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Our Curriculum
At Maplesden Noakes School, we believe a student’s curriculum is not just made up of the subjects they experience on the timetable, but encompasses everything a student experiences in school, from the moment they walk through our gates.
For that reason, we work hard to ensure that every subject or strand of the curriculum (including the curriculum outside of lessons) is carefully planned, sequenced and delivered in a way that provides each student with the best possible quality of education. The curriculum outside of lessons includes a Pastoral Curriculum, a Careers and Next Steps Curriculum as well as our Local Curriculum and everything we do that reflects our school’s values, ethos and the high aspirations we have for all our students.
This view of the curriculum enables us to ensure each and every student is fully prepared for life beyond school and are equipped with what they need to be healthy, happy citizens of the world.
Ultimately, our aim is to ensure all strands of our broad & balanced curriculum are wholly fit for purpose, up-to-date and benefit ALL students now and well into their futures (regardless of any disadvantage or barriers to learning). The success of this curriculum is well measured by every student’s outcomes, including how well they meet curriculum Endpoints and achieve examination results that reflect their potential.
All strands of our curriculum are also designed, planned and sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills are mastered and embedded into their long-term memory so that they benefit students beyond examinations and well into their futures.
If you have any questions about our Curriculum or curriculum content, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the Contact section of the website. Please make these enquiries for the attention of the Curriculum Lead.
KS3 Curriculum (Years 7, 8 & 9)
In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students experience a very broad curriculum, but one that also enables students to consistently develop their knowledge and understanding over time. All students access the same curriculum, and this includes Core Subjects; English, Maths and Science; Humanity/Language Subjects; History, Geography, RSHE and French, as well as other practical or Arts based subjects; PE, Design Technology, Graphics, Food, Computing, Art, Drama, Dance and Music.
As part of the Year 9 Curriculum students are able to take part in a KS4 Taster Carousel that enables them to experience an even broader range of subjects and make informed choices about the subjects they would like to access in Key Stage 4.
KS4 Curriculum (Years 10 & 11)
In Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11), all students access English Language, English Literature, Maths and Science (Double Award). Students are then able to make three other subject choices from a wide range of other courses, with at least one being either History, Geography, Computer Science or French. The other subjects available to choose from include; PE, Art, Drama, Dance, Music, D&T, Graphics, Food, Health & Social Care, Film Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Religious Studies and Business Studies. As well as these option subjects, all students access Core PE and RSHE.
Overviews of the KS4 Curriculum:
Year 10
Year 11
KS5 Curriculum (Years 12 & 13)
In Key Stage 5 (Year 12-13), students are able choose subjects from an incredibly broad range of courses, whether they be traditional A Levels, Applied A Levels, BTECs or other vocational courses, such as the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
The subjects available to students include: A Levels; English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Geography, Philosophy and Ethics, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, PE, Business Studies, Media Studies, Film Studies, Art and Design, Photography, Graphics, Psychology, Sociology and French. Applied A Levels; Science, Criminology and Business. BTECs/Vocational; Health and Social Care, Drama, Dance, Music, Sports Studies, Personal Finance. We are always looking to review our curriculum so that we continue to offer the students the best possible courses that are appealing and best prepare students for their next steps. This is particularly relevant with the 16-19 academic review, where the future of some vocational courses is being considered.
Alongside their chosen courses, all students in Sixth Form access Careers Education, Information and Guidance sessions fortnightly. Within these sessions, we ensure students understand their post-18 options and provide extensive support with university applications, apprenticeships, and preparations for future employment. We also provide guidance on topics of real relevance when preparing this age group for adult life, including money management, independent living, healthy relationships and how to promote positive mental health. This takes place in the form of fortnightly PSHE sessions that are delivered by dedicated PSHE teachers.
As part of their Sixth Form curriculum, all students access The Business Challenge. This is a superior alternative to work experience where students work in teams alongside local and national companies and complete real-life challenges, while competing to win £1000. The Business Challenge is our flagship event that provides students in the Sixth Form with invaluable experience that gives them an advantage over others in the world of work.
All students in the Sixth Form access between 3-4 courses, which are tailored to their individual prior attainment, including a subject that forms their main ‘core aim’. All students access Work Experience as part of the Business Challenge in the Sixth Form and also access non -qualification activities through Careers, Education Information and Guidance (CEIAG) and PSHE, as well as optional trips, clubs and leadership opportunities.
