Subject Curriculum

English Language focuses on developing and refining essential reading and writing skills. Students learn to analyse a variety of texts and express themselves clearly and effectively in written form. Assessment is through two final examinations.

English Literature nurtures literary appreciation and critical thinking through the study of classic and contemporary works. Students explore themes, characters, and language in the following set texts:

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
• A selection of poetry from the exam board anthology

Exam board: Eduqas

Home learning: Weekly revision tasks

Mathematics plays a vital role in many aspects of everyday life. It equips students with practical skills such as the ability to structure and solve problems, think logically, and interpret complex information.

Studying Mathematics complements other GCSE subjects, particularly Science and Technology, and is essential for those considering higher-level study or careers in STEM-related fields. A strong GCSE grade in Mathematics is often a key requirement for further education and employment opportunities.

Success in Mathematics often comes to those who are well-organised, methodical, and persistent – students who are willing to try different approaches and not give up when faced with challenges.

Exam board: Edexcel

Homework: Sparx Maths students will complete 45 minutes (KS3) to an hour (KS4) each week and obtain 100% to pass.

All students will initially begin on the Triple Science route. A decision will be made in partnership with students and parents during Year 10 regarding choosing Combined Science or Triple Science. This will be done on an individual basis and involve the student, parents and relevant teachers.

A high-quality science education lays the foundation for understanding the world through the core disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students are taught the essential knowledge, methods,  processes, and applications of science.

By building a strong base of key concepts and foundational knowledge, students are encouraged to appreciate the power of rational explanation and to develop a sense of curiosity and excitement about the natural world.

Science education helps students:

• Understand how scientific ideas explain what is happening around them
• Predict how things will behave under different conditions
• Analyse causes and effects in both natural and technological contexts

This subject not only supports academic achievement but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are valuable in everyday life and future careers.

Exam board: AQA

During Year 9, every student will experience a balanced programme of PE to encourage the development of a wide range of physical, social, personal and learning skills. Each lesson will be concerned with planning, performing and evaluating physical activity in greater depth than previous years with the emphasis on performance. This will also involve tactical and technical aspects as well as fitness.  The demands of National Curriculum require the students to study at least two areas of activity in depth. This is achieved through a structured options programme, whereby the students select their preferences from a wide range of activities.

Our core PSRE and Religious Studies programme is followed by all students alongside their Key Stage 4 studies. Our updated curriculum is carefully designed to support students’ wider learning and equip them to thrive in today’s society, both in school and beyond.

Please view our PSRE Overview for 2026–2027 to learn more about the topics and themes covered throughout the academic year.

Art is a creative and expressive subject that encourages students to challenge themselves, take risks, and learn through experimentation. It nurtures imagination while helping students develop and refine their artistic skills.

By studying Art, students will:

• Explore new techniques and materials
• Create personal and meaningful artwork
• Develop both 2D and 3D skills in areas such as:
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • And more

Art fosters independent thinking, visual literacy, and creative problem-solving—skills that are valuable in both further education and a wide range of careers in the creative industries.

Business Studies is a combined course that introduces students to key concepts through both GCSE and BTEC. After an initial foundation, students choose one of these two pathways to continue in Years 10 and 11, depending on their preferred learning style and strengths.

This subject will help you to:

• Communicate and explain ideas clearly
• Think creatively and make informed decisions
• Work with numbers to solve real-world business problems
• Explore the world of business through research, investigation, and practical tasks

Business Studies offers a dynamic and engaging insight into how businesses operate and succeed, preparing students for further study or future careers in a wide range of industries.

In today’s digital world, Computer Science is more important than ever. It underpins nearly every aspect of modern life—from communication and healthcare to finance, entertainment, and environmental sustainability. This course offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in designing, writing, and testing computer programs, while developing strong computational thinking and mathematical skills.

Students will develop the ability to reason, explain, and evaluate solutions, with an awareness of current and emerging trends in computing. Understanding new technology will allow them to solve real-world problems, innovate to create new technologies and understand how to protect data and privacy.

Key areas of study include:

• Algorithms: Understanding their purpose, how they work, and the ability to interpret, amend, and create them.
• Programming: Learning the requirements for writing program code and developing code using constructs such as data types, structures, input/output, operators, and subprograms.
• Data Representation: Exploring binary systems, data storage and compression, encryption, and databases.
• Computer Systems: Understanding system components, constructing truth tables, and producing logic statements.
• Networks and the Internet: Studying computer networks, the internet, and the World Wide Web.
• Ethical and Legal Issues: Examining the impact of computing on individuals, society, and the environment, including ethical, legal, and ownership considerations.
• Emerging Technologies: Gaining insight into the latest trends and innovations in computing.

This course is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking, and working with technology, and it provides a strong foundation for further study or careers in the digital and tech industries. It equips them with the tools to shape the future, making it a vital subject for those who want to be at the forefront of change in a rapidly evolving world.

Design and Technology equips students with a broad range of practical and creative skills, preparing them for their future roles in both society and the workplace. Students investigate the core principles of design and explore a wide variety of materials and their applications.

From Year 9, students choose one of the following focus areas to specialise in:

Electronics

This pathway introduces students to basic electronic principles, including the study of key components and how they combine to form different circuit types. Students learn to:

• Simulate designs using CAD software
• Understand and apply the soldering process
• Design and construct casings using polymers and wood-based materials
• Develop an understanding of user needs and product functionality

Product Design

Students gain a deeper understanding of material properties, focusing on woods, plastics, and papers and boards. They develop practical skills by:

• Constructing simple wooden and plastic structures
• Prototyping with paper and boards
• Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools such as 2D Design software
• Exploring Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) processes, including the use of a laser cutter

This subject fosters creativity, technical knowledge, and problem-solving, making it ideal for students interested in design, engineering, architecture, or manufacturing.

Textiles

Students develop fabric-based projects with a focus on fashion, accessories, and interior furnishings. They also explore innovative uses of textiles in fields such as medicine, sports, and the automotive industry. This pathway encourages creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of how textiles can be both functional and expressive.

Digital Applications focuses on the integration of digital media—including electronic text, graphics, moving images, and sound—into structured, computerised environments that allow users to interact with data for specific purposes.

The main focus of the course is on:

• Website construction
• The creation and use of digital assets
• Understanding the components of effective websites

This is a practical, hands-on course where students will become proficient in using a range of software tools for:

• Website authoring
• Image editing and handling
• Sound editing
• Animated graphics production

Students will develop both technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills, preparing them for further study or careers in digital design, media production, and web development.

Drama offers students the opportunity to develop their practical performance skills while deepening their appreciation and understanding of live theatre and a wide range of play texts.

Through the creation and exploration of fictional contexts, students reflect on their own experiences and those of others, gaining insight into the world around them. The subject encourages both imaginative expression and analytical thinking, helping students to:

• Build confidence and communication skills
• Collaborate effectively with others
• Interpret and respond to a variety of dramatic forms and styles
• Understand the social, cultural, and historical contexts of performance

Drama plays an important role in preparing students for the demands of modern society by fostering empathy, creativity, and critical thinking—skills that are valuable in any future pathway.

During Year 9 and 10, lessons will be practical and theory based. You will spend 50% of your time developing your practical preparation and cooking skills, and 50% on developing your knowledge and understanding of theoretical elements, such as nutrition and function on ingredients.

The Year 9 course covers topics in detail, which give you an idea of the content and assessment criteria seen at GCSE in Year 10 and 11. You will use different textbooks, films and authentic material to expand your knowledge of your chosen language as well as of the country/countries who speak it.

1, My personal world

2. Lifestyle and wellbeing

3. My neighbourhood

4. Media and technology

5. Studying and my future

6. Travel and tourism

Geography helps students understand the world we live in by exploring people, places, environments, and the complex interactions between them. It covers a wide range of topics including societies, economies, cultures, and the natural environment, while also developing valuable analytical, research, and communication skills.

There has never been a more important time to study Geography. With growing global interest in issues such as:

• Climate change
• Migration
• Environmental degradation
• Urbanisation
• Social inequality

Geography is one of the most relevant and dynamic subjects you can choose.

Looking ahead, Geography also offers above-average graduate employability, thanks to the transferable skills it develops—such as critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Whatever your passion for the world, Geography will provide you with the knowledge, understanding, and tools to make a difference—both personally and academically.

“To remain ignorant of the past is to remain a child.” – Cicero

History is the key to understanding the world we live in today. By exploring the past, students gain insight into the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our societies, cultures, and institutions.

You’ll love learning about the incredible individuals and pivotal moments that changed the course of history—from revolutions and empires to conflicts and movements for justice. Alongside fascinating content, you’ll develop highly valuable skills, including:

• Critical thinking
• Source analysis
• Constructing persuasive arguments
• Evaluating evidence and interpretations

These skills are highly respected by employers and universities, and they will serve you well beyond school—whether in further education, the workplace, or everyday life.

History is not just about the past; it’s about making sense of the present and preparing for the future.

Media is the tool we use to communicate, educate, and entertain—shaping how we see the world and how the world sees us. It includes everything from films, television, magazines, and video games to newspapers, the internet, and radio.

In Media Studies, you will:

• Learn to understand, analyse, and explain how media products are created and how they influence audiences
• Develop the skills to produce your own media content, using industry-standard tools and techniques

This subject is ideal for students who are:

• Curious about the world
• Interested in culture, politics, or current affairs
• Enjoy debates, discussions, and exploring new ideas

Media Studies helps you become a critical thinker, a creative communicator, and a confident producer—skills that are highly valued in today’s digital world.

Studying Music offers a rich opportunity to deepen your appreciation, creativity, and understanding of the subject. You’ll explore how music works by listening to a wide range of styles, learning to identify key features and techniques, and applying this knowledge in your own performances and compositions. The course helps you make meaningful connections between the music you enjoy, the music you perform, and the music you create.

In Year 9, you’ll also be introduced to Music Technology, giving you hands-on experience with music production and recording. This foundation will help you decide between two exciting pathways for further study:

• GCSE Music (Eduqas) – A more traditional route focusing on performance, composition, and musical analysis.
• NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Music Technology – A practical, skills-based alternative for students interested in the technical and creative aspects of music production.

This flexible approach ensures that whether you’re a performer, a composer, or a budding producer, there’s a path that suits your interests and strengths.

Photography is a dynamic and creative subject that encourages you to take risks, experiment, and grow through exploration. It challenges you to see the world differently and express your unique perspective through the lens of a camera.

By choosing to study Photography, you’ll develop both your technical skills and artistic vision. You’ll learn how to control and manipulate key camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, composition, and lighting. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with Photoshop editing, drawing and painting techniques, and traditional darkroom processes.

Throughout the course, you’ll study the work of influential photographers, analyzing their styles and techniques in depth. Their work will serve as inspiration as you develop your own creative projects and visual storytelling skills.

The Year 9 additional PE curriculum strives to provide a holistic approach which balances the academic study of Sport with some practical opportunities for those students considering examination PE in Year 10 or at some point in the future.

Psychology offers a fascinating exploration of the human mind and behaviour. Through this subject, you’ll gain insight into why people think, feel, and act the way they do, learning key theories and concepts that help explain human behaviour.

The course develops valuable skills such as critical thinking, research methods, and analytical reasoning—all of which are highly regarded by universities and employers. Studying Psychology not only supports your personal development but also opens doors to a wide range of future careers in fields like mental health, education, business, social work, and more.

Our Religion and Philosophy course examines what people believe, why they believe it, and how it influences their life and society more widely.

It is a social science and facilitating subject, and pairs especially well with: History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, English Language and Literature, Psychology and Media Studies.

The Year 9 course covers topics in detail, which give you an idea of the content and assessment criteria seen at GCSE in Year 10 and 11. You will use different textbooks, films and authentic material to expand your knowledge of your chosen language as well as of the country/countries who speak it.

1, My personal world

2. Lifestyle and wellbeing

3. My neighbourhood

4. Media and technology

5. Studying and my future

6. Travel and tourism