Curriculum

At Kettlethorpe High School, pupils will:

  • experience a broad, deep and knowledge rich curriculum;
  • be literate and numerate;
  • have high expectations for their behaviour and achievement;
  • build their character;
  • develop their cultural, social, moral, mental and physical development;
  • secure foundations for progression.

Check our full curriculum intent and policy.

Year 7 and 8

Pupils in Year 7 & Year 8 follow the curriculum below. There is an increased emphasis on these two year groups to ensure that pupils are fully prepared for their GCSE qualifications. In Year 7 & 8 most pupils will follow a balanced and broad curriculum which includes the subjects below.

Subject Lessons per week Grouping
English 5 Mixed ability groups
Maths 4 Ability groups
Science 3 Ability groups
Physical Education 2 Mixed ability groups
Modern Languages 2 Mixed ability groups
DT / Computing / Food 3 Mixed ability groups
Art & Design 1 Mixed ability groups
Drama / Dance 1 Mixed ability groups
Geography 1 Mixed ability groups
History 1 Mixed ability groups
Music 1 Mixed ability groups
Religious Studies 1 Mixed ability groups

At Kettlethorpe High School we are proud of our broad and balanced curriculum offer. We recognise, however, that upon joining secondary school in Year 7, some pupils may require additional support in accessing learning in the different subject areas. To this end, certain pupils will receive a ‘Nurture Curriculum’ offer which will provide them with small-group, specialised teaching across the different subjects which aims to better support individuals with access to the curriculum. Pupils receiving the ‘Nurture Curriculum’ will have full access to the different subjects we offer at KS3, but will be taught English and Maths with a specialist teacher. Pupils who receive this curriculum offer will be carefully selected upon transition from primary school to make sure they receive the best possible start at Key Stage 3 so that, by the time they reach Key Stage 4 (GCSEs, BTECs and other Level 1/ 2 vocational qualifications), they have as many opportunities as possible to succeed.”

For further information regarding the ‘Nurture Curriculum’ please speak to us on Open Evening, or contact us at any point during the school year at: transition@nullkettlethorpe.wakefield.sch.uk

“In Year 8, all pupils will continue to receive a broad and balanced curriculum offer. Where the ‘Nurture Curriculum’ has been successful in supporting pupils with access to the curriculum, pupils may rejoin the mainstream curriculum groupings. However, in recognition that further pupils may continue to need specialised, small-group support, they will have access to an ‘Engagement Curriculum’ which follows the main curriculum, but in smaller groups and with highly adapted approaches to better suit the specific needs of the pupils in each group; pupils will continue to be taught by subject experts for each of the curriculum subjects.

Year 9, 10 and 11

In Years 9, 10 & 11 pupils will follow the curriculum below. The majority of pupils will study English, Maths, Science, History or Geography, French or Spanish and Physical Education.

Subject Lessons per week Qualification
English 5 English Language and English Literature GCSEs
Maths 4 Maths GCSE
Science 6 (4 in Y9) Combined Science or Triple Science GCSE
PE 1 (2 in Y9)
Modern Language 2.5 (3 in Y9) French or Spanish GCSE
Geography or History 2.5 (3 in Y9) Geography or History GCSE
Option 1 2 open choice subject
Option 2 2 open choice subject

Pupils will then have the choice of a further two subjects. These subjects are wide ranging and change slightly each year depending on the resource available. However, in most cases these will include:

  • Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE
  • Art & Design (Graphic Communication) GCSE
  • Art & Design (Textile Design) GCSE
  • Citizenship GCSE
  • Computer Science GCSE
  • Dance GCSE
  • Drama GCSE
  • Design & Technology GCSE
  • Hospitality & Catering Vocational Award
  • ICT  Creative iMedia Cambridge National
  • Media Studies GCSE
  • Music GCSE
  • Outdoor Pursuits OCR National
  • PE GCSE
  • Religious Studies GCSE
  • Sports Studies Cambridge National

A small number of pupils will be selected to follow a slightly alternative curriculum which meets their individual needs.

Exam boards we use:
AQAhttp://www.aqa.org.uk
Edexcelhttp://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html
OCRhttp://www.ocr.org.uk/
WJEChttp://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/