Curriculum

‘Together towards our Lord, through learning, love and faith’

EX UMBRIS IN VERITATEM 

“It is the education which gives students a clear, conscious view of their own opinions and judgements, a truth in developing them, an eloquence in expressing them, and a force in urging them.”

(JH Newman)

Reflecting the teachings and life of John Henry Newman, the curriculum at CNS enables the development of the whole child in order to help students grow into adults whose Christian faith inspires their lives.  Through our aspirational environment, based on the Gospel values of truth, reconciliation, justice and peace, we encourage every child to enjoy learning by using their God-given talents to achieve their very best.   

Our curriculum is Knowledge rich – in terms of developing academic knowledge through our understanding of ourselves as made in the image and likeness of Christ.  We focus not only on appropriate subject specific knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum, but also model the virtues given to us by Christ, which will provide every possible opportunity for all students to be successful in their learning and will nurture their knowledge, love and faith.   Students at Cardinal Newman Catholic School should experience a sense of self-worth through the recognition of their abilities and talents in an environment that offers opportunities and challenges, as well as developing a love of learning. 

With a constantly evolving curriculum, we respond to the needs of learners and their interests by enhancing learning experiences and raising awareness from the local area to national and global arenas. Thus, we will develop outward looking pupils who are able to engage in learning about themselves, become increasingly independent and have an understanding of the wider world and its complex cultures.  

Ultimately our curriculum is intended to: 

Develop our head and body : What we learn 

Develop our hearts and character: Who we are 

Develop our actions and attitudes: How we live and learn 

Develop our moral compass: Where we fit in the world. 

It is our aim that every child leaves Cardinal Newman Catholic School with the knowledge, skills, qualifications and aspirations needed to become valuable members of society in their future learning, employment and lives.

All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow a broad and balanced curriculum based on a two-week timetable with 50 one-hour lessons per fortnight.  All students study:

• English (8 periods)
• Mathematics (8 periods)
• Science (7 periods)
• Religious Education (5 periods)
• French / German (4 periods)
• History (2 periods)
• Geography (2 periods)
• Design Technology (2 periods)
• Art (2 periods)
• Performing Arts (3 periods)
• Computer Science (2 periods)
• Physical Education (4 periods)
• PSHE (1 period)

The curriculum is broadened in Year 9 to allow students to explore subjects they may wish to follow in Years 10 and 11.  This is a very important part of students' careers education, ensuring all students have a deep understanding of each subject prior to choosing options is very important, and doing so with strong foundation knowledge is essential to that process. The suite of subjects available to students include:.

• English (9 periods)
• Mathematics (8 periods)
• Science (6 periods)
• Religious Education (5 periods)
• French, German or Polish (4 periods)
• History (3 periods)
• Geography (3 periods)
• Core Physical Education (4 periods)
• PSHE (1 period)
• Art (2 periods)
• Design Technology (2 periods)
• Performing Arts (2 periods)
• An enrichment carousel (2 periods)

Students make key stage 4 option choices during Year 9, so that they can then follow a 2-year programme leading to a wide range of both GCSE and vocational subjects in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4).  All students will study for GCSE’s in:

• English Language and Literature (9 periods)
• Mathematics (8 periods)
• Combined or Triple Science* (9 periods for Combined Science)
• Religious Education (5 periods)
• 4 option choices (4 periods each)

PLUS

• Core Physical Education (2 periods)
• PSHE (1 period)

Option subjects available to students include:

• GCSE Art
• Graphics
• Textiles
• OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Health and Social Care
• 3D Art 
• GCSE Food
• GCSE Business Studies
• GCSE Computer Science
• GCSE Media
• GCSE Physical Education
• GCSE Triple Science
• GCSE Music
• GCSE Drama
• BTEC Level 1/2 Technical Award in Digital Information Technology
• BTEC Level 1/2 Technical Award in Creative Media Production
• NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Performance Skills
• BTEC Level 1/2 Technical Award in Sport, Activity & Fitness
• BTEC Level 1/2 Award in Home Cooking Skills

A small number of students with SEN or individual needs in each year group will study for an Arts Award in Year 9 and the ASDAN Personal Social and Development course in Years 10 and 11 rather than a modern foreign language.

SIXTH FORM

In Years 12 and 13 our Newman Sixth Form offers a wide-ranging programme of both Academic and Vocational Level Courses. All students follow a programme equivalent to three level 3 courses, plus Core RE and PSHE.  Students also have the opportunity to study for an AS qualification in Core Maths as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Subjects on offer in the Newman Sixth include:

• A Level Accounting
• A Level Art & Design (Fine Art)
• A Level Biology
• A Level Business Studies
• A Level Chemistry
• A Level Computer Science
• A Level Drama and Theatre Studies
• A Level Economics
• A Level English Language
• A Level English Literature
• A Level Geography
• A Level History
• A Level Law
• A Level Mathematics
• A Level Further Mathematics
• A Level Media Studies
• A Level Physical Education
• A Level Physics
• A Level Psychology
• A Level Ethics and Philosophy
• A Level Sociology
• Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Applied Business (equivalent to 2 A Levels)
• Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Health and Social Care (equivalent to 2 A Levels)
• BTEC National Extended Certificate in ICT
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Criminology

 If you require any further information regarding our curriculum please do contact the relevant curriculum leader below: