Teaching and Learning at Cardinal Pole
Cardinal Pole’s curriculum is delivered across three stages:
- Key Stage 3 ( Years 7 – 9 )
- Key Stage 4 ( Years 10 & 11 )
- Key Stage 5 ( Years 12 & 13 )
Key Stage 3 ( Years 7 – 9 )
At Key Stage 3 ( Years 7 – 9 ) pupils are placed into three separate bands and taught most subjects within those bands.
All pupils study English, Maths, Science, Religious Education, Technology, Physical Education, French or Spanish, History, Geography and ICT. Music, Art and Drama. Personal Health, Social & Citizenship Education is provided over the course of a whole school day at various times throughout the academic year.
Targeted groups of pupils receive additional support in English at KS3.
Key Stage 4 ( Years 10 & 11 )
At Key Stage 4 all pupils follow a core curriculum which consists of English, English Literature, Maths, Science, Religious Education, Physical Education.
Personal, Social & Citizenship and Health Education and Work Related Learning.
In addition pupils in Year 10 choose one subject from each of the three option blocks. For 2012 - 13 these option blocks are arranged as follows:-
Years 10 – Option Blocks
| Block A | Block B | Block C |
| Art | French | Geography |
| Drama | Geography | History |
| Food Tech | History | ICT |
| ICT | ICT | Music |
| Product Design | Sociology | Sociology |
| PE | Triple Science | BTEC Business |
| Triple Science | Booster Maths | Booster Maths |
| BTEC Business |
Year 11 - Option Blocks - 2012-13
| Block A | Block B | Block C | Block D |
| French | French | Art | ICT |
| German | German | Drama | Drama |
| History | History | Food Technology | Sociology |
| Geography | Geography | Product Design | Booster English |
| Art | ICT | Music | Triple Science |
| ICT | ICT | ||
| Sociology | PE / GCSE | ||
| Triple Science | |||
| BTEC Business | BTEC Business | BTEC Business | BTEC Business |
Some pupils do not study four option subjects. These pupils follow a core curriculum supplemented with vocational courses. Some of these vocational courses are delivered at college two days per week.
In year 11 pupils spend one week on Work Experience placements, as part of their statutory entitlement to Work Related Learning.
Key Stage 5 ( Sixth Form Years 12 & 13 )
There are a wide range of courses on offer in our Sixth Form and many of our students proceed on to prestigious University degree courses or into further vocational training.
There are two different routes to success in the Sixth Form.
- The ‘Academic Route’ offers a range of AS and A level courses. Students are expected to take four AS courses in year 12, continuing into year 13 with at least three subjects at A2 level. Subjects include: English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Ethics & Philosophy, History, Geography, Art, Business.
- The ‘Vocational Route’ offers a range of BTEC courses, BTEC Art, BTEC Health & Social Care, BTEC Business.
GCSE retakes in English Language and Mathematics are also on offer in Year 12.
All pupils take general PE lessons.
Sixth Form study is complemented by a varied enrichment programme and a committed pastoral care system.