SIDMOUTH COLLEGE
CURRICULUM GUIDE
Sidmouth College Curriculum
Aims
The aim of our curriculum is to fulfil our intent statement. To provide students with a rich curriculum which builds a lifelong love of learning and meets the needs of the young people within Sidmouth College. We recognise that our curriculum needs to ensure that all studentsarepreparedfor adultandworkinglife.
The intent of our curriculum is to inspire students to succeed This is achieved through a learning journey that provides knowledge, skills and opportunities for all students to become responsible global citizens with positivelife chances.
At Sidmouth College our curriculum will support students to become confident and resilient learners, who engage with the wider community. Students who are literate and numerate. Our students will feel challenged and know what success feels like for them as anindividual.
Our curriculum intent will be delivered by our teachers to ensure that all students regardless of ability, age or background, develop curiosity and critical thinking, as wellas fosteringaspiration.
Year 7, 8 & 9
At Sidmouth College we work closely with our feeder primary schools to ensure continuity and progression from the primary stage through to secondary. Students will study the following subjects in Year 7 and 8: English, Maths, History, Geography, RE, Science, Technology, Modern Languages, Art, Drama, Music, PE, Computer Science and PSHE.
NOTES
Design and Technology
This is taught as a carousel across the Design Technology disciplines, Food and Nutrition and Resistant Materials.
Setting Structure
In Year 7 and 8, students are set in Maths only.
In Year 9, students are set in Maths and English and partially set in Science.
The subject is taught across 2 populations. Within each population, classes are set by ability.
The subject is taught across 2 populations. Within each population, classes are mixed ability in Years 7 and 8. In Year 9, classes are set by ability.
The subject is taught across 2 populations. Within each population classes are mixed ability in Years 7 and 8. In Year 9, one class is set by ability, with the remaining classes being mixed ability.
Year 10 and 11
Year 11 Students
In Year 10 and 11, students follow a 9 GCSE pathway. This model allows for a wide range of subjects to be chosen in addition to the core compulsory subjects. On a fortnightly timetable, the hours comprise:
Separate Science
Students wishing to take Separate Sciences also have an additional 3 lessons, however, this is in exchange for 3 RE lessons per fortnight.
Throughout Years 10 to 11, students have the opportunity to focus on their main interests allowing them to excel and study these subjects in greater depth. Sidmouth College students will continue to build on prior knowledge and understanding, maintaining a strong academic core, whilst ensuring that all curriculum routes are ambitious for all students.
All students must follow the Core Subjects: Mathematics (a course which covers all aspects of Mathematics at either Higher or Foundation tier) English (Language and Literature courses) Science (Separate Sciences or Combined options are available), GCSE RE, along with PSHE and Physical Education (Core PE).
Students can then choose from our Guided Subjects to complete their programme of study. Students are provided with thorough advice and guidance when making their Guided Subject choices. The Curriculum structure is then developed and reviewed each year to meet student needs and requests.
Core Subjects
GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature
GCSE Mathematics
GCSE Science
Combined Science (equivalent to 2 GCSE examinations) or Separate Science (equivalent to 3 GCSE examinations, will take up one option choice)
GCSE RE
Guided Subjects
Students select a further three subjects (unless recommended otherwise) from the list below:
• Art and Design
• Business Studies
• Computer Science
• Design and Technology
• Drama
• Food and Nutrition
• Geography
• Health and Social Care
• History
• Media Studies
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Music
• Photography
• Physical Education
Students seeking a future in A-Levels Post 16 and who may have aspirations to study at a Russell Group University, may choose to study the highly academic and ambitious Ebacc subjects:
• Separate Sciences
• Modern Languages
• Geography or History
• One other specialist subject at GCSE
Students seeking a future in the Sixth Form to study ALevels and National Diploma subjects and who may have aspirations for higher education, training or employment may choose:
• Separate Sciences
• Geography or History
• Two other specialist subjects at GCSE/Vocational Level
Students seeking a challenging and flexible route in preparation for a vocational/apprenticeship route and, later, further education or employment may choose:
Separate Sciences
• Three or four guided subject choices as recommended; at least one choice is likely to be at Vocational Level
*Students wishing to take Separate Sciences also have an additional 3 lessons, however, this is in exchange for 3 RE lessons per fortnight.
Subject Setting structure (where appropriate)
Maths 1 population
6 sets, taught in ability groups
English 1 population
6 sets, taught in ability groups
Science
2 populations:
Combined Science population has 4 groups, taught in mixed ability classes.
Separate Science population has 2 groups, set by ability.
Personal Development & Enrichment
Core subjects are given the flexibility to set their classes in a way that best suits the needs of their subject. Therefore, Maths, English and Science have unique setting structures. All guided subjectsaretaughtinmixedability sets.
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Economic) and RSE (Relationships, Sex & Health Education) We passionately believe that school is preparation for life and that of equal importance to academic study is students’ Personal Development; the preparation for the world of work, careers, health and relationships to name but a few. We have a PSHE programme that is universal, progressive and age appropriate, to meet the needs of all. It develops students’ knowledge, skills and personal characteristics to keep them healthy and safe alongside preparing them for life in modern Britain and the world of work. Our PSHE curriculum supports academic studies by helping students to develop skills such as teamwork, communication and resilience which are crucial to navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, and are increasingly valued by employers.
Enrichment
Sidmouth College students are encouraged and challenged through a wide range of extra-curricular activities which cater for all students’ individual needs and interests no matter what their ability or age. All students are encouraged to participate in Extra-Curricular Clubs and activities. With a wide range of clubs running across the College, there is something for everyone.
Sixth Form
A-Levels
Art and Design
Geography
Biology History
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computer Science
Design Technology
Drama
English Language
English Literature
Food Science & Nutrition
Btec Courses
Btec Health and Social Care
Btec Sport
Btec Applied Science
Mathematics
Media Studies
Philosophy and Ethics
Photography
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
The majority of A Level courses have 8 hours of taught lessons per fortnight. In addition students are also expected to undertake supervised self supported study. In addition to this, students will have a Tutor block for 30 minutes each day and a weekly 1 hour PSHE lesson which follows a bespoke programme of activities and themes which harness spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development, as well as careers advice and guidance.
Subjects are timetabled into five Option columns once Sixth Form applications have been made. This allows greater flexibility in timetable design and the ability to respond to the students’ choices, rather than predefining Option blocks in which students must choose from.
