Curriculum  

Our broad range of subjects and carefully structured units ensure pupils and students receive a well-rounded education, with opportunities to explore their interests and develop key skills for the future; all delivered in a supportive Christian context.

We embrace a variety of teaching methods, informed by research and CPD, to cater to different learning styles, making lessons interactive, dynamic and meaningful. Learning extends beyond the classroom, with hands-on experiences, educational visits, extra-curricular activities and real-world applications that bring subjects to life.

In this section, you can find out more about the range of units, chosen by our Curriculum Team Leaders, to ensure well-rounded yet challenging learning for your child.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9)

Pupils have lessons in all National Curriculum subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Art and Design, Computing, Drama, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, PSHE and Religious Studies. One Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish) is taught in Years 7, 8 and 9. Homework is set regularly in each subject. During Year 9, pupils select their GCSE choices.  

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 - 11)

Pupils are encouraged to study a range of subjects within a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4. All pupils follow a compulsory core of: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science (Double/Triple). As a Christian school, Religious Studies plays an important role and is a compulsory GCSE for all pupils. All pupils study PSHE and Physical Education, both of which are non-examined courses.

Pupils then choose from an exciting range of optional subjects. The current offer includes GCSEs in Art and Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Drama, French, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Spanish and Textiles. Pupils must take one supplementary subject to allow them to achieve the ‘Progress 8’ performance measure.

Key Stage 5

Since opening in September 2008 our Sixth Form has gone from strength to strength. There are approximately 200 students on roll. Currently, over 20 subjects are offered at A Level and BTEC, taught by subject specialists and ensuring all career pathways remain open and that there is something for everyone.

Academic Departments

See the options on the left for our school curriculum for each academic year for every subject.

Homework

We believe homework is an essential part of learning. Our approach to effective homework is guided by educational research from the Education Endowment Foundation, ensuring it supports meaningful learning and pupil/student success. The EEF research highlights that homework has a positive impact on learning, particularly with pupils in secondary school and on average provides five months’ additional progress. Click here for more information.

British Values

The British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs are embedded in our curriculum, assemblies, Collective Worship and daily school life from Year 7 through to Year 13.

Pedagogy

At Saint Cecilia’s we are committed to taking a research-based approach to teaching and learning. We promote a culture of constant improvement amongst our teaching staff seeking to improve our pedagogy to enhance the learning experience for all of our pupils and students.

High quality professional development for all colleagues underpins the ethos of constant improvement and we were very proud to have received the Silver Award from the Teacher Development Trust (TDT) in recognition of our Professional Development Programmes.