The Curriculum

St Mark’s is an exciting and inspiring place to learn. The development of literacy and numeracy are key features of the curriculum and an important element of this is the targeted support for Year 7 that will assist transition from primary school.

The Academy’s specialism in Science and Performing Arts will be used to drive change and raise standards across the curriculum, for example, broadening the curriculum through the introduction of new courses to key stages 4 and 5.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

In the first three years at Key Stage 3, all students follow the National Curriculum, working in either set or mixed ability groups as appropriate, studying subjects such as:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology (Food, Textiles and Graphics)
• Information Communication Technology
• Modern Foreign Languages (French)
• Humanities (Geography, History, Religious Education and PSHE)
• Creative Arts (Art, Music and Drama)
• Physical Education
• Citizenship and Careers

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

In Years 10 and 11 at Key Stage 4 all students follow a two-year course leading to GCSE examinations or other equivalent examinations eg BTEC. All students follow a common curriculum that includes:

• English and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (Double Award)
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• Information Communication Technology

As well as these core subjects, students are able to select from a broad range of additional GCSEs and other vocational options, enabling them to make choices that reflect their aptitudes and interests. These include:

• Art and Design
• Business and Communications Studies
• Business Studies
  
• Design and Technology
• Drama
• Geography
• History
• ICT
• Leisure and Tourism (Double Award)  
• Media Studies
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• Dance
• Triple Science
• Health and Social Care
• Construction
• Hair and Beauty
• Graphics
• Product Design
• Sports Leadership
• Work Skills
• Separate Sciences

The option choices offered may vary from year to year in order to reflect the needs of the students in each group.  There is a full programme of guidance and consultation for students and parents during year 9 to support the option choices process.  In addition to this some students may be guided in to a vocational pathway which is designed to ensure maximum success during key stage 4.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13)

The key stage 5 curriculum will be carefully designed in order to meet the needs of each student.  As a guide, the curriculum will include courses at both level 2 and level 3 in order to provide a suitable route for all learners.  The curriculum offer will most likely include:

Core offer:

• Religious Studies
• Physical Education
• Critical Thinking

BTEC offer:

• Art and Design
• Music
• Science

AS/A2 Levels:

• Biology
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• English Literature
• Information and Communication Technology
• Mathematics
• Physics

GCSE Retakes

Students will be given the opportunity to retake GCSE English Language and Mathematics if they did not achieve a grade C+ pass in key stage 4.