Curriculum

Intent of the Curriculum

At Carnforth High School, we have designed an ambitious broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum to ensure all students acquire the knowledge, skills and cultural capital they need to thrive in their future lives, regardless of their backgrounds or starting points.

The sequencing of component knowledge and the composite understanding this creates have been carefully considered by curriculum leaders to ensure a coherent and logically sequenced curriculum.  Prior knowledge is progressively built upon so that students know more and remember more year on year. Opportunities to make links between topics and subjects, and to deepen knowledge and understanding are built in wherever possible. Ambitious end points in each subject have been identified to provide challenge for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and/ or disabilities. Summative assessment is planned at key points to ensure learning is effective and impactful, and that learning gaps are identified and closed. Equal importance is placed upon delivering an engaging and inspiring curriculum to foster a lifelong love of learning and encourage creativity and independent thought.

Our curriculum is underpinned by our commitment to high expectations; building strong literacy and numeracy foundations so that students can communicate effectively and think critically, and a belief that every child can achieve excellence. We regularly review and refine our curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of our learners and reflects the latest educational research and national priorities. Curriculum leaders have provided a rich and inclusive curriculum that reflects the diversity of both our local community and the wider world, supporting students’ personal development and wellbeing and preparing them for their future contribution to their local community as active, informed citizens. Our students hone their leadership skills through a range of activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award and through the many clubs and activities available to them.

School Curriculum Vision

Our vision is that when a student leaves Carnforth High School they will:

• Be socially adept and able to demonstrate the core qualities of kindness and respect
• Make positive contributions to the communities in which they live – being inclusive of all
• Have fulfilled their academic potential ensuring their best academic outcomes are achieved
• Be equipped to make informed decisions around the next steps in their educational journey, training and employment

We believe our curriculum allows our students to fulfil this vision.

How do we structure our curriculum?

Our curriculum is organised into a 50-hour, two-week timetable.  Five one-hour periods are taught each day. In KS3, all subjects except Mathematics and Science are taught in mixed-attainment groups. At KS4, English, Mathematics and Science groups are taught in attainment sets. Option subjects, Core PE and LIFE skills are taught in mixed attainment groups.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7, 8 & 9, the focus is on a broad and balanced curriculum that allows pupils to develop knowledge and skills across a range of subjects. The National Curriculum is followed in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Languages, Design & Technology, Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education, Computing and Citizenship.

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 & 11, students continue to study English Language and Literature, Mathematics and Science, alongside the non-examination courses of core PE and LIFE skills. Students also specialise in subjects that will support their progression to further education, employment or training. They choose four GCSE or vocational qualifications to study during KS4; one of these choices must be History or Geography.

Option Subjects