Curriculum Statement

Notre Dame is a comprehensive school which aims to provide each student, regardless of ability, with the opportunity to develop their full potential. We seek to create an environment for teaching and learning in which each person can flourish.

The curriculum provides all students with a broad and balanced content and a series of educational experiences which will form the basis for further development. The information given below is necessarily brief. Further information about any particular subject may be obtained from the appropriate Head of Department.

National Curriculum Key Stages and Year Groups

Key Stage 3 = Years 7, 8 and 9

There is a broad curriculum consisting of :

English
Mathematics
Science
Information Communication Technology
Learning to Learn
Geography
History
French or Spanish
Drama
Art
Music
Physical Education
PSHE

Learning support is available during the school career of students who require it. Students study either French or Spanish in Y7 and many will go on to study a second language in Y8 and Y9. In Y7 all students follow our ‘Ubuntu’ course. In Mathematics, English, Science and Modern Foreign Language groups are set according to student needs.

Key Stage 4 = Years 10 and 11 (GCSE)

There is a core curriculum of :

English
Mathematics
Science (Dual Certificate)
Religious Education
PSHE
Physical Education

Within the option blocks we have courses in :

Separate Sciences
Geography
History
Art & Design
French
Spanish
Drama
Music
Design and Technology (Food, Product Design)
Physical Education
ICT
Health and Social Care
Performing Arts
Travel and Tourism
Vocational training (at The College of Further Education)

Depending on their chosen pathway students will study between 6 and 14 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. The decision for this is taken in consultation with the students and their parents and based largely on their predicted end of Key Stage 3 SATS scores. Aptitude for certain ways of learning is also taken into consideration.