Curriculum

The Curriculum at Thomas Knyvett College is underpinned by the following characteristics:

• A personalised approach to ensure the needs of each student are met.
• Challenging, motivational and one where progression is ensured.
• Recognition of the new skills required to achieve in a changing world – new technologies, critical analysis, problem solving and creativity.
• Skills and knowledge are merged in the curriculum and not to be mutually exclusive.
• Access to both academic and vocational subjects.
• Preparation to be active citizens in a complex world.
• Assessment for learning needs to be integrated as a key to differentiation, motivation, independence and maximising achievement.

As such all students can study the following subjects through to age 16:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Modern Foreign Language – French or Spanish or both
• Humanities – Geography, History, Religious Studies
• Design technology – Catering, Resistant Materials, Graphic Design, Health and Social Care
• Expressive Arts – Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education
• Information Communication Technology

Students are able to make subject selections for Key Stage 4 which starts early in Year 9 to maximise their success. We endeavour to personalise the curriculum for all students offering the English Baccalaureate route way and vocational courses. Some students access courses at our local Further Education College. Students can study more than one language and both History and Geography. All students study Religious Studies to GCSE. Science courses include the separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics or a combination of the sciences or a vocational science course.

Class sizes, although variable, are an average of 22 in Key Stage 3 and 20 at Key Stage 4. Support for students with SEN is available within the classroom and by withdrawal interventions.