Curriculum overview
The curriculum is excellent and offers students appropriate courses that are very well matched to their needs
— Ofsted
Introduction
At St Paul’s we aim to give every student the opportunity to grow, develop and flourish. We look to give them a well-rounded education that challenges them to develop spiritually, personally and academically to fulfil their God-given potential.
To achieve this we have to continue to be determined to develop, grow and change. Currently at St Paul’s our results place us consistently within the top ten percent of schools nationally, our aim in the improvement plan is to get into the top five percent.
Students don’t get a second chance in education. This means that we have to cherish every lesson as an opportunity to learn, equally we need to invest in high quality teaching, research and development to nourish and develop outstanding learning and teaching in all we do.
Overview
INTENT
The curriculum has been designed and developed to challenge, support and inspire students to achieve their God-given potential in all areas of their time at St Paul’s. In each curriculum area this is planned, implemented and evaluated carefully to ensure a broad and balanced experience of learning and development.
IMPLEMENTATION
As an 11-18 school we have continued to adapt and evolve the curriculum to match the changing needs of our students and the curriculum changes nationally. Each subject has mapped and planned this carefully and we ensure on-going opportunities for evaluation, reflection and improvement.
IMPACT
The consistently strong outcomes at all key stages demonstrate the positive impact of the curriculum on offer at St Paul’s. This can be seen by the culture of high expectation in all areas of the school and a drive to continually improve and build on the strengths of the school.
Our Mission
To provide an innovative, inspirational and Christian education which challenges, nurtures and informs our students to enable them to take their place in a changing world.
Broad and balanced
We have made a firm commitment to retain a broad and balanced curriculum. Even during times of significant curriculum change we have invested in ensuring that all subjects flourish at St Paul’s. RE and spiritual life remain at the core of life at St Paul’s as a faith school. Core subjects have flourished alongside a wide variety of curriculum areas including humanities, languages and the arts.
We have committed to students doing nine GCSEs at Key Stage 4. This has allowed us to commit more time to each subject and develop the depth required by the challenges in the curriculum. With all students doing RE, English, Maths and Science this allows for students to make three choices. During this process we guide each student to choose subjects that will stretch and challenge them as well as meeting their interests and aspirations.
Students study three A level, or equivalent qualifications, at Key Stage 5. We have invested extra curriculum time and teaching in the Key Stage 5 provision. This has allowed us to nurture, support and challenge our students to ensure they are successful at Key Stage 5. This can lead them on to further education and employment, up to 85% achieving their first choice university and one in four successfully applying for Russell group universities.
Research & Development
We are heavily involved in initial teacher training, leadership development and school improvement. Through the commitment to lead the Inspire Teaching School Alliance and Sussex Maths Hub we do extensive work developing teachers at all stages of their careers. This benefits and grows staff at St Paul’s too.
Education
We are fully committed to investing time in development of the highest quality of learning and teaching. This has included seeking out opportunities to work closely with exceptional schools nationally and internationally.
Development
We believe we have a moral obligation to do what’s right for education not just our school. This has led us to take on outreach work with primary and secondary schools in supporting their growth and development. This has provided opportunities for us to develop and articulate best practice in the work we do on learning, teaching, leadership and the curriculum.
Outreach
Key Stage 3
A traditional, broad and balanced curriculum over three years
We have made a firm commitment to retain a broad and balanced curriculum. Even during times of significant curriculum change we have invested in ensuring that all subjects flourish at St Paul’s. RE and spiritual life remain at the core of life at St Paul’s as a faith school. Core subjects have flourished alongside a wide variety of curriculum areas including humanities, languages and the arts
| Key Stage 3 Curriculum | Timetable Allocation | Key Stage 3 Curriculum | Timetable Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Education | 18 | English | 22 |
| Mathematics | 22 | Science | 21 |
| Computing | 6 | French | 15 |
| German | 15 | Spanish | 15 |
| History | 12 | Geography | 12 |
| Art | 8 | Drama | 8 |
| Music | 8 | Technology | 9 |
| PE | 12 | Information Literacy | - |
| LovEd | 3 |
Key Stage 4
Investing in depth and a love of each subject
We have committed to students doing nine GCSEs at Key Stage 4. This has allowed us to commit more time to each subject and develop the depth required by the challenges in the curriculum. With all students doing RE, English, Maths and Science this allows for students to make three choices. During this process we guide each student to choose subjects that will stretch and challenge them as well as meeting their interests and aspirations.
| Key Stage 4 Curriculum | Timetable Allocation | Key Stage 4 Curriculum | Timetable Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Education | 12 | English | 20 |
| Mathematics | 20 | Science - double or triple | 24 |
| Geography | 12 | History | 12 |
| German | 12 | Spanish | 12 |
| French | 12 | Design Technology - Food | 12 |
| Design Technology - Product Design | 12 | Art | 12 |
| Drama | 12 | Music | 8 |
| Media Studies | 12 | Computing | 12 |
| BTEC Sport | 12 | CAMNAT Media | 12 |
| CAMNAT Business | 12 | Personalised Learning Support | - |
| Core PE | 8 |
Key Stage 5
Success leading to the next chapter
Students study three A level, or equivalent qualifications, at Key Stage 5. We have invested extra curriculum time and teaching in the Key Stage 5 provision. This has allowed us to nurture, support and challenge our students to ensure they are successful at Key Stage 5. This can lead them on to further education and employment, up to 85% achieving their first choice university and one in four successfully applying for Russell group universities.
| Key Stage 5 Curriculum | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Ethics (RS) | English Language | English Literature | Maths | Economics |
| Music | GCSE Maths | Further Maths | Core Maths | Biology |
| Chemistry | Business | Music Technology | Physics | BTEC Applied Science |
| Art | Photography | BTEC Business | Theater Studies | Product Design |
| Geography | History | Government and Politics | Psychology | BTEC Performing Arts |
| BTEC Creative Media Production | Film Studies | Media Studies | Physical Education | Sociology |
| Health and Social Care | French | German | Spanish | BTEC Sport |
| Law | GCSE English | |||
| Timetable Allocation | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L3 (A Level) Subjects | 22 | BTEC Double Subject | 44 | ||||
| L2 BTEC Sport | 20 | BTEC Single Subject | 22 | ||||
| Core Maths | 5 | Sports Leaders | 8 | ||||
| GCSE English | 5 | GCSE Maths | 6 | ||||
Want to know more?
For Key Stage 5, please contact Mr Byrne (Deputy Head Teacher) by emailing pbyrne@stpaulscc.co.uk.