Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Intent

‘To provide an enriching and inclusive experience for all’ 

At Owen’s we aim to engage, inspire and challenge students of all abilities, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to experiment, investigate and create their own areas of expertise and reach their full potential. As students progress, they should be able to think creatively and critically; develop and respond to a thorough understanding of their place in an ever more complex society and to make informed and ethical choices. They should understand the significant impact they can have in shaping our future, whilst appreciating our shared current and historical cultural environment/heritage. Students should be equipped to foster a lifelong attitude of self-care through understanding the importance of  a healthy and active lifestyle; understanding the benefits and characteristics of positive relationships whilst staying safe physically, virtually and mentally.

Our broad, relevant and balanced adapted curriculum aims to produce responsible literate and numerate citizens who enjoy reading, are innovative problem solvers, who are not afraid to make mistakes in their quest to learn and discover, and make a positive contribution to society. We aim to develop students who engage with diverse experiences and ideas and have the tools to communicate, debate, perform, imagine, scrutinise and empathise with the world around us. Our students should become critical and discerning users of digital technologies, be curious with scientific ideas, as well as evaluate different viewpoints across the diverse religious, theological and philosophical spectrum.

This is achieved in line with the ‘OWENS’ way

OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

WINDOW TO THE WORLD

EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING

NEVER STOP LEARNING

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

 

Curriculum Offer

Click on the subject to go to the curriculum map

At Key Stage 3 students will study:

• Mathematics
• English
• Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Science in Year 7)
• 2 Modern Foreign Languages (from French, German, Spanish)
•  Art
•  Computer Science
•  Design Technology
•  Drama
•  Food
• Geography
•  History
•  Music
•  PE
•  Religious Studies
• Textiles
• Learning for Life

At Key Stage 4 students will study:

•  Mathematics
•  English Literature and English Language
•  Biology, Chemistry, Physics – As separate sciences or each within Combined Science (Trilogy)
•  A Modern Foreign Language (from French, German, Spanish)
• 3 additional subjects are selected from the option columns which contain all other subjects above, plus Business Studies, and Economics.
• A personal development programme is followed, comprising of core PE lessons, a PSHRSE (Learning for Life) programme, a Spirituality course,  and Careers education.

 

At Key Stage 5 students will study:

3 subjects picked from 4 option columns. All GCSE subjects can be taken at A level (depending on student uptake) except for Food and Nutrition. Additional subjects available are Further Mathematics,  Music Technology, Politics, Psychology, Sociology.

Students will also complete a ‘Futures’ programme which encompasses aspects of personal development akin to the Learning for Life programme of study for KS3 and KS4, as well as specific advice and tuition for next steps in their education. Students will also have the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification or Brewer’s Award on a topic of their choice.

Alongside the taught curriculum, we have an exciting programme of extra-curricular opportunities. There is breadth of opportunity within our school clubs, comprising of extensive Music and PE groups as well as representations from the curriculum subjects and clubs focussing on identity. Our trips offer includes local, National, and International travel to consolidate understanding, develop character, and inspire students.

 

Curriculum Resources

The School is exceptionally well resourced with specialist rooms equipped to a high standard and every subject having its own dedicated areas. There is an extensive computer network system providing excellent opportunities for ICT. There are five ICT suites and wireless computer access in all departments. We also have a number of class sets of chromebooks to use within lessons and for individual use.

We are continually developing our use of Google Classrooms – harnessing the power of technology to make it easier for teachers, students, parents and governors to communicate and give improved access to information and learning materials, via password entry.

Our Library features an impressive collection of books and magazines along with computer terminals with intranet and internet access. It is open throughout the day and after school for private study and class use, as well as being a centre for independent study and recreational reading.

For an insight into what each department offers, please go to our Departments section in Academic Life.

Parents and other members of the public can find out more about the curriculum of our school by emailing any queries to [email protected]