THE BEWDLEY CURRICULUM

Our curriculum is designed to offer breadth, diversity and genuine choice. We believe that students make the most of their education if they are offered a wide range of opportunities, refining those things that they choose to study as they progress through the school

Curriculum Organisation

Our curriculum is organised into 30 lessons at 50 minutes each week. This avoids the confusion of a two week ‘50 one hour lesson’ timetable. Having 6 lessons each day allows for longer double sessions for practical subjects. Our large site means we offer 3 double sessions with a 5 minute transit time in the middle of each: 08:50 – 10:35, 10:55 – 12:40 and 13:35 – 15:20. During the 55 minute lunch break students have a 20 minute tutorial.

Our curriculum is divided into CORE, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, ACADEMIC and CREATIVE subjects, with OPTION choices introduced as students progress through the school. Skills in using Information Technology (IT), developing understanding of Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) applications and building knowledge of sustainability through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are all interleaved through our curriculum.

Key Stage 3

During years 7 and 8, students are offered a broad and balanced curriculum ensuring a wide range of subjects are offered. Modifications are made when needed for students with additional needs. With 30% core, 14% personal development and 23% each for academic and creative subjects (art, drama (DR), music and technology) a perfect balance is reached. We are strongly focussed on our creative offer, which we are aware has been lost in many schools.

In year 9 students start to make choices with substantial guidance offered. These choices will largely shape the options available to them in year 10. Sciences curriculum time is increased to 20% so that students can experience specialist biology, chemistry and physics teaching. They will choose a language, currently French or Spanish, though we also have capacity to offer German and Italian. Students also choose to study either geography or history. Three creative option choices are offered, where students can also study new subjects. These include business, classics, economics, Latin, media studies, philosophy and ethics, psychology and sociology. Lessons in personal development (PD) and religious education (RE) are built into the creative option blocks and studied by all.

Key Stage 4

In year 10, English and maths lessons become daily and students all make 4 option choices, substantially built around the choices they have made in year 9. Each option is 10% of the curriculum with a single and a double lesson, supported by significant curriculum coverage in year 9. This is built into our curriculum design to ensure that students have the opportunity to build skills as well as knowledge, so that they are fully prepared for adult life.

The only option choices restriction is that students must choose either a language, a humanity or computer science. This is driven by the 'Progress 8' measure, requiring study of 3 'English Baccalaureate' subjects. All study at least double award science, so this constitutes the third EBacc subject. For the sake of clarity for parents, the 'English Baccalaureate' is not a recognised qualification. More able science students can also take separate GCSE qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics, instead of double award science.

Key Stage 5

Students primarily choose 3 advanced level subjects from the 5 option blocks offered. A detailed list of subjects can be found in the sixth form prospectus (hyperlink here please). All students are enrolled for two-year courses and can only receive qualifications at the end of Year 13. Some of our most academic students may choose to study 4 advanced level subjects, and we will always try to accommodate this where we can. We recognise students as individuals, and support them to make the right choices to carve their own pathway into further education and the workplace. We specialise in teaching A-Levels and offer a wide range of courses, that allow students to progress to the most competitive universities and apprenticeships. In Year 12 all students attend a weekly study skills session that will support them in developing the thinking skills needed for success at advanced level study and beyond. They will also be encouraged to take part in debates and to think critically and analyse a range of issues including religion and philosophy. We also offer all students the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification, and Core Maths. During tutor time, students will receive a broad curriculum that incorporates careers and personal development, alongside supporting the individual to be ready for their next steps after Bewdley Sixth Form.