Curriculum
The aim of the curriculum is to ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of learning experiences that allow them to develop their breadth of knowledge and raise their aspirations. We want to encourage our students to develop their ability to think deeply and become increasingly independent thereby developing their communication, literacy and numeracy skills.
We recognise that motivation, positive engagement and high challenge are fundamental in creating confident successful learners who are able to fulfill their aspirations and goals. Our curriculum aims to recognise that all our students are individuals with differing needs and interests therefore a variety of pathways and bespoke interventions are offered within key stage 3 and key stage 4.
Year 7 and Year 8
Students follow a balanced and inclusive curriculum. All students study:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Technology
- ICT
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Art
- PE
- RE
- French (*supported route)
A Supported route allows students who arrive in Poltair School with below average Key stage 2 levels, to study additional literacy and numeracy lessons, this develops their reading, writing and numeracy skills, which give them access to a broader curriculum.
On entry to Poltair School, students are placed into classes based on their KS2 data in English, Maths and Science.
IF a student requires further challenge or additional support, set changes can be made at any time during the academic year in consultation with Faculty managers and Senior leaders.
Year 7
| Subject | Number of Periods per fortnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 7 | Including Drama within English lessons |
| Maths | 7 | |
| Science | 5 | |
| History | 3 | |
| Geography | 3 | |
| Technology | 3 | |
| ICT | 1 | |
| Music | 1 | |
| Art | 2 | |
| PE | 4 | |
| RE | 1 | |
| French | 3 | Some students have fewer French lessons in favour of lessons focussing on developing literacy. |
Year 8
| Subject | Number of Periods per fortnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 7 | Including Drama within English lessons |
| Maths | 7 | |
| Science | 5 | |
| History | 3 | |
| Geography | 3 | |
| Technology | 3 | |
| ICT | 1 | |
| Music | 1 | |
| Art | 2 | |
| PE | 4 | |
| RE | 1 | |
| French | 3 | Some students have fewer French lessons in favour of lessons focussing on developing literacy. |
During the spring term of year 8, students will pick their option subjects; KS4 will cover three years (9 - 11) with year 9 as a Foundation year; the emphasis on the acquisition of skills and knowledge that are required for GCSE courses.
KS4 (present years 9 – 10)
Year 9
| Subject | Number of Periods per fortnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 7 | |
| Maths | 7 | |
| Science | 7 | |
| PE | 3 | |
| Option A | 4 | Courses start in Year 9 and continue until the end of Year 11 |
| Option B | 4 | |
| Option C | 4 | |
| Option D | 4 |
Year 10
| Subject | Number of Periods per fortnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 7 | |
| Maths | 7 | |
| Science | 8 | |
| PE | 3 | |
| Option A | 4 | Courses start in Year 9 and continue until the end of Year 11 |
| Option B | 4 | |
| Option C | 4 | |
| Option D | 3 |
The curriculum is personalised; 3 pathways have been created to ensure that every student’s need is fully met and enables them to access a variety of post 16 courses and training.
The English Baccalaureate route is aimed at students who have the potential to study A levels and who may wish to enter Higher education. It ensures breadth and balance by including a range of creative and expressive art courses.
The level 2 learners route is aimed at students who wish to study a mixture of GCSE and vocational courses, again it is important to ensure that our students are given every opportunity to achieve and exceed their potential therefore breadth and balance is very important.
The vocational route is aimed at learners who benefit from learning in more practical ‘hands-on’ courses and will suit students who may be more likely to study level 1 – 3 BTECs and vocational courses post 16.
A strong compulsory core comprising of English, Mathematics, Science and PE will be present in all pathways. Within Science the vast majority of students will complete Double award; students wishing to specialise in Triple science have the opportunity to pick this within an option group, for a small group of students BTEC science may be the most appropriate course.
A structured guidance programme ensures that option choices meet the needs of every individual student; therefore it is important to fully involve teachers, students and parents.
Year 11 Students 2014 - 2015
The vast majority of students have successfully taken some option GCSE subject examinations at the end of year 10. Students are now completing an additional GCSE option for 750 minutes per fortnight.
We recognise the importance of personal, social, health, citizenship and economic education (PSHCE). This year we are delivering PSHE through curriculum delivery, assemblies, learning tutorials and dedicated Career events. Our carefully selected themes are chosen to promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Year 11
| Subject | Number of Periods per fortnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 7 | |
| Maths | 7 | |
| Science | 7 | |
| PE | 3 | |
| Option A | 10 | One year course started June 2014 finishing May/June 2015 |
| PE | 2 | |
| ICT | 4 | |
| RE | 2 |
GCSE Reform – Current
From 2014, all GCSEs are linear with examinations for our current Year 11 taking place in June 2015.
GCSEs in English, English language and English literature will be reformed for teaching from 2015, first awarded in 2017. Other subjects will then be reformed from 2016 – first awarded 2018. Therefore there will be a period in which students have differing grading allocations when they receive their GCSE results. We will continue to provide teachers, students and parents with up-to-date information regarding the GCSE reforms.
