John Henry Newman Catholic College

Curriculum Statement 2021-2022

Our students at John Henry Newman Catholic College pursue a broad and balanced knowledge-rich curriculum, with strong provision for both arts and science subjects. This programme is underpinned by a wide range of creative and physical activities. To provide breadth to the curriculum all students access a programme of non-examination lessons and activities, comprising Physical Education, Personal Development, and CEIAG, which is supplemented through the pastoral programme, Impact Days and regular HEART sessions. At John Henry Newman Catholic College students have a two week timetable. Each day consists of five lessons of 60 minutes each. Our curriculum serves two main purposes – to educate and to enrich, and should provide every opportunity for students to achieve, and to progress successfully onto Higher Education, Apprenticeships or into the work place.

The Key Stage 3 Curriculum:

In Key Stage 3, students are taught in mixed ability teaching groups for all lessons in Year 7 and Year 8, and some in Year 9. All students have access to a full programme of Personal Development which is supplemented by regular HEART sessions. All lessons are taught by fully-qualified subject specialists in well-resourced classrooms and facilities. Our Performing Arts curriculum throughout Key Stage 3 provides a powerful connection between Dance and Drama, and the study of key texts in English through an innovative programme of study which provides significant opportunities for deeper learning.

The Key Stage 4 Curriculum:

In Key Stage 4, the core curriculum for all includes RE, English, Mathematics, Science, and PE. In addition pupils have 15 hours per fortnight to study three option subjects. A wide range of optional subjects is offered to complement the core curriculum. Some subjects are taught in mixed ability teaching groups, and others are set according to students’ ability and performance in Key Stage 3. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring the qualifications which are offered at are relevant and valued by employers, apprenticeship providers, and higher education institutions, and offer a seamless transition into Post-16 study.

The Key Stage 5 Curriculum:

In the Sixth Form students are required to follow a suitable 16-19 Study Programme. Study Programmes are designed around students, their targets and ambitions. They are individually tailored and will consist of substantial level 3 qualifications, work related learning, extra-curricular activity and the continued development of core skills in English and Mathematics. Students are also supported through regular Academic Tutorials and Study Support Sessions, and a bespoke pastoral programme.

Qualification hours will comprise of Academic (A Levels), and Applied General (Vocational) courses. Students will be entitled to up to 10 hours of taught study for each option subject they choose. Students must study at least three Level 3 qualifications, although some students choose to study four. Other qualification hours include General RE, Core Maths, the Extended Project Qualification and GCSE Maths and English retake classes for all students who have not achieved a grade 4 or above.