Subjects

The secular curriculum is designed to meet:

  • The broader mission of the school
  • The national priorities expressed by the DfES

This school is a Roman Catholic School in which Religious Education is in accordance with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. This aspect of our teaching influences the whole curriculum, goes beyond the academic, and is seen as the foundation for the values we strive to develop in all pupils. The extra curricular expression of our religion contributes greatly to the ethos of our school and, as such, all pupils are expected to participate in RE classes and in the community occasions during which the school worships. If prospective parents envisage a problem with their child's involvement, they should contact the school.

St Wilfrid’s has been designated Business & Enterprise Specialist Status. The curriculum offered to all pupils reflects this, providing enhanced opportunities in the specialist subjects of business studies, mathematics and information, computer technology. In addition, all subjects incorporate a strand of enterprise education which aims to develop related skills and attitudes, such as self-motivation and independence and leadership qualities. As part of its Business and Enterprise status St Wilfrid’s is committed to promoting the understanding of ethical practice; pupils are given opportunities to learn about relevant issues in trade and commerce and in economics and to participate in activities which support organisations working for a fairer world.

The student week is devoted to the timetabled curriculum (25 hours), with assemblies, tutorial time and breaks making up the remainder. There is the opportunity for pupils to attend Mass each week.

When pupils enter the school, they will be placed in mixed ability tutor groups in which they will be taught for some subjects. They will normally remain in these tutor groups until the end of Year 11. Pupils will be placed in broad ability streams for some subjects including Mathematics, English and Science.

Key Stage 3

Courses are designed to take account of the National Curriculum requirements as well as the Key Stage 3 Strategy and Progress Tests. At St Wilfrid’s the core and foundation subjects will be:

  • Art and Design
  • Science
  • English
  • Modern Foreign Languages
  • Geography
  • History
  • ICT
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • PE
  • Design and Technology (to include Home Economics)
  • Religious Education
  • Drama

Pupils will sit school based or National tests in each year of Key Stage 3 in most of these subjects.

All pupils will follow a course in Personal, Social and Vocational Education as well as Citizenship. Information Technology will be taught as a component of many subjects and will also be given specified slots on the timetable during the Key Stage. Periodically, throughout the key stage, pupils undertake activities which have a focus on enterprise; these are linked both to subjects in the curriculum and to the world of business and industry.

The needs of pupils who would benefit from extra support in some or all areas of the curriculum will be met in a variety of ways, including:

  • the provision of extra help in the classroom and
  • the use of small group teaching for the development of basic skills.

With some adjustments, for example the introduction of a Second Modern Language in Year 8 for some pupils, this pattern continues until the end of Key Stage Three.

Key Stage 4

During the Spring term of Year 9 pupils receive information regarding Key Stage 4 courses. In most cases these will be subjects they will study to GCSE. Pupils are able to choose between some subjects and are provided with guidance in these choices; parents are involved in this process.

All pupils follow a common core of GCSE courses in:

  • Science (Double or Single Certification)
  • English and English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Religious Education

All pupils starting Key Stage 4 also take short, full or double certificate courses in business studies, ICT or a vocational subject. This means that most pupils will study 10 subjects embracing the common core, and up to four subjects of their choice from the range offered. Pupils who wish to reduce the number of GCSE courses they study at Key Stage 4 may take up the Challenge Plus course which incorporates an element of work related learning and taster courses at Central Sussex College.  Others may be able to opt for day release NVQ courses at Central Sussex College, alongside the core curriculum. All pupils continue with core PE and ICT and will study Citizenship.

Careers Education continues to be provided through the Personal, Social and Vocational Education course and by the Careers Staff and Careers Officer attached to the scheme through the Connexions Service. During Year 10, all students are given the opportunity of one week's work experience.

Sex Education is taught through Religious Education, Personal, Social and Vocational Education and Science lessons, as appropriate, and reflects the teaching and values of the Roman Catholic Church.