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Curriculum

Pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum at Abbey Park School in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum, with its emphasis on deeper learning to ensure that all of our pupils are able to turn potential into performance.

At Key Stage 3, classes are shared in MFL, Art, Computing, Drama, Music and Science (years 7 and 8 only) and determined by prior attainment at Key Stage 2, CAT scores and input from our Special Needs Co-ordinator.

Maths is set independently of other subjects in years 7 and 8, whilst English is taught in mixed ability groups, with smaller class sizes for those pupils who need further support.  In year 9, English and maths classes are separated into two bands in preparation for their GCSEs.  Within the bands, each subject has the flexibility to determine their own classes.  Science starts teaching their GCSE subject content in year 9 and will set classes accordingly.

At Key Stage 4, pupils must choose to study GCSE Geography or History and then a further three options from: Geography, History, Art, Photography, French, Spanish, Drama, Music, Philosophical Thinking, PE, DT Resistant Materials, DT Textiles, DT Graphics, Food, Sociology, Business, Computer Science, iMedia and Media Studies.  Pupils not studying Triple Science will take GCSE Combined Science instead.  English, Maths and Science classes are separated into two bands.  Within the bands, each subject has the flexibility to determine their own classes.

The school day requires pupils to register with their tutor for the start of the school day at 8.45am.  This provides a crisp start to the day and enables tutors to intervene in absence or behaviour for learning matters to ensure pupils start the day ready to learn.  The breaks between lessons provide ‘take up time’ for teachers to deal with any behaviour for learning matters from the preceding lesson, and also helps pupils remain focused throughout the day.  The school will be open from 8.00am and pupils will be expected to be in school by 8.40am ready for their registration period with their tutor.

An optional session 6 runs from 3:10pm.  Session 6 provides enrichment opportunities for pupils such as fixtures, clubs, revision sessions, supported study time and our Gifted & Talented programme.  Session 6 is compulsory for pupils who fail to hand in homework or are behind in their work or as a direct consequence of poor behaviour (with parents notified the previous day).

All publicly-funded schools in England are required by law to teach a broad and balanced curriculum which promotes British values and the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of students to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life.

Recent GCSE reforms

GCSE qualifications have undergone their biggest reform in a generation.  The government and Ofqual have introduced a far reaching programme of change for GCSE qualifications.  The new GCSEs will raise expectations by asking students to develop better subject knowledge, in terms of breadth and depth, by requiring students to develop stronger skills in numeracy and literacy, and by introducing a new number-based (9-1) grading scale.

The 9-1 changes were phased in gradually, with English and Maths 9-1 being first examined in 2017.  New 9-1 GCSEs in Science, Humanities subjects, Languages, Computing, PE, DT subjects, Art, Music and Drama were first examined in 2018 and other subjects to followed in 2019.

At Abbey Park School, these are promoted through our PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) programme, assemblies, our house system, the school’s behaviour for learning (BFL) system and across the curriculum through the role-modelling of tolerance, respect for each other and encouraging students to get involved and voice their opinions as part of a constructive and democratic process, e.g. through the year and school councils and via the student leadership team.  We have a house system to encourage competition and team spirit. Our four houses are Austen, Churchill, Ennis-Hill and Newton.  The PHSE programme is delivered by tutors with sessions ‘rolling’ across the timetable so the timing of each session will change each week, with all pupils experiencing PSHE at the same time.  “Pupils are provided with a range of experiences to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.” OFSTED Report 2016.