Curriculum Overview 2018-19
At Etone College, our aim is to provide every child with a broad and balanced curriculum which inspires them to learn. The design of our curriculum looks to enhance all aspects of their education, including the humanities and linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technical, social, physical and artistic learning.
In addition to this, we are trying to equip our pupils with the desirable core skills for the world of work and the future ahead. This year at Etone College we have introduce additional qualities that our pupils can achieve in every subject area called Employability Skills. These are the top eight skills needed to carry out a role to the best of their ability which are transferable to many different areas of the work place and society.
The eight skills are: Communication, Teamwork, Learning, Problem Solving, Organisation, Initiative, Numeracy and Technology.
Key Stage 3
Pupils build on those skills acquired at Key Stage 2, with a particular focus on enhancing literacy and numeracy (4 lessons per week for English / Mathematics). There is also particular emphasis on the importance of Ebacc subjects with 3 lessons per week for Science and 2 per week in Modern Foreign Languages, Geography and History.
In order to support the development of technical and creative skills, pupils have a chance to sample a variety of subjects on a rotation throughout the year. Each rotation group is 2 lessons a week with the technical rotation groups covering IT, Computer Science and Business and the creative rotation group covering Technology, Food Technology and Art. We are also keen to emphasise the importance of physical development and healthy living with 2 lessons per week of Physical Education and a further lesson a week in Perform.
Key Stage 4
In Year 8, we ask pupils to make informed choices about which subjects they would like to study at GCSE. Every pupil is placed in to one of four pathways which helps guide them towards courses which are appropriate for their ability.
The curriculum structure at Key Stage 4 is designed to create ‘depth of learning’ so that all pupils can realise their potential and achieve the best possible outcomes.
The core curriculum consists of 5 lessons of English and Science alongside 4 lessons of Mathematics. Pupils also have 1 lesson of Physical Education and 1 lesson of Personal, Social and Health Education.
Pupils are then asked to make choices from 3 option blocks. These have been specifically designed so that pupils fulfil the Ebacc pots for Progress 8 and are able to study a range of different courses.
Key Stage 5
Our Sixth Form curriculum comprises of 5 option blocks. We offer a range of both A-Levels and BTECs which looks to support the skill set and needs of our learners progressing from Key Stage 4. The curriculum option blocks have also been specifically designed so that it supports particular career pathways and subjects which have similar skill sets.
The sixth form curriculum also includes an extended study lesson which takes place on a Thursday Period 1. Pupils have the opportunity to gain an extra qualification in Sports Leadership, Duke of Edinburgh Award or Extended Project.
British Values / SMSC / CIAG
At Etone College, our aim is to promote an ethos and culture which supports the key British values of:
– Democracy
– The rule of law
– Individual liberty
– Mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.
Our PSHE programme has been specifically designed to emphasise these key values. Pupils have one hour a week in form time in which they are able to learn about these fundamental areas.
Through our provision of SMSC, which is embedded into our curriculum and is explicit in Schemes of Work, Etone College:
• enables pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
• enables pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England;
• encourages pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely;
• enables pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;
• Further establishes tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
• encourages respect for other people; and
• encourages respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.
Careers guidance and future destinations is also an important part of our curriculum and this forms part of our PSHE programme particularly in KS4 and KS5. Several university trips are organised for all year groups and we have a range of guest speakers come to deliver presentations to pupils about future career opportunities.
This year we are organising a Skills Week for our Year 10 pupils where they will have the opportunity to attend a variety of different workshops / placements to develop the necessary skills for future courses and employment. At the end of the year, year 10 pupils have the chance to have work experience or achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Award.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding the curriculum, please contact Mr. J. Chauhan.
