Learning:  Key Stage 3

Key stage 3 builds the foundations for lifelong learning. Each subject has clear progression routes to ensure that students meet their age related expectations. We initially develop the grammar of each subject: the knowledge and skills needed as building blocks for future learning.  Upon a solid foundation we can encourage students to develop the dialectic of each subject, creating links between pieces of knowledge and creatively using skills to learn more. Students can then learn how to express themselves within each subject area, creating a specific rhetoric with which they can share their learning at a high academic level.  

Learning:  Key Stage 3

Key stage 3 builds the foundations for lifelong learning. Each subject has clear progression routes to ensure that students meet their age related expectations. We initially develop the grammar of each subject: the knowledge and skills needed as building blocks for future learning.  Upon a solid foundation we can encourage students to develop the dialectic of each subject, creating links between pieces of knowledge and creatively using skills to learn more. Students can then learn how to express themselves within each subject area, creating a specific rhetoric with which they can share their learning at a high academic level.  

Learning:  CAPD

Current affairs and Personal Development Curriculum

Our vision has its sight set on the building blocks of character, a life well lived and long-lasting achievement.   Our school values of humanity, wisdom, justice, courage, temperance and transcendence reflect the building blocks of good character.  We are developing the whole person; character development and societal awareness.

The world is a fast-moving place, international events and social influencers are a powerful voice in the lives of our students and their families.  We need to counter some of these influences especially around racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, misogyny and sexualised behaviour.  In addition, our students need to consider their future careers, as they move to realise their place in our society.  The world is ever changing and students must adapt to the changing nature of social connections and online content.  

We have moved away from the traditional notion that RSHE is taught as a unique lesson, once per week. This proved ineffective and lacked context for students.

Within school, our Current Affairs and Personal Development curriculum aims to develop societal awareness, good character and emotional intelligence in our students.  On the principle that a well thought out curriculum that encompasses a considered, broad range of subjects, should offer the full extent of a child’s education; we aim to ensure that all aspects of a child’s personal development, character development and mental and physical health development is delivered through and across subject curricula – with some aspects being focussed on more specifically, in form time.

For example, when teaching ‘Othello’ the English teachers will explicitly teach about racism, misogyny, relationships and stereotypes. In this way, the subject curricula are used to enhance the students’ moral, social and cultural development. 

Our curricula include education about protected characteristics, an appreciation and respect of difference in the world and its people, and an understanding of the rule of law, democracy, and mutual respect and tolerance of others. In addition, students are educated on leading healthy lifestyles and developing beneficial attitudes.

There is excellent provision throughout the subject curricula, tutorial time and assemblies, which go beyond the RSE curriculum through our identified CAPD areas.  In addition, extracurricular activities, such as departmental visits to museums and places of interest and a thriving LGBTQ+ group, provide additional influences.  While school may not be the only influence on our students, it is a strong one.

A broad summary of where aspects are covered is given below.