Curriculum Overview
At Katherine Warington School we provide an inspiring, evidence-informed and Knowledge-Based curriculum for all.
At Katherine Warington School, our mission is to equip our students with everything they need to succeed both in school and in later life. Our relentless focus on academic excellence is matched by our commitment to helping students develop the characteristics they need to reach their full potential in the wider world.
To help shape the next generation, we:
-Provide an exciting range of academic opportunities that promote intellectual curiosity, resilience and a sense of success
-Provide a broad and balanced curriculum that challenges all learners
-Focus on character development – we intentionally shape opportunities for students to develop the characteristics of successful people
-Provide an outstanding personal development offering with a vast range of extra-curricular opportunities to help students find their passion and flourish
-Provide opportunities for our students to engage with the wider community
-Champion sustainability and model to students how we can care for our environment
-Champion diversity and ask everyone to contribute to our school community
-Put students at the heart of everything we do
The Curriculum:
The school week is divided into 29 teaching periods, each 50 minutes long. We also have tutor time each day and our unique ‘Period 7’ that runs Monday to Thursday.
Within the framework of the national curriculum, our school delivers an inclusive and personalised school curriculum that is designed to stretch and challenge our students. For students with special educational needs or disabilities we work to ensure the best possible support is provided. Our curriculum is designed to give all pupils the knowledge they need to take advantage of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life.
Topics required by the National Curriculum, but not covered in specific lessons, e.g. Relationships, Sex and Health Education, citizenship and careers, are delivered in a variety of ways. In Years 7 to 11 they are taught in weekly PSHCE lessons and as part of National Curriculum subjects such as English, science, history, PRE, and physical education. There are also regular specialist workshops with outside speakers calendared throughout the year.
Year 7 & 8 (Key Stage 3)
The students are placed in mixed attainment teaching groups. They are taught in these groups for the majority of their subjects throughout the year. We extend ourbroad and balanced curriculum further with enrichment opportunities in the form of our ‘Period 7’and club offerings.
Students study time is allocated as follows:
Year 9
Year 9 is a bridging year at KWS as students begin their KS4 journey. Students have a mixture of core subjects (compulsory) and three option subjects with a focus in Year 9 on GCSE skills rather than GCSE content. The option choices are made towards the end of Year 8 and students have several opportunities across year 9 to change options if they wish to.
All students study GCSEs in English language, English literature, maths, science & religious education). PSHCE is taught through GCSE PRE. Students continue to participate in physical education lessons.
We maintain our broad and balanced curriculum in Year 9 with enrichment opportunities in the form of our ‘Period 7’, clubs and our timetabled ‘Carousel’ lesson. ‘Period 7’ and club opportunities include a history club, eco committee, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award, spanish and french languages, drawing chinese characters, a number of international film clubs and a wide range of performing arts – from being involved in productions or the vocal group, though to peripatetic lessons and opportunities to work backstage.
Our Carousel exposes students to 6 different educational experiences that include; art, music, cultural studies, drama/oracy and technology. Students then work on a research project and produce a final piece of work that is submitted for assessment towards the KWS Arts, Society and Culture award. More details on the award can be found here.
Students study time is allocated as follows in Year 9.
Year 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4)
In Years 10 & 11 the Carousel lesson is replaced with an additional Science lesson, whether students are studying for the combined award or triple science.
All students study GCSEs in English language, English literature, maths, science & religious education) and their agreed options continue from Year 9. PSHCE is taught through GCSE PRE. Students continue to participate in physical education lessons.
Period 7 in Year 10 includes a weekly session focused on developing Community, Careers and Study Skills, with more time then devoted to independent study in Year 11.
