Curriculum
Whitefield Curriculum Statement
Intent
Implementation
Impact
We know that our students have one chance of a good education: one chance of getting the qualifications and experiences that they need to succeed in life. At Whitefield School we offer a curriculum which:
- Is broad and balanced
All students will have the opportunity to follow all subjects of the national curriculum at KS3, including PSHE. They will be able to develop intellectually, creatively, socially and physically.
- Promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
All students will develop as rounded citizens through the totality of their educational experience.
- Provides enjoyment, boosts self-esteem and raises aspirations
The curriculum, including enrichment, will motivate all students to want to learn
- Emphasises the importance of Literacy and Reading
All students are able to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in Literacy and Reading through discrete lessons and across the curriculum.
- Prepares young people for the future
All students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding to achieve as highly as possible, with a clear focus on careers guidance
Home Learning
Click here to download the Home Learning Timetable for Year 7
Click here to download the Home Learning Timetable for Year 8
Click here to download the Home Learning Timetable for Year 9
Click here to download the Home Learning Timetable for Year 10
Click here to download the Home Learning Timetable for Year 11
ENGLISHClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
MATHSClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
SCIENCEClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
GEOGRAPHYClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
HISTORYClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
MFLClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
MUSICClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
DANCEClick here for Curriculum Plan |
ARTClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
PEClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
REClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
ITClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
DRAMAClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
SOCIOLOGYClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
FOOD & CATERINGClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
DESIGN TECH |
FILMClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
TRAVEL & TOURISMClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
TEXTILESClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
BUSINESS STUDIESClick here for the Curriculum Plan |
PSHE/SMSC |
KEY STAGE 3 – YEAR 9
Students choose four gateway courses to study in depth in Year 9, one of which must be either History or Geography. This process is a deliberate action to engage students and enable them to really enjoy their curriculum and learn in depth, whilst ensuring a breadth of subjects are still studied by all. This curriculum also allows students the potential to study subjects previously unavailable in Year 9 and provides the opportunity for creative and imaginative lessons.
In addition to the selected options, the curriculum maintains lessons in Maths, English, Science, PE and Languages (French or Spanish). Students continue to follow the MISST programme and receive peripatetic lessons throughout Year 9. There is also a comprehensive PSHE curriculum.
In some cases we will tailor the curriculum for students and direct them to English as an Additional Language lessons to support with initial language acquisition, or specialised lessons to support with special educational needs. This is managed on an individual basis with parental consultation.
Directors of Learning for each subject ensure there is a comprehensive wider curriculum in Year 9 to develop passion and enjoyment of subjects and learn in a different environment.
These gateway courses are not GCSE options or externally examined, but lay the foundations for KS4. In Year 9, pupils are able to move between subjects within option blocks thereby ensuring that they are satisfied with their curriculum choices.
A GCSE options process begins in the spring term of Year 9 whereby students select GCSE choices to start in Year 10.
KEY STAGE 4 – YEARS 10 AND 11
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum is diverse and personalised. Students are supported through a rigorous options process that provides challenge and support to ensure students choose suitable choices for their ability, learning preferences and interests. The majority of classes are small with English, Maths and Science having additional staffing in KS4 to ensure this.
All students follow a common core of English, Maths and Science. Triple Science is available within the core curriculum for those identified as able to complete the course, otherwise students will complete the double award.
Students elect to study four option subjects. The school operates a policy of determining the timetable around student choice rather than asking students to choose from a fixed structure. This policy allows for a high level of student satisfaction.
Students are expected to select at least one EBac subject (History, Geography, Computing, Modern Foreign Language) and many will be encouraged to select at least two. Those students on our higher academic pathways Ash and Birch are expected to select GCSE courses for all options, and those on Cedar and Oak are given the choice to select from a range of vocational courses.
In some cases we will tailor the curriculum for students and direct them to English as an Additional Language lessons to support with initial language acquisition, or specialised lessons to support with special educational needs. This is managed on an individual basis with parental consultation.
THE SIXTH FORM (KEY STAGE 5 – YEARS 12 AND 13)
The principle of organising the timetable around the needs of the students also applies in the Sixth Form. Students choose 3 A level and/or L3 BTEC subjects to study in the Year 12 and 13 from a wide range of subjects. Students are taught in smaller classes than in Key Stage 3 and 4. Students are also expected to continue with Mathematics and English study if they need to gain a qualification in these at GCSE level or equivalent. The subjects on offer for 2020-21 are listed in the Whitefield School Sixth Form Prospectus. In addition, students are expected to undertake work related learning and do community service. Every student also has private study periods on their timetable.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGES
If students are bilingual or fluent in a Modern Foreign Languages (or Heritage Language), they will be given the opportunity to take a GCSE in that language. Choosing to do a Community Language GCSE is an extra subject and will not replace any of the elective subjects. Students who achieve a Grade B or above at GCSE will be able to move on to complete the AS and even A2 GCE in that language in later years.