Our Curriculum

We believe that it is important for students to follow a broad and balanced curriculum throughout their school lives, particularly up to the age of 16. The idea is certainly reflected in the National Curriculum, and will be increasingly relevant in a constantly changing scene for employment and further education.

Years 7, 8 & 9

Our curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9 (the first three years at Ousedale) for all students covers English, Maths, Science, ICT, Technology, Art, Music, Drama, History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, Physical Education, Religious Education and Personal Development. Students will be able to choose some options for their Year 9 study as they start Key Stage 4 early in some subjects.

Year 10 & Year 11

In Years 10 and 11 a degree of choice is available within a broad curriculum framework. The choices are made in Year 9 by students and their parents, in consultation with subject and form tutors. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from studies involving Religious Education should contact Mrs Carbert.

All students take the Religious Studies short course.

Assessment of all students' progress is carried out regularly, and is used to review grouping arrangements in subjects which are organised into ability sets. These are kept as flexible as possible to allow students to change according to progress.

We believe the whole curriculum provides opportunities for the development of personal and social skills. All subject areas seek to promote the social, moral, cultural and personal development of students. In this way our curriculum and pastoral systems work together for the progress of all students.

Sixth Form

A Prospectus for the Sixth Form is published annually in the late Autumn Term and can be downloaded from the Sixth Form section of the website.