Curriculum

The curriculum at Caldew School is designed to support our vision statement:

 

It is our aim that the curriculum at Caldew:

· Has students at its heart.

· Is fit for purpose, ambitious, broad and balanced, offering differentiation and personalisation as required.

· Prepares all students for a successful working life in a 21st century global society.

· Enables students firstly to achieve and then exceed national standards in achievement, attainment and progression.

· Promotes the development of students’ SMSC understanding, including fundamental British Values.                                                                                                                                 

At Caldew students follow a traditional curriculum, supplemented where appropriate with more vocational courses or wider learning experiences

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 covers Years 7-9. The first 3 years of secondary school. Students in KS3 have to study a number of compulsory subjects based on the National Curriculum.

 To view the curriculum our students follow, please click on one of the subjects below:

 
The teaching of Relationships Sex and Health Education (RSHE) now falls under statutory guidance. These topics are taught predominantly through Learning For Life lessons which are supported through tutor time activities and assemblies. These schemes of work show when and how RSHE topics are taught in the LFL curriculum.

Key Stage 4

We believe in the majority of students following traditional GCSE courses.

All students will study:

  • English Language and English Literature
  • Maths
  • Physics, Chemistry & Biology or Combined Science
  • Religious Studies / Citizenship (RPE & SfL). 

All students have regular PE lessons.

The remainder of the curriculum is made up of four optional subjects chosen by the students.

The courses they choose from are: (Please click a course title for course details)

Year 10 Specification Year 11 Specification
GCSE Art & Design AQA AQA
BTEC Level 1/Level2 Animal Care Edexcel Edexcel
BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award Animal Care - Edexcel
GCSE Business Studies Edexcel Edexcel
Cambridge National Certificate in Child Development Level 1/Level2 OCR OCR
GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) AQA AQA
GCSE Computer Science OCR OCR
GCSE Design & Technology AQA AQA
GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition AQA AQA
Level 1/Level 2 Technical Award in Performing Arts - AQA
GCSE Drama AQA -
English Language AQA AQA
English Literature AQA AQA
GCSE Geography AQA AQA
GCSE History Edexcel Edexcel
Cambridge National Certificate Health & Social Care Level 1/Level 2 OCR OCR
Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia Level 1/Level 2 OCR OCR
GCSE Maths Edexcel Edexcel
GCSE Media Studies Eduqas Eduqas
GCSE French - AQA
GCSE Spanish AQA -
GCSE Music Eduqas Eduqas
GCSE PE OCR OCR
GCSE Photography AQA AQA
GCSE Religious Studies AQA Course A AQA Course A
Cambridge National Certificate Sports Science Level 1/Level 2 OCR OCR
GCSE Biology AQA AQA
GCSE Chemistry AQA AQA
GCSE Physics AQA AQA
 
The teaching of Relationships Sex and Health Education (RSHE) now falls under statutory guidance. These topics are taught predominantly through Learning For Life lessons which are supported through tutor time activities and assemblies. These schemes of work show when and how RSHE topics are taught in the LFL curriculum.
 
KS4 Subject Description
 

Sixth Form

The school has an extensive offer for Sixth Form students with over 20 A Levels to choose from as well as some Applied Courses. Further details are available in the Sixth Form section of the website.

Equality Act and SEND

In our approach to the curriculum we ensure that we comply with our duties set out in the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 where we ensure we are making the curriculum accessible for those with disabilities or special educational needs. Our staff ensure that we differentiate teaching and learning strategies to make the curriculum assessable to all SEND students. Each subjects curriculum intent has been designed to take into account the needs of SEND students and for a small group of students there are additional literacy lessons. Please see the SEND section of our website for more information on how we meet the needs of our SEND students.

Leaders have created a welcoming and supportive environment at this school. Pupils and students achieve well in their learning. They are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment and training.

Ofsted 2022

Pupils including students in the sixth form, are proud to attend Caldew School. They feel well supported, happy and safe in this welcoming community. There are high level of trust and respect between pupils, students and staff.

Ofsted 2022

An effective programme of personal development has been created for pupils in key stages 3 and 4. This prepares pupils well for their future, giving them opportunities to have important discussions about healthy relationships, social and moral issues.

Ofsted 2022

Staff have high expectations for pupils’ and students’ behaviour and learning. Pupils and students behave well in lessons and around the school site. They are polite to each other and look out for others in the school.

Ofsted 2022

There is a strong culture of safeguarding in place, with clear systems to record any concerns. Leaders keep safeguarding relevant to all members of the school community through regular updates, training, alerts and reminders.

Ofsted 2022