Our Curriculum
English - The Year 9 English course builds on pupils’ language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. At Key Stage 4, pupils study the Cambridge IGCSE English Language course, focusing on effective communication across various contexts, covering grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, and writing skills. This includes three coursework pieces and a written exam.
Some pupils also take the AQA English Literature GCSE, analysing texts from various periods, cultures, and genres, assessed through a written exam. Additionally, pupils can enroll in the Entry Level Certificate course “Step Up to English,” which emphasises grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation while enhancing their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Music - The Year 9 curriculum encourages a passion for music while developing musical skills, exploring a wide range of genres and styles, from classical to contemporary. Lessons are fun and engaging and include Performing, Composing, Listening, Theory and History.
Art & Design - All Year 9 pupils take Art, Craft, and Design to build skills and understanding in preparation for further arts programs. At the end of Year 9, pupils can choose to pursue the Art and Design GCSE in Years 10 and 11.
Arts Award - Creativity is essential in many roles, and all Year 11 pupils can pursue an Arts Award qualification. They choose an arts practice, complete projects in product development, researching a practitioner, exploring live arts, and skill-sharing. Pupils can earn qualifications at Entry Level (Explore), or GCSE-equivalent Bronze or Silver levels.
PBL - Passion Based Learning is a STEM-focused learning method where pupils work on passion-driven projects. By tackling real-world problems and challenges, pupils develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. PBL encourages pupils to creatively explore their passions by integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics into engaging arts and crafts projects.
Digital Innovation - explores the latest digital trends, technologies, and their impact on society. Pupils develop skills in content creation, design, and problem-solving through hands-on projects, covering topics like AI, simulation games, Film Studies, and building an online brand.
Futures - Empowers our pupils to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen pathways. In Year 10, pupils explore career options and assess their interests, skills, and values to make informed decisions for their future portfolios. In Year 11, they attend college events, taster days, or The Green Room College provision, with support for applications, interviews, and a smooth transition into the new academic year.
Maths - focuses on building subject knowledge and its practical applications in daily life. Pupils develop skills in numbers, geometry, algebra, statistics and problem-solving. We follow the Edexcel GCSE curriculum, with an Entry Level Certificate (AQA syllabus) for those not yet ready for GCSE.
Science - encourages curiosity about the role science plays in our lives. We develop knowledge and understanding of living things, scientific processes and the world around us. We follow the AQA Trilogy Combined Science curriculum, appropriately paced to make consideration for individual needs. We aim for all pupils to achieve either GSCEs or ELC in Science.
Food & Cookery - offers pupils a chance to explore practical skills while learning about meal preparation, balanced diets, and food as a whole. In Years 10 and 11, pupils can pursue an NCFE Level 1 Food and Cookery course for an additional qualification.
4D - 4th Dimension offers pupils a chance to expand their horizons and gain cultural capital to thrive in a changing world. The curriculum combines theoretical, academic, and practical content, fostering cross-curricular connections and enhancing their social, historical, and cultural understanding. Passion-led sessions are taught by staff who share their personal interests, using varied teaching styles to engage all learning types, ensuring a broad and inclusive experience.
PSHE - helps pupils develop the practical skills and understanding needed for independent, fulfilling lives and healthy relationships. Weekly lessons allow them to explore and reflect on relevant issues while building strategies to manage real-life situations.
Computer Literacy - equips pupils with essential skills for the digital age. While creating videos for social media and using filters is valuable, it’s equally important to confidently handle emails, create effective slide presentations, and produce graphs from spreadsheets. This subject is taught only in Year 9 and has no attached qualifications.
Sports - our lessons prioritise inclusivity, fun, and physical activity over strict techniques or rules. We value the benefits of sports, as exercise boosts both physical and mental well-being. Although we lack on-site facilities, we collaborate with Windsor Leisure Centre, where we access gym, sports hall, and swimming facilities four days a week. For pupils who can’t participate in traditional sports, we offer Walk-and-Talk sessions, providing a chance to get fresh air, engage in conversation, and stay active
ROCCIT - teaches Resilience, Organisation, Communication, Community, Initiative, and Teamwork, equipping young people with essential skills and a positive mindset. It empowers them to become confident, capable, and adaptable individuals who contribute to their own well-being and that of society.
Guided Reading - we recognise reading as a foundational skill for academic success. We offer dedicated lessons to improve vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension, acknowledging each pupil’s unique journey. Our online platform allows pupils to work independently, with personalised text types, questions, difficulty levels, and speeds.
Pathways - Control and ownership over one’s educational journey are vital for progress. Pathways allows pupils to reflect on their attendance, behaviour, and current levels in core subjects. It emphasises student-led, personalised target setting. All year groups participate in Pathways, with sessions rotating weekly focusing on one of the school’s core values: Kindness, Curiosity, or Change
History - The Entry Level Certificate in History is an option for Year 10 and 11 pupils, allowing them to earn a qualification by studying three units: Depth Study, Thematic Study, and a Historical Figure or Site. In Year 9, pupils explore six history topics, and those who enjoy it are encouraged to continue in KS4.
Therapy - Considered a key part of the educational process, therapy helps pupils achieve balance and perspective. Our therapist offers weekly one-to-one sessions to support pupils in exploring emotions, family dynamics, and past experiences in a safe and creative environment. Sessions may also include family interventions if needed.
