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Curriculum Overview
As a school that lies in the heart of the community, our pupils deserve a curriculum that enables them to develop an understanding of their place in the local, national and global context. At Northfield, we are committed to providing a broad and balanced education underpinned by our core values of Respect, Resilience and Honesty. We expect our pupils to develop as independent learners who are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world and the intent of our curriculum incorporates our vision for teaching and learning, where retention, skills and challenge underpin learning. Central to this is an inclusive journey from Years 7-11, which considers the total experience of our pupils by nurturing their talents, providing character building opportunities and equipping them with the knowledge and skills, which will enable them to make a positive contribution to their communities.
The Key Stage 3 curriculum has been designed with innovation and creativity in mind. It is based around termly learning expeditions underpinned by a guiding question. Each learning journey has been planned to allow pupils to master subject specific, as well as cross curricular, and essential life skills. The curriculum is both engaging and challenging and allows pupils the opportunity to immerse themselves in their learning and deepen their understanding.
At Key Stage 4, pupils have the opportunity to take a more focused and specialist route as they begin their GCSE courses. We have high aspirations for all of our pupils and, as a result, they all have the opportunity to study the English Baccalaureate range of qualifications. However, this is not at the expense of a broad and balanced offer as sport, technology and the arts are actively promoted and have a high profile within the life of our school.
The development of key skills including Literacy, Numeracy and Oracy permeate through all aspects of our curriculum as we feel that they can open the door to a world of knowledge and curiosity irrespective of the subject being studied.
Curriculum Organisation
Each student will spend 25 lessons per week on the curriculum. The allocation of time to each subject area will be in accordance with the demands of the National Curriculum and will also provide additional learning opportunities approved by the Governors of the school.
We recognise our students as individuals and encourage them to realise their full potential regardless of sex, race or ability. All students are given the same opportunities within the curriculum and follow similar timetables. The distribution of periods within the school timetable is as follows:-
|
Number of Periods |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
|
English |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Mathematics |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Science |
3 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Religious Education |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
ICT |
1 |
1 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
Physical Education |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
PSHCE |
0.5 |
0.5 |
delivered through enrichment events |
||
|
Modern Foreign Languages |
2.5 |
2.5 |
Option Subjects = 2.5 |
||
|
Geography |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
History |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
Art & Design |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Drama |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Music |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Design, Engineering & Technology |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
Business Studies |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Health and Social Care |
0 |
0 |
|||
* Half the year group will study French and the other half will study German
# Design & Technology operates a carousel system. Students will experience graphics, product design, resistant materials, food, textiles and systems and control.
Sex Education
The Governors believe that sex education is an important part of the school curriculum and should be based on a moral framework which develops students’ understanding of their own physical, sexual and emotional development. Sex education will be delivered in a balanced programme of Personal, Social and Health education and be set in the context of family life, respect for others, and the development of personal responsibility. The programme will mainly be delivered through National Curriculum Science and Guidance lessons and will take account of the maturity and age of the students. Details of the programme will be supplied on request.
Religious Education
Religious Education is provided within the framework of the Local Education Authority’s Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. If the parents of any student attending the school request that he/she be excused from attendance at collective worship, alternative arrangements will be made.