OUR CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Teaching and learning, to us they’re everything.

For more information on our curriculum please contact: Mr Shelton – Raising Achievement Lead.

BEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Aims

At Bedford High School we offer a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum designed to:

  • meet the needs and interests of all students.
  • enable students to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and qualities to enable them to become effective lifelong learners and happy and successful citizens.
  • enable students to achieve academic success.
  • build aspirations and prepare students for the next steps in their education.
  • promote employability skills.
  • meet statutory requirements.

The Curriculum

In Years 7, 8 and 9 students follow the National Curriculum. Three years are allocated to ensure that the National curriculum is taught fully. There is a strong focus on improving students’ foundational knowledge & skills in reading, writing, maths & communication/oracy.

In KS3 students are taught in mixed ability classes in some subjects, and set by attainment in others. There is the flexibility for students to changes classes or sets where beneficial.

In Year 9, students experience taster sessions in new subjects, such as Business and Media, so that they can make informed decisions when they choose options.

In Years 10 and 11 students continue to study the core subjects of English, Maths and Combined Science, and compulsory subjects such as PE and Religion & Citizenship. In addition, students choose four options from a wide range of courses, including GCSEs and Technical Awards. This means that students are entered for a minimum of nine qualifications.

Students are guided to follow appropriate pathways which will give them the best chance of success and prepare them for their next steps in education. To maintain a broad and balanced curriculum, all students study at least one EBACC option (History, Geography or Spanish). Any student who wishes to can study the Full EBACC, by choosing a foreign language (Spanish) and a Humanities option (History or Geography). Where appropriate, students are guided towards studying separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

In KS4 students are grouped in sets according to prior attainment in English, Maths & Science. In options subjects, students are generally taught in mixed ability groups.

KS4 Core Subjects

  • GCSE English Language (AQA)
  • GCSE English Literature (AQA)
  • GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel)
  • GCSE Science: Either Combined Science (AQA x 2) or Biology, Chemistry & Physics (AQA x 3)
  • Religion & Citizenship (Non-Exam)
  • PE (Non-Exam)

KS4 Optional Courses
Optional GCSE;

  • Art & Design or Photography or 3D Design or Textiles (AQA)
  • Business & Enterprise (Edexcel)
  • Computer Science (AQA)
  • Drama (AQA)
  • Geography (AQA)
  • History (Edexcel)
  • Music (Eduqas)
  • Religious Studies (Eduqas)
  • Spanish (WJEC)

Optional Technical Awards

  • Creative iMedia (OCR)
  • Hospitality & Catering (WJEC)
  • Information Technology (OCR)
  • Performing Arts (Drama) BTEC
  • Performing Arts Dance (BTEC)
  • Sports Science (OCR)

Year 11 Strive

Year 11 students are expected to study in school for an additional 40 minutes per day. This has been shown to have a positive impact on grades achieved.

Extra-Curricular

Students are encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities.

Curriculum Time

KS3

Subject

Y7

Y8

Y9

English

4 hrs

 4 hrs

 4 hrs

Maths

4 hrs

 4 hrs

 4 hrs

Science

3 hrs

3 hrs

3.5 hrs

Spanish

2 hrs

2 hrs

2 hrs

History

2 hrs

2 hrs

2 hrs

Geography

2 hrs

2 hrs

2 hrs

Physical Education

2 hrs

2 hrs

1.5 hrs

Computer Science

1 hr

1 hr

1 hr

Design Technology / Food

1 hr

1 hr

1 hr

Religion & Citizenship

1 hr

1 hr

1 hr

Art

1 hr

1 hr

1 hr

Drama

1 hr

1 hr

1 hr

Music

1 hr

1 hr

1 hr

TOTAL PER WEEK

25 hrs 

 25 hrs 

 25 hrs 

KS4

Subject Y10 Y11
English Language & Literature 4.5 hrs 4.5 hrs
Maths 4 hrs  4 hrs
Science 4.5 hrs 4.5 hrs
Physical Education 1 hr 1 hr
Religion & Citizenship 1 hr 1 hr
Option Subject A 2.5 hrs 2.5 hrs
Option Subject B 2.5 hrs 2.5 hrs
Option Subject C 2.5 hrs 2.5 hrs
Option Subject D  2.5 hrs 2.5 hrs
TOTAL PER WEEK 25 hrs  25 hrs 

Please contact Mr. Shelton if you require any more information about the curriculum.