Our Curriculum
Teaching and learning, to us they’re everything
Our Curriculum
Bedford High School Curriculum
At Bedford High School we offer a broad and balanced 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 following areas are developed in all year groups and across the curriculum:
Basics skills in literacy and numeracy:
- Building Learning Power so that students develop the skills and attitudes required for educational success and employability.
- Spiritual, Moral, Cultural, Mental and Physical Development (SMCMPD).
- Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE).
- Careers Education and Independent Advice & Guidance (CEIAG).
- Business & Enterprise skills through links with a range of employers, distinct courses and enrichment activities.
- Skills in using new technology.
- Enrichment e.g. through themed learning days.
- A range of extra-curricular provision.
The Curriculum Intent sets out the characteristics we seek to develop in Bedford students.
Whole School Curriculum Intent
Attitudes
A Bedford student;
• is aspirational and motivated to achieve the highest possible standards
• has a ‘growth mindset’ and realises that he/she can always improve
• works consistently hard
• enjoys learning and has a thirst for knowledge in all subjects
• is confident and open to new ideas and cultural experiences
• attends regularly and is on time
• is calm, business-like and able to regulate own behaviour
• is kind and respectful to all people
• is resilient to overcome difficulties
• is a proud and active participant in the school and wider communities
• is safe and healthy physically, mentally and emotionally
Learning
A Bedford student is a successful learner who;
• can learn, recall and use relevant knowledge
• reads widely and has an extensive vocabulary
• is able to understand and work with numbers
• can work and revise independently beyond the classroom
• can act upon feedback to improve performance
• makes good progress over time, leading to useful qualifications
• is aware of important local, national and global issues
Skills
A Bedford student develops the skills needed for success in life, so is able to;
• communicate effectively through use of reading, writing, speaking, listening and technology
• work effectively with other people as part of a team
• be enterprising and solve problems
• manage finances
KS3
In Years 7 and 8 students follow the National Curriculum. There is a strong focus on ensuring that all students develop basic skills in literacy and numeracy. The Accelerated Reader programme is used to boost all students’ reading skills. Literacy and numeracy intervention is provided for students who are working below expected standards in these areas. For example, these students are provided with an extra hour of literacy per week.
In KS3 students are generally grouped in sets based on prior attainment. There is the flexibility for students to changes sets where beneficial.
KS4
From Year 9 there is increasing personalisation and choice as students begin to specialise in areas of interest or need. In addition to continuing to study core subjects of English, Maths and Science, and compulsory subjects such as PE and Citizenship & Religion, students choose three subjects from a wide range of options. 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. Where appropriate, students are encouraged to follow the English Baccalaureate pathway, studying GCSEs in Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities and, wherever possible, separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Other students study Technical Awards alongside GCSEs. These qualifications have a more vocational emphasis.
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 courses
From;
- English Language (AQA)
- English Literature (AQA)
- Maths ( Edexcel)
- Biology (AQA)
- Chemistry (AQA)
- Physics (AQA)
- Combined Science (AQA x 2 GCSEs)
- Religious Studies (Eduqas)
KS4 Optional Courses
Optional GCSE;
- Art & Design (AQA)
- Business & Enterprise (Edexcel)
- Computer Science (AQA)
- Design & Technology Resistant Materials (AQA)
- Drama (AQA)
- Food Preparation & Nutrition (Eduqas)
- French (WJEC)
- Geography (AQA)
- History (Edexcel)
- Home Economics: Child Development (GCSE)
- ICT (Edexcel)
- Music (Eduqas)
- PE (Edexcel)
- Spanish (WJEC)
Optional Technical Awards
- Business & Enterprise (NCFE V Cert)
- Children’s Learning & Development (OCR)
- Creative iMedia (OCR)
- Materials Technology (AQA)
- Music (Edexcel)
- Sports Studies (OCR)
Each subject has a section on the school website which provides more detail, including contact details should you require more information.
Please contact Mr Shelton to discuss anything further regarding our school curriculum.
Curriculum Time
KS3 (Years 7 & 8)
| Subject | Number of Hours per Week |
| English | 4 |
| Maths | 4 |
| Science | 3 |
| French/Spanish | 2 |
| History | 1.5 |
| Geography | 1.5 |
| PE | 2 |
| Computer Science | 1.5 |
| Design Technology | 1 |
| RE/PSHE | 1 |
| Art | 1 |
| Drama | 1 |
| Music | 1 |
| Enterprise | 0.5 |
TOTAL 25
KS4 (Years 9-11)
| Subject | Number of Hours per Week |
| English | 4.5 |
| Maths | 4 |
| Science | 5 (Combined Science) or 6 (Triple Sciences) |
| PE | 1 |
| RE/PSHE | 1.5 (0.5 for Triple Science Students) |
| Option A | 3 |
| Option B | 3 |
| Option C | 3 |
TOTAL 25