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Curriculum

Intent

At RMGS we want our students to be guided to excellence and empathy. Our curriculum is underpinned by a core intent of developing learners who are:

  • Philosophers
  • Readers
  • Orators
  • Understand the world around them
  • Debaters

Our curriculum provokes young people to be curious, to philosophise and think deeply, and to understand the world around them. We aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning and reading by offering a broad curriculum that will both challenge and excite our students. Our world is constantly changing and, through our curriculum, we aim to give our students opportunities to prepare for a future that has not yet been imagined. We believe that they need a strong academic knowledge base, and also the resilience to adapt, the ability to debate, the confidence of strong oracy skills, and the respect and empathy needed to work with others.

Every RMGS student is important to us, and every RMGS student is an individual. We have a very strong teaching staff and Inclusion team. We aim to ensure that our curriculum meets the needs of all of our students, and we work hard to understand our young people so that we can support them as they flourish as learners. Throughout their time at RMGS we ensure that they are well supported with guidance about their future choices in life.

Implementation

Key stage 3

We offer a three-year Key stage 3 curriculum that is broad, and allows students to build on prior knowledge and interests whilst also introducing them to new subjects, new learning, and new ideas. We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to study two languages during key stage three, as well as a wide Expressive Arts offer.  Reading is essential for excellent progress and for the development of empathy. Subsequently, habitual reading opportunities are built into our curriculum, and reading around topics in all subjects is expected. Our Maths curriculum is built around the concept of mastery and students are well supported to build on and master the knowledge gained at primary school. They are guided to make positive choices about their next steps.

Key Stage 4

At Key stage 4, students study for their GCSEs. All students have to study Literature, English Language, Sciences, and Maths. We also expect all students to study a Language and a Humanities. We believe that continuing to study a Language at Key stage 4 greatly benefits our students. Students are also offered a rich choice of option subjects to study as they start to consider their futures.

Key Stage 5

We have an excellent post 16 offer of a variety of different A level subjects. The majority of our students stay with us to enjoy the highly academic and interesting provision. Our sixth formers are leaders in our school and not only follow an academic curriculum but also have many opportunities for enrichment and for leadership. They are well prepared for their future.

The curriculum is taught in 5 lessons per day of 60 minutes each that follow a two-week timetable. Details for the curriculum for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 are detailed in the information below:

Key Stage 3- Years 7, 8 and 9

All figures are for 50-minute lessons per fortnightly timetable cycle.

 

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Art

3

4

2

Design Technology

4

4

4

Drama

2

2

1

English

7

6

6

Geography

4

3

4

History

4

3

4

Computing

3

3

3

Languages*

6

10 (4+6)

10 (4+6)

Mathematics

8

7

7

Music

3

3

2

PE

4

4

4

PSHE

1

2

2

RE

3

2

2

Science

8

7

9

* Each tutor group starts with one language in Year 7, adding a second language from Year 8.

Key Stage 4- Years 10 and 11

 

Year 10

Year 11

English Language

3

3

English Literature

6

6

Ethics and Values (Religious Education)

1

1

Modern Foreign Language

6

6

Mathematics (or Mathematics and Further Mathematics)

9

9

PE non-exam

4

4

PSHE

1

1

Science (Triple or Double Award)

12

12

Geography or History

6

6

GCSE Option 1

6

6

GCSE Option 2

6

6

The option subjects are: art, business studies, computing, creative i-media, design technology, drama, economics, food and nutrition, geography, history, music, physical education and religion, philosophy and ethics.

A second language choice is also available in the option pool (French, German or Spanish), as is the option to do both history and geography.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)- Years 12 and 13

 

Year 12

Year 13

Extended Project

-

2

Enrichment

4

-

PE (optional, but encouraged)

2

-

PSHE (includes RE*)

1

1

A level Option 1

12

12

A level Option 2

12

12

A level Option 3

12

12

(A level Option 4 – for only a few students)

12

12

*Some RE is delivered by themed days/lectures

The option subjects are: art, biology, business studies, chemistry, computing, drama and theatre studies, economics, English Literature, extended project (not A level), film studies, French, geography, German, government and politics, history, mathematics, mathematics (Core - AS level), Further mathematics, music, music technology, physical education, physics, product design, psychology, religion, philosophy and ethics, sociology and Spanish.

Our Curriculum - In the classroom

Whilst there is no prescribed model of teaching, teachers explain clearly, support independence through worked examples, are experts in their fields assess regularly, and provide feedback on how to improve through a variety of mechanisms.

Departments design formative and summative assessment to enable learning to be durable and flexible.

Behaviour for learning is managed effectively to ensure students are engaged, positive and excited about their learning at all times.

Our Curriculum - Outside the classroom

An effective careers programme ensures all students are able to go onto the next steps in their lives, careers and education.

We also provide enrichment opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom.

For further information on the Curriculum please contact Mrs Napier, Deputy Headteacher via the school office (Tel: 01634 364151 or email: RMGS-office@rmet.org)

Select the page you require to find out more about the individual departments.

To find out information about the all the sixth form courses offered please see the sixth form pages.