View Subject Curriculum Maps & Qualifications
Art
To bring out the best at Thomas Knyvett College, we value Art and Design as an important part of the students’ broad and balanced curriculum. Art and Design provides students with opportunities to develop and extend skills and a chance to express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas. Year on year, our curriculum introduces students to a wide range of art and artists from different periods and cultures. There is a clear progression of skills, which build on prior learning, such as the use of tools and different techniques.
KS3
Please click here to view our Art Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Art Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our Art Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Art Overview
Computing
Computing is a crucial element in a comprehensive educational curriculum, equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving technological landscape. At TKC, our mission is to ensure that all students:
- Grasp and apply key principles and concepts in computer science, such as abstraction, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
- Develop the ability to frame problems in computational terms, complemented by ongoing hands-on experience.
These skill sets empower our students to become confident, creative, and independent learners. Moreover, they lay the foundation for greater opportunities in the dynamic field of technology.
Our BTEC Digital Information Technology course extends the learning experience beyond the classroom by offering practical knowledge in key IT concepts. These include basic IT skills, internet safety, spreadsheet management, social media, and foundational IT theories—all of which are highly applicable in everyday life.
In our Computer Science GCSE program, learning is a continuous process. The curriculum is designed to reinforce knowledge and skills over time, building on the foundational concepts introduced in KS3. The program consists of three primary components: theory, programming, and practical application, providing a well-rounded educational experience in the field.
Intended Curriculum
Currently we are in the process of redesigning our key stage 3 so that students can cover the key concepts covered in the National Curriculum. For the academic year of 2023-24, students are scheduled for one lesson of Computing per fortnight. All students are taught with the intention that they can choose Computing as a Key Stage 4 Option. The curriculum is broadly divided into two strands:
- Computer Systems
- Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
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CS1 Data |
CTAP2 Scratch Programming |
CS4 Online Safety and Security |
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CTAP1 Computational Thinking & Algorithms |
CS3 The Internet |
CTAP4 Python Programming |
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CS2 Data |
CTAP3 Pseudocode |
CS5 Going Audiovisual |
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CTAP5 Programming and Physical Computing |
KS3
Please click here to view our Computing Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Computing Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our Computing Btec DIT Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Computing Btec DIT Overview
Please click here to view our Computing CS Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Computing CS Overview
Design Technology
Our aim is to bring out the best and promote an educational culture which is scientific, practical, technological and vocational, as is needed by our manufacturing and service industries. We aim to foster creative thinking, resourcefulness and curiosity through the design process using a range of research, planning, designing, making and evaluating. We want to encourage attitudes of co-operation and social responsibility in a stimulating, yet safe and positive, learning environment.
KS3
Please click here to view our Food Technology Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Food Technology Overview
Please click here to view our Graphics Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Graphics Overview
Please click here to view our Resistant Materials Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Resistant Materials Overview
Please click here to view our Textiles Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Textiles Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our Catering Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Catering Overview
Please click here to view our Graphics Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Graphics Overview
Please click here to view our Health & Social Care Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Health & Social Care Overview
Please click here to view our Resistant Materials Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Resistant Materials Overview
Drama
To bring out the best in Drama, we aim to engage and enthuse students about theatre across all stages. Our intent is for all students to have the opportunity to participate in Drama, developing confidence, resilience and emotional intelligence. The Drama curriculum will enable students to devise creative and imaginative performance in collaboration with others, as well as explore texts, and different styles and genres of theatre.
KS3
Please click here to view our Drama Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Drama Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our Drama Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Drama Curriculum Overview
English
Our curriculum intends to approach the dual purpose of providing students with the opportunities for a rich and deep love of the study of English Language and Literature, whilst also equipping them with the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need for the future. We aim to lead the school, and work with other faculties, in developing secure reading, writing and speaking literacy skills- so that students leave TKC being able to express themselves successfully and empathise with anyone they encounter in their futures.
KS3
Please click here to view our English Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our English Curriculum Overview Year 7 & 8
Please click here to view our English Curriculum Overview Year 9
KS4
Please click here to view our English Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our English Curriculum Overview Year 10
Please click here to view our English Curriculum Overview Year 11
Geography
To bring out the best at TKC, we want students to understand and think more about the world, the challenges it faces and their place within it. Geography students should gain a deep understanding of geographical processes, the impact of change and of people-environment interactions and the links between places and environments at different scales.
KS3
Please click here to view our Geography Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Geography Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our Geography Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Geography Curriculum Overview
History
Transforming young minds by enlightening their views of the past to help them make more sense of the present, while giving them skills to help them make informed decisions in their futures. In History, questions are asked that explore how and why the world has changed, developing skills in critical evaluation and evidence-based analysis.
KS3
Please click here to view our History Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our History Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our History Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our History Curriculum Overview
Mathematics
We aim to provide all students with a creative and ambitious mathematics curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which encourages curiosity and prepares them well for everyday life and future employment. Our mathematics curriculum will give students the opportunity to:
- become fluent in the basics of mathematics, through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that students develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, establish relationships and generalisations, and develop an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
- solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps.
- communicate, justify, argue and prove using mathematical vocabulary.
- develop their character, including resilience, confidence and independence, so that they contribute positively to the life of the school, their local community and the wider environment.
KS3
Please click here to to view our Mathematics Curriculum Map
Please click here to to view our Mathematics Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to to view our Mathematics Curriculum Map
Please click here to to view our Mathematics Curriculum Overview
Modern Foreign Language (MFL)
Learning a foreign language provides a window to the world. High-quality MFL teaching should foster a curiosity in students to find out more about the world, of which they are a small part but in which they have the potential to play a big role. It should deepen their understanding of how other people live and give them a desire to communicate with people in their language.
KS3
Please click here to view our French Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our French Year 7 & 8 Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our French Year 9 Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our Spanish Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Spanish Year 7 & 8 Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our Spanish Year 9 Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our French Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our French Year 10 Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our Spanish Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Spanish Year 11 Curriculum Overview
Music
We believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious music curriculum which inspires curiosity, broadens musical and cultural horizons and prepares students for future learning.
All children have access to music both formally as part of the curriculum and informally to pursue their own interests regardless of their ability and background.
Our music curriculum will give students the opportunity to:
- develop an understanding of music, through performing, composing, listening and analysing
- develop self-confidence and self-expression through performing
- encourage creativity through composition
- develop self-awareness and reflective practice
- encourage teamwork and leadership through ensemble performances and group compositions
- develop an appreciation and an open-minded attitude towards a wide variety of musical styles, periods, traditions and musical genres
KS3
Please click here to view our Music Curriculum Map
Please click here to view Music Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our Music Curriculum Map
Physical Education (PE)
In order to bring the best out of all students we will offer a broad and varied curriculum which develops the holistic child beyond physical skill replication. We aim to develop inter-personal transferable skills such as teamwork, resilience, communication and social skills. These skills will help students achieve in PE and beyond, equipping each child with the necessary tools to make a positive contribution to society.
Core PE will provide all students with challenging and stimulating learning experiences that develop core skills, some advanced skills, decision making and the understanding of physical education and the principles within, with hard work leading to success. As students make progress through the years, we introduce an element of choice to maintain high levels of engagement and develop a lifelong love for physical activity and sport. In Year 9 we also want to ensure that students develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical elements of sport and give them an insight into the anatomical, psychological, and social aspects of sport allowing them to leave school with knowledge in these areas. This will help promote lifelong participation in sport, due to the understanding of its importance. Introducing the classroom-learning activities will help to increase intake for GCSE, NCFE and Cambridge National options in Year 10 but also ensure that students are aware of the deeper learning required at such levels.
Delivering high quality first teaching across a wide variety of sports and activities will provide opportunities for student to make informed choices, develop an interest and experience enjoyment resulting in them leading a healthy active lifestyle.
GCSE PE, NCFE Health and Fitness and Cambridge National Sports Science allows development of theoretical concepts. GCSE PE is for those who are engaged in competitive sport and have a genuine interest in sports, sports psychology and the social and cultural areas of sport. However, NCFE VCert in Health and Fitness is an appropriate pathway for students who have an interest in PE, Health and Fitness but do not engage in competitive sport. Cambridge National Sports Science is a suitable route for students with an interest in PE, sports injuries, medical conditions and sports nutrition. All these routes will prepare students for post 16 education at A-Level PE, Cambridge Technical in Sport or in the Health and Fitness sector and future careers in the sporting industry.
Curriculum Implementation
Students complete two hours of CORE PE a week at KS3 and one hour a week at KS4.
At KS3 a condensed curriculum (six lessons over a three-week block) is offered, to allow a varied curriculum. Also enables tangible short-term progress and contribute to progress over mid and long-term. However, at KS4 CORE PE, students select a three-weekly singular, option-based traditional activities and alternative sports to engage all students.
At GCSE and NCFE Health and Fitness level, students have five hours of learning across a fortnight, with four theory lesson and one practical application lesson. At Cambridge National level, students have six hours of learning across a fortnight, with four theory lessons and two practical application lessons.
Curriculum Impact
High uptake on PE GCSE, NCFE Health and Fitness and Cambridge National Sports Science. There is a positive engagement of students in lessons and those attending an extra-curricular sport and representing the school in fixtures. Further to the development of transferable skills that students can demonstrate across the school.
Both examination groups, have a high percentage of pass rate and engagement in lessons. Also, high number of students develop an interest in a subject that they wish to continue at post-16 education.
KS3
Please click here to view our PE Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our PE Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our KS4 Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our GCSE PE Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our NCFE PE Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our Core PE Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our Cambridge National Sports Science Overview
Religious Studies
The aim of the Religious Studies department at Thomas Knyvett College is to equip all students with the ability to think for themselves, to be open minded to other points of view and to identify and challenge misconceptions and prejudice. We aim to encourage students to be critical thinkers and develop their literacy ability in order to debate controversial issues. We want students to be inspired by Religious Studies and motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.
KS3
Please click here to view our Religious Studies Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Religious Studies Curriculum Overview
KS4
Please click here to view our Religious Studies Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Core Religious Studies Curriculum Overview
Please click here to view our Option Religious Studies Curriculum Overview
Science
“To bring out the best, the Science Faculty will develop students understanding of Science and the world around them. Our intent is for students to engage in the subject as much as we do, through a carefully planned curriculum, modelling and high-quality teaching. We want our students to challenge ideas, collect evidence and draw conclusions to embed these necessary lifelong skills.”
Intended curriculum
Currently we are in the process of changing exam boards from Edexcel to AQA. This means that for the academic year of 2023-24, Year 7 - 10 will be following the 5-year curriculum TKC Science Curriculum based on the AQA Specification. Year 11 will continue with Edexcel Combined Science for GCSE. We feel that this change will suit our students’ context as it allows for a broad curriculum in KS3 enabling us to cover many topics that students may not otherwise appreciate, while keeping the core concepts strands of Science at the centre of our curriculum.
Our curriculum is designed around dividing substantive knowledge into ten key strands that are interleaved over the five years that students attend TKC. It is designed around the belief that skills cannot be adequately taught out of context and therefore rely on the teaching of Scientific knowledge as a primary focus and embed the skills that students learn throughout the year. All key skills will be taught both in Year 7 and in Year 8 to interleave and build on prior learning. As Science is a continually developing subject, it is vital that we teach students how to continually update their scientific understanding as they progress through their science education.
During Year 11 we will continue with this theme in the future but for 23-24, will pay closer attention to the students’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts and their ability to apply their scientific understanding in an examination setting. Currently on the Edexcel exam specification, the key focus for us will be to implement rigorous interleaving of prior learning and incorporate effective revision within and outside of lessons to ensure that the impact of COVID on student learning is minimised.
KS3
Please click here to view our Science Curriculum Map
Please click here to view our Science Curriculum Overview