Curriculum Overview

W​hat is the school curriculum?

Our school curriculum describes the programme of study available to pupils at All Hallows RC. Curriculum provision differs between Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).

K​ey Stage 3

In the first three years of school all pupils broadly follow the same curriculum within classes that are set according to children’s needs. This is in accordance with the National Curriculum and an appropriate amount of time is devoted to Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Languages, Music, Art, Technology, Physical Education and Sport.

All pupils also follow a course in Citizenship and Personal Development. We place great emphasis on developing cross curricular, transferable skills that enable pupils to identify links across the curriculum through the high profile promotion of Enterprise Skills and Literacy.

Year 9 Options

In Year 9 pupils decide which course should be followed in Years 10 and 11.An Option Booklet is issued which gives advice and information on available options; this is followed up by a one to one option interview with teachers. You will have the opportunity to discuss your child’s option choices with their class teachers at our Parent Evenings; expert advice is also available from our Careers staff, from Connexions’ and from Post 16 Institutions.

When making a choice the following principles apply:

• The overall choice must be balanced, to include a range of subjects
• Options are available on the understanding that a sufficient number of pupils opt for them
• The level of the course must be appropriate for the individual pupil

Key Stage 4

All Pupils follow a core curriculum in English, Mathematics, Sciences, Religious Education, Physical Education and Personal Development. Pupils have the option to study for three additional subjects. At Key Stage 4 these options include:

• Art
• Business Studies
• Child Development
• Computer Science
• Construction
• Creative iMedia
• Design & Technology
• E​conomics
• Food & Nutrition
• Geography
• History
• Performing Arts
• Photography
• Spanish
• Sport Science
• T​extiles

P​ublic Examinations

In Years 10 and 11 all pupils will study English, Mathematics, Science and RE to examination level. In addition GCSE and vocational courses are offered in a range of subject areas.

Personal Development

In Years 10 and 11 all pupils will study English, Mathematics, Science and RE to examination level. In addition GCSE and vocational courses are offered in a range of subject areas.

In Years 10 and 11 all pupils will study English, Mathematics, Science and RE to examination level. In addition GCSE and vocational courses are offered in a range of subject areas.

R​elationships and Sex Education

Our RSE program is fully integrated in the PD curriculum to allow pupils to develop an understanding of all the topics that run through it from puberty to pregnancy. As a Catholic School we make use of the Ten:Ten Program of study which addresses the statutory content in an age-appropriate way, considering the beliefs of the Catholic Church on such matters. Pupils feel safe and secure in asking questions to clarify their understanding of the theme.

Copies of the full school RSE programme can be obtained via the school website. Parents are welcome to contact school, at any time, to discuss matters arising from the curriculum.

Curriculum Supplements

We are keen to provide our pupils with as many skills that they can take with them on their next steps once finishing their journey at All Hallows in Year 11.

We offer our pupils an extensive range of both curricular and extracurricular activities for pupils across all year groups with opportunities to develop their experiences and skills outside of their subject-based learning. In addition to this, we also promote the development of enterprise and work-based skills that will further prepare pupils for life after school.

The 'can-do' approach we encourage in our pupils, together with the development of essential skills is central to all learning enjoyed by All Hallows' pupils. Our pupils regularly partake in Enterprise Days where whole year groups are brought together in a non-classroom environment in order to collaborate with guests from industry in a variety of themed learning experiences. These specific days help to provide a 'real-world' context to the teaching and learning they develop in subject-specific lessons.

Our pupils are encouraged to gain an experience of the world of work in Year 10 through a week of work experience with local businesses and workplaces. Additionally, visits to a diverse range of workplaces, the partaking in Business and Enterprise competitions and pupil involvement in a variety of social enterprise projects to support those in need offers pupils a great insight into the world outside of school and within the local community.

O​fsted says:

"​Leaders have designed a broad and ambitious curriculum...Each subject leader has designed the curriculum to reflect the school's high ambition for pupils."