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Curriculum Overview
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.
“Lessons are calm and purposeful and led by knowledgeable, passionate teachers. Pupils show dedication to learning and pay close attention to their teacher’s instruction”
Ofsted 2022
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
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, PE and Personal Development Learning (PDL, known formerly as 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.
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. Students study 15 subjects in Years 7 and 8; 13 or 14 subjects in Year 9 and either 9 or 10 subjects in Years 10 and 11
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. The national curriculum is covered in Years 7 and 8 for foundation subjects. Students are then able to make a choice of the Foundation subjects they wish to study 'greater depth'.
Students make four option choices before starting their GCSE level courses. The first option is Combined or Triple Science, with four further options. The first of these must be from the EBacc suite or vocational studies. The remaining three options are completely free. Students follow either a traditional academic curriculum or a more vocational one depending on their future aspirations. Each student is invited to have an individual discussion to help them to choose the most appropriate pathway.
Please navigate to the Subjects page for further information.
