The Curriculum – Developing all Students

At Patchway Community College we offer a challenging curriculum that meets students’ needs and offers increasing choice as students move through the college. The focus is on progress achieved through high quality teaching and a range of enjoyable learning experiences. The acquisition of skills is central, both in terms of literacy and numeracy as well as the wider skills needed to equip students for success throughout and beyond education. The curriculum offers a real breadth of opportunity and enrichment to allow all students to progress successfully to the next stage in their education or career path.

Opportunity, extension and support is embedded in the curriculum for all abilities of student and the choice of courses is designed to meet all interests. This is facilitated at KS4 and KS5 through partnership with two other secondary schools and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. Enrichment opportunities are available at lunch times and after school, and trips and visits are a regular feature. In addition, on a series of days in each year, the normal timetable is collapsed to allow for special events which allow students to have memorable experiences, developing skills related to personal learning, careers and areas of the academic curriculum.

Homework is set in all subjects in all years. Students are expected to spend an increasing amount of time on homework or independent study as they progress through the college. Often this will involve longer projects that students need to manage in their time at home, or might be short tasks to be completed in one evening.  Year 7 and 8 students spend one hour a week after school to work on homework with the help of staff and using school resources.  Development of revision skills begins in Year 7 and is an important aspect of learning. Students in Years 9-13 have an additional lesson available at the end of each day to receive additional support if required.

Key Stage 3

At KS3 students follow a broad and balanced curriculum where there is a focus on skills and developing students as independent learners. As an academy, the college is not required to follow the national curriculum.  However, in general the national curriculum is followed, with an emphasis on ensuring that students are well prepared for the wide variety of KS4 courses that are available. Students are taught in mixed ability groups for most subjects, with some setting taking place in core subjects.  In Year 9, students start to study towards a BTEC or GCSE qualification, with more able students starting GCSEs in the separate sciences.  In Year 9 students are assessed in GCSE grades and this is seen as a foundation year for GCSE and KS4.

Key Stage 4

Our KS4 curriculum provides students with a core curriculum of English, mathematics, science, citizenship & personal, social and health education and physical education. In English, students are organised according to ability and in addition to English Language also take English Literature. Most students take core science in Year 10 and opt for extended modules in Year 11; more able students have the opportunity to take the three separate science GCSEs.

Students also have a significant amount of choice, including GCSEs and BTECs as well as some college courses for foundation level students, such as Animal Care, Hairdressing and Construction.  We also have a work-related pathway for a small identified group of students.

Key Stage 5

At post 16 students are offered a wide range of Level 2 and Level 3 courses. At both levels academic and vocational routes are offered and many students study a combination of both. Ongoing collaboration through the Concorde Partnership ensures provision covers a very full range for all.