge and skills needed to succeed at GCSE. Students typically study in half termly units, making cross-curricular links to enrich their understanding.

Each unit will focus on a specific topic.  Students will be routinely quizzed on their knowledge and given lots of opportunity to write at length, developing subject specific vocabulary to help them sound and write like a subject specialist.

Key Stage 3 Recommended Reading

Selecting Options

Towards the end of Year 9, students decide which subjects they want to take for GCSE. Some of the GCSEs are compulsory:

English (all students study both Language and Literature worth 2 GCSEs)
Maths
Science (most students study the Double Award worth 2 GCSEs. Some students take Triple Science worth 3 GCSEs)
Religious Education
Physical Education

The majority of students also study a Modern Foreign Language and either Geography and History. Students will work closely with their Form Tutor and subject teachers when selecting options. Parents are invited to Options Evening to discuss subject availability with staff.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Our Key Stage 4 curriculum offers various pathways to support our students’ learning needs. Some of the GCSEs are compulsory.  All students study:

GCSE English
GCSE Literature
GCSE Maths
GCSE Science OR Triple Science
GCSE Religious Education
Physical Education (not examined - no qualification)

Students then choose a maximum of three other subjects to complete their GCSE programme. Subjects on offer may include;

GCSE Business
GCSE Computing
GCSE Drama
GCSE Design Technology
GCSE Fine Art
GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition
GCSE French
GCSE Geography
GCSE History
GCSE Health and Social Care
GCSE Music
GCSE PE
GCSE Spanish

Key Stage 4 Recommended Reading

Recommended Reading List - Years 10 & 11

Careers Education and Work Experience

Careers Education and Work Experience is provided through Personal, Social, Health and Careers Education (PSHCE), supported by a careers library, a Careers Fair and individual support and guidance. In Year 10, all students receive a one-to-one interview and action plan so that information and guidance can be tailored to individuals. All students have the opportunity to spend two weeks on work experience at Key Stage 4. During these placements, students are visited by a member of Conisborough staff.

Religious Education and Assemblies

All students learn about the world’s main religions in line with Lewisham’s agreed syllabus.

Assemblies form an important part of the school day – contributing to our students’ moral and spiritual education and developing a sense of a school community. Parents do, however, have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and/or assemblies if they feel the content is not suitable.

Sex Education

Sex Education is taught through PSHCE, Science and Drop Down Days. The lesson content and materials are carefully chosen to take account of the needs and maturity of the students. A parent may withdraw his/her child from Sex Education lessons, except those taught as part of the National Curriculum in Science.

Learning