Kings' Curriculum Statement

Kings is an Upper School and believes in making the transfer from Middle School meaningful.

Kings starts Key Stage 4 courses in Year 9 and incorporates the option choice as part of the transfer arrangements, which supports raising expectations and emphasises the ‘step-up’ into a new school.

We believe that our curriculum should be challenging, stimulating and interesting. The curriculum should provide enjoyment, boost self-esteem and raise aspirations. Kings is a ‘Thinking School,’ which drives higher order cognitive processing and lateral thinking. Understanding the connections between subjects is promoted to enhance the overall learning experience. Maths and English are seen as integral to all subjects. Our curriculum is designed to ‘produce’ well-balanced, free-thinking, self-evaluating, self-driven, creative, responsible global citizens who show respect for others, all of which is built on good manners, politeness and common decency.

As a school we believe in providing a broad and balanced range of options, within our physical capabilities, that helps meet the needs and interests of our learners. Our courses include a range of GCSE options but also non-GCSE options that are more vocational and work-related, such as BTEC. We have recently extended our range of non-GCSE courses to ensure that all of our learners are on meaningful courses for them, where possible. We have also recently reduced the number of subjects a student has to study to give them more learning time. This allows teachers to explore their subjects with a greater depth, mastery and enjoyment.

We promote the learning of a modern foreign language and think that is right for cultural and moral purposes. We also believe learning a modern foreign language has merit for future employability prospects. Students are also asked to choose a Humanity subject (History or Geography, or both). Students with particular learning needs receive curriculum support and, if appropriate, additional lessons for English and Maths. Some students will receive specific curriculum intervention to support their reading skills. Students that come from disadvantaged backgrounds receive additional curriculum support in terms of resources and mentoring.

In the Sixth Form we believe in offering something for all students, so that young people in the Wessex Learning Trust and Cheddar Valley can have a seamless education from 2 to 19 years of age. We have extended our breadth of course bringing in non-A Level courses, such as BTEC Science and Digital Media. As part of our values we believe in providing a comprehensive offer and this includes a ‘Level 2’ Work Skills BTEC. This is ideal for young people who would find Level 3 / A Level study too difficult, but are suited to a course that will lead into an apprenticeship and/or employment. Sixth Formers are asked to pick up an enrichment / elective choice to broaden their personal development, which could include student leadership, an Extended Project Qualification or voluntary / community work.

It is important to note that the Kings curriculum is wider than the ‘national curriculum’. As a Christian school we celebrate our distinctive character where Christian values are promoted in all aspects of school life. We encourage all members of the school community to promote a Christian ethos where care and respect is shown to everyone. Religious Education is studied by all students to full GCSE and is one of our most successful subjects. Students go to church at least four times a year and enjoy Christian worship in assemblies and events. We run a popular Christian group, Engage, which is well supported by our external church community.

Personal, social, moral, spiritual and cultural themes are explored specifically in PSHE lessons. Our sports provision is enhanced by our own Kings Sports Academy, which provides expert coaching with the opportunity to develop and play in our elite teams. Our Expressive Arts Faculty, likewise, provides fantastic opportunities for Dance, Art, Performance, Textiles, Music and Photography.

Many other subjects provide extra-curricular clubs, such as debating, public speaking, coding (computing), enterprise competitions, Geog-Squad and so forth. ‘Participation’ in something additional is seen as a core part of our curriculum offer.

Our recently introduced ‘Extended Friday Tutor Time’ is a crucial part of our Kings Curriculum where students learn about wider personal, social, moral, spiritual, cultural and health issues, global challenges, economic awareness, employability and metacognition. It is a time where House Councils meet to discuss student leadership projects and work with students from other years (including Sixth Formers working with younger years). Developing student leadership is a key aspect of our wider curriculum. Houses are encouraged to nominate a charity to support each year and a community project to undertake. There are four vertically organised Houses with two or three horizontal tutor groups from each year group (Year 9-11). Sixth Formers are also in a House.

Our Business Network is a key part of our curriculum offer allowing students to meet employers in ‘career cafes’ during Extended Tutor time; as well as take part in mock interviews, writing CVs, writing application forms and undertaking work experience.

This concept is further developed into our Kings Focus Days, which allow for greater inter-year group working and wider skills and knowledge development. Students can nominate key issues to look at and opt into workshops. Heads of House help to shape this offer and include their own ‘House curriculum’ to personalise the offer for their students. We see that responding to students’ needs and interests as a unique aspect of our curriculum. Kings Focus Days and Extended Tutor Time are thus seen as a critical part of our Kings curriculum, they help to develop character, enhance life skills and promote future employability.

Considering all of the above, this is why our mantra is so important to us at Kings - Believe and Succeed!

See also the Curriculum page regarding the Key Stage 4 Curriculum and Options