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Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at Saint Bede's Catholic High School is designed to:

  • Enable our students to experience a broad, balanced and enriching curriculum that offers continuity and coherence whilst achieving high standards. 
  • Promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of our pupils at the school while preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain
  • Reflect that we are first and foremost a Catholic school, founded on our commitment to live out Gospel values in all that we do and thus to enrich the lives of all in our faith community.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Organisation (Years 7-9)

We operate a three year Key Stage 3, during which pupils study broad range of subjects in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum. The number of lessons per week allocated to each subject in each year group is as follows:

Subject Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Art 1 1 1
Computing, Food Technology, Design Technology, Music* 2 2 2
Drama 1 0 1
English 4 4 3
Geography 2 2 2
History 2 2 2
Mathematics 3 4 4
MFL - French 2 2 2
P.E. 2 2 2
PSHCE 1 1 1
R.E. 3 3 3
Science 3 3 3

* These subjects are taught on a ‘carousel’ basis, with pupils studying each subject for ¼ of the year in Years 7-9.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Organisation (Years 10-11)

We operate a two-year Key Stage 4 curriculum over two years. All pupils study GCSE courses in Religious Education, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and either Combined Science or Triple Science.  All pupils follow non-examined courses in PSHCE and Physical Education.

In additional, all pupils study three optional courses at Key Stage 4. We offer a traditional range of GCSE courses alongside a small number of vocational alternatives. In order to ensure all pupils experience a broad and balanced academic curriculum, pupils must study at least one of Geography, History and French in addition to the compulsory courses.

The range of optional courses offered typically includes: Art GCSE, Business and Enterprise VCert, Business Studies GCSE, Computer Science GCSE, Drama GCSE, Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE, French GCSE, Geography GCSE, Health and Fitness VCert, History GCSE, Music GCSE, Product Design GCSE, Physical Education GCSE.

The number of lessons per week allocated to each subject in each year group is as follows:

Subject Year 10 Year 11
Religious Education 2.5 2.5
English Language and Literature 4 4
Maths 4 4
Science 6 6
Physical Education 1 1
PSHCE 1 1
Option 1 2.5 2.5
Option 2 2.5 2.5
Option 3 2.5 2.5

In addition, our Learning Support Department provide personalised programmes of study support and alternative courses for pupils who may not be able to access a full programme of GCSE courses.