Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum is broad and balanced allowing time for development in each subject area. All aspects of the curriculum allow progression in knowledge, skills and understanding and are designed to help all students develop as independent learners.

At the heart of our curriculum are the traditional subjects supplemented by an ever-changing group of courses. The curriculum offer is reviewed annually to ensure that we meet the varying needs of each new group of students. Expectations in all curriculum areas are high and we place equal value on all subjects at KS3, 4 and 5.

Every student is different, so our curriculum aims to provide the very best opportunities for each individual. By offering a curriculum with appropriate pathways we can ensure successful outcomes for all.

At Key Stage 3 students are taught the skills that enable them to learn effectively. We encourage them to value education and appreciate how it continues throughout life. They are grouped by ability in some subject areas and within mixed ability groups in others, where students are set this allows them to be effectively stretched and challenged. We do not place a glass ceiling on anyone’s potential and setting is consistently reviewed with movement between groups to ensure students are taught effectively with a focus on teaching to the top.

At Key Stage 4 students continue to study the core subjects and, through careful guidance and support, a suite of individually selected option subjects. We aim to give students as much choice as possible at KS4 and encourage pupils to consider pathways that match their passions and aspirations. We do encourage pupils to consider the value of following EBacc subjects (Maths, English, Sciences, Humanities and Languages) as we know the potential value these may have on students future learning or careers but we do not insist they are taken. By offering a broad curriculum offer at KS4 we have been able to instil high aspirations in all subjects including non-core areas where performance is equally strong for example in the performing & creative arts, Food, Business and ICT.

Lavington School Curriculum Statement

For full details of each curriculum subject please follow the links below. You can also find out more detail about the options process for Year 9 by following the link where you can watch videos from subject leaders explaining the current KS4 courses.

Art

Art

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.
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Business

Business

GCSE in business includes coherent and rigorous content. Study should enable students to understand more about the business world. They should enable students to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals who think critically, drawing on business information and evidence to develop arguments and make justified decisions. GCSE specifications in business should motivate and challenge students, and prepare them to make informed decisions about further study and career pathways.
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Careers

Careers

We believe that a well-structured and highly effective programme of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) will play a key role in contributing to how the Academy prepares its young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
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Child Development

Child Development

Child Development involves students studying the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of young children from conception to five years. It aims to encourage an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of being a parent, pregnancy, the needs of young children and the social and environmental influences which affect family life. It seeks to encourage students to think critically and make informed choices based on the knowledge they acquire.
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Drama

Drama

All pupils should be enabled to participate in and gain knowledge, skills and understanding associated with the artistic practice of drama. Pupils should be able to adopt, create and sustain a range or roles, responding appropriately to others in role. They should have opportunities to improvise, devise and script drama for one another and a range of audiences, as well as to rehearse, refine, share and respond thoughtfully to drama and theatre performances.
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English

English

To study English is to study life – how we think, feel and behave in many different situations. It asks us profound questions about what it is to be human, about what we value and hold most dear. It is also a technical subject, where the study of language is explored in forensic detail. Mostly, it’s about discovering new worlds, new ideas and learning to develop strong, compelling arguments. The skills learned in English are critical. They help students across all their subjects, and get them ready for life beyond school.
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English Literature

English Literature

English Literature is an opportunity to explore the written form, develop critical thinking skills and communication skills
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Food Technology

Food

In Food pupils are taught how to become competent in a range of cooking processes such as selecting and preparing ingredients, using utensils and electrical equipment and how to adapt their own recipes.
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French

French

Being able to converse in a foreign language is a valuable asset; it opens up international study and work opportunities, signals a well-educated person and enhances travel. Studying a language also fosters a range of transferable skills such as communication skills, critical thinking, resourcefulness and creativity, as well as linguistic, cultural and cognitive flexibility.
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Geography

Geography

Geography will inspire you to become a global citizen. By exploring your own place in the world, you will understand the different attitudes and values that people have towards the environment and to the sustainability of our planet.
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Graphics

Graphics

Graphic design is a part of your daily life. It is the most powerful media there is. From simple items like wrappers to huge things like billboards to the T-shirt you’re wearing, graphic design informs, persuades, organizes, stimulates, locates, identifies, attracts attention and provides pleasure. Without graphics life would be very uninspiring and pretty dull.
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History

History

The History department aims to develop a student who can think, can write and communicate well and to understand the world we have lived in and are living in now. The Curriculum is challenging and exciting with opportunities to investigate a varied selection of events and people in Britain, Europe and the world.
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Information Computer Technology

Information Computer Technology

Computer Science and ICT aims to equip every student with the skills they need to survive in an ever increasing digital world while allowing them to develop their computational thinking skills to support learning and progress across all subjects.
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Maths

Maths

Mathematics forms the building blocks of everything around us and is prevalent everywhere in the modern world. It is much more than completing calculations and processes but is also about spotting patterns, solving problems, thinking creatively and team work.
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Music

Music

Studies in Music are not only about developing performance, composition and appraising and analysis skills. Music lessons also develop important life skills, enrich students’ cultural capital and prepare them for their futures - whatever area of study or work they choose to pursue.
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Personal, Social, Health and Economic

Personal, Social, Health, Relationships and Economic

PSHRE education at Lavington School is a planned, developmental programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future.
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Photography

Photography

Photography is increasingly popular as a GCSE choice, it encourages the exploration of photography as an artistic medium. It combines well with more traditional subjects, providing an outlet for creativity. Photography can be a useful addition to a student’s portfolio of qualification and can also help to secure admission to Art College or university.
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Physical Education

Physical Education

PE is also a fantastic way of improving mental and social health; making friends and relieving the stress of studying can contribute highly to ensuring students remain happy and healthy.
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Religious Studies

Religious Studies

Religious education contributes dynamically by provoking challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human, in local, national and global contexts. To discover, explore and consider different answers to these questions. All students need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture, but which guide their own development.
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RM (Product Design)

Resistant Materials

Resistant Materials is the study of the design and manufacture of products using a wide range of materials. Candidates will be taught how to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. Candidates will be taught a working knowledge of woods, metals, plastics, composite materials and new technologies through a combination of practical and theory based activities. Resistant Materials is a practical subject area which requires the application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them.
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Science

Science

Science is essential to making sense of the world we live in and for developing our planet further. It helps us to answer important questions and build technologies to improve our lives. Studying science at GCSE will ensure you are equipped with the fundamental knowledge about the world in which we live. Science teaches methods of enquiry and investigation to stimulate creative thought.
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SEND

SEND

Lavington School believes that all students have the right to a broad and balanced curriculum and all students are encouraged to take a full part in every aspect of the life of the school. A wide variety of support is provided by our SEND Team to enable SEND students to achieve to their full potential.
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Spanish

Spanish

Spanish is spoken by an estimated 350 million people around the world and is the dominant language across Central and South America. Not only will Spanish let you communicate with people across the globe and enhance your travel experiences but it can also improve your employment prospects. Studying the Spanish language will also help you to enjoy a wealth of music, film and literature from the Spanish-speaking world.
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