Aims
Robert May’s School aims to provide a curriculum that inspires and motivates students of all
abilities and from all backgrounds within a safe environment where learning is broad, balanced
and varied.
“The Curriculum is broad, balanced, challenging and interesting. …the well-planned curriculum
provides pupils with a firm foundation for the next stage of their education. Pupils are encouraged
to be ambitious and strive for excellence.”
Ofsted Report 2017
Our curriculum should:
- Promote excellence
- Enable all students to reach or exceed their full potential
- Value the development of wellbeing, self-confidence and resilience as much as academic progress
- Equip all students with the knowledge, skills and independence required to follow their chosen post-16 pathway into adult life
- Promote strong moral and ethical values underpinned by tolerance and respect
- Create rounded individuals who will learn to help themselves, help others and help to make the world a better place
Curriculum Structure
We operate a five year curriculum. Lessons are delivered on a 1 week, 30 period cycle with 6
lessons per day. English, Maths, Science, RE, PE and PSHEE are core subjects studied by all
students throughout the school. Students are arranged in mixed ability bands in all year groups
for most subjects. Mathematics is taught in teaching groups based on ability.
There are two opportunities to choose options that suit the individual. Key Stage 3 content is
taught in years 7,8 and 9 with the final term of Year 9 being used as a preparation for GCSE or
equivalent level courses. Formal GCSE content is studied in years 10 and 11.
We believe that our curriculum at KS3 gives students the opportunity to find their strengths so
that when they choose their options for the GCSE years, they can make informed choices that
are right for them. Students make four option choices before starting their GCSE level courses.
The first option is Combined or Triple Science, with three further options which are free
choices. For the vast majority of our students at least one option comes from the EBacc group of
subjects. Students follow either a traditional academic curriculum or a more vocational one
depending on their future aspirations.
Assesment Strategy for Parents 2019-20
Please navigate to the Subjects page for further information.