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Curriculum

Introduction

St Joseph’s College is a school like no other. The design of our curriculum is centred on the development of the whole person, and whilst maintaining statutory requirements, we aim to go above and beyond, offering our students an exceptional learning experience. At St Joseph’s College, our curriculum strives to drive aspirations and enable our students to meet the demands of an ever-changing world with confidence. Our curriculum is underpinned by the Catholic ethos of the school, which permeates all that we do.

On entering the school, pupils are grouped into mixed ability forms. They are not streamed and are taught in their form classes for all subjects in the first and second years of study with the exception of partial streaming in maths from Year 8. In order to support the practical nature and use of equipment DT, Music, Art and Computer Science lessons are taught in smaller groups. Curriculum coverage through key stages 3 and 4.

St. Joseph’s College offers a broad and balanced knowledge-engaged curriculum, which facilitates learning – ‘a change in long term memory’. It is well-sequenced and there are planned opportunities for retrieval practice, frequent checking for understanding and regular low-stakes quizzing. All students are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential and we believe that by challenging all of our learners, they will become the best version of themselves. Our students are encouraged to read for learning as well as to read for pleasure. Our curriculum also ensures that students have myriad opportunities to use numbers, interpret data and understand increasingly complex mathematical patterns.

We maintain the highest expectations of all of our students, both academically and in terms of behaviour. Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive and we aim to instil in our students confidence, resilience, and compassion for those in need. We do this by providing a range of leadership, volunteering, performance and stewardship opportunities within our classrooms, our community and beyond.

We provide high quality careers guidance to our students so that they can make the best and most appropriate choices about their future, especially at key transition points throughout their journey through the school.

Key Stage 3 – Years 7-9

During their first three years at St Joseph’s College, students build on their successful work in Key Stage 2 to develop the knowledge and understanding which form the foundation for future study at Key Stage 4 and beyond. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum includes the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education (incorporating RSE), French, Spanish, Geography, History, Art, Design Technology, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Computing and Personal Development. Here are the subjects we study at key stage 3.

Key Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11

At Key Stage 4, all students embark on a rigorous academic curriculum, with the vast majority taking the English Baccalaureate subjects. The English Baccalaureate pathway incorporates our core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, Religious Studies, French or Spanish along with either Geography or History.

In addition to the core subjects, students are given the opportunity to select a pathway appropriate to their needs and aspirations. The range of subjects students can choose from within these pathways is extensive and diverse, ensuring that students have a broad range of qualifications at the end of the key stage. Here are the subjects we study at GCSE.

Key Stage 5 – Years 12 and 13

Our 6th form is unashamedly academic and students primarily study A level qualifications, enhanced by a few specialist Level 3 courses, in order to embark on university courses and Higher Level Apprenticeships. Here are the subjects we study at A Level.

Please reference the SEND Information Report and Policy to understand how we ensure that the curriculum is accessible for those with disabilities or special educational needs.

Our rationale for shaping our curriculum is set out in this diagram
Our rationale for shaping our curriculum is set out in this diagram
Learning for excellence
Teaching for Excellence

Teaching and Learning at St Joseph’s College is based around the Teaching for Excellence and Learning for Excellence frameworks. These frameworks are used to create a shared understanding of high quality teaching.

St Joseph’s College Curriculum Statement of Intent

Success Stories

Best ever GCSE results!

95%

Of our students achieved  English and mathematics GCSEs at grades 4 or greater (secure pass).

79%

Of our students achieved English and mathematics GCSEs at grades 5 or greater (good pass).

45%

Of all grades achieved at GCSE were grade 7 or higher.

44%

Of our students achieved grade 7 or higher in 5 or more GCSE subjects.

95%

Of our students were entered for the EBACC

OUTSTANDING

St. Joseph’s College is graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.