By Subject

ENGLISH

Students are encouraged to develop a love of both reading and writing, focusing on developing creativity, comprehension and accuracy. They will be familiarised with a wide range of text types, distinguishing between forms and developing a sense of the significance of context. For example, students will study whole novels, short stories, poems and plays. Through this, they will be able to develop key analytical skills, through reading, writing, speaking and listening.

English Language skills will include: writing creative and transactional pieces, interpretation of writing, explanation of language, and comparison of perspectives. In literature, students will develop a personal response and style, analyse language using appropriate terminology and link texts to their contexts. Most importantly, students will become motivated, critical and competent communicators.

MATHS

Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected subject that is essential to everyday life; critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for employment. Our aim is to teach for mastery, which means developing a deep, secure and adaptable understanding that ensures all students have fluency, a growing confidence to reason mathematically, and the ability to apply mathematics to solve problems.

Becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics includes 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. Students will solve problems by applying mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication. Developing mastery of mathematics, which builds gradually as a student goes through school, is a tool for life.

SCIENCE

Students explore key ideas such as the effect of forces on an object’s motion or shape, the constantly changing atmosphere and the structure of the Earth. They discover the structures contained within cells, including genes, which determine the development and processes of entire organisms. Through inquiry-based learning, students have the opportunity to use practical skills to investigate scientific phenomena of the natural world in well-equipped laboratories, supported by experienced and enthusiastic staff. In addition, students analyse and develop theories to understand the social, ethical and economic implications of science.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

In computing, students use thinking and creativity to understand how a computer works as well as how to program. The core of computing is computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are able to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate and safe users of online technologies. We have expertise within Lionheart as the East Midlands Computing Hub and our shared curriculum has been developed using this experience to providing opportunities for students to be expressive and confident users of information and communication technology.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Students study French at The Castle Rock school. The curriculum offers a broad selection of themes to allow students to expand on their knowledge of the language and the chance to develop a mastery of linguistic competence as well as an appreciation of France’s culture and traditions. Learning another language is a challenging discipline that requires developing memory techniques, which are transferrable across the curriculum. More than this, learning the syntax and structure of another language supports effective writing and spelling in English and helps students to understand the rules and science of languages. Learning another language is incredibly valuable, opening doors for students to compete in a global world and supports them to grow as confident communicators.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PE allows students to engage in a challenging and enjoyable environment that focuses on the physical and holistic development of students. Throughout the learning journey, PE students experience activities focusing on fundamental motor skills alongside tailoring skills to sports and activities including football, netball, frisbee and aerobics. Students will encounter a number of themes both in lessons and in our extra-curricular opportunities; including high levels of physical activity, competition, challenge, opportunities for the development of physical skills, as well as personal qualities, incorporating the 4Rs and leadership opportunities. Our aim in the KS3 PE curriculum is to provide an enjoyable and challenging experience that prepares students physically and personally.

 

HUMANITIES

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

In Religious Studies we define success as ‘being ready to take on the world’. Because it is a rigorous and demanding academic subject, it engineers critical thinking and rigour in our students. Our curriculum creates opportunities for our young people to develop their skills of dialogue, interpretation and analysis in a coherent context. All these are vital skills in a modern workforce where communication, cooperation and collaboration are core skills. In Religious Studies, students learn to respect themselves and understand their own identity, to respect others and learn the rights of others as well as the rights and responsibilities of people within our society. At a time when communities are becoming even more diverse there is a need for Religious literacy to move towards a more tolerant society. An education in Religious Studies opens doors to students. It may offer the opportunity to specialise in a specific field of religious studies such as political science, philosophy and the law which lead to a wide range of industries such as business, government, medicine, non-profit, counselling, careers within the law and lecturing.

HISTORY

Students follow a Trust curriculum chronological narrative that explores how, why and to what extent the world has changed, in History lessons. We believe good historians need to be experts in six core skills:

  • Causation
  • Using historical evidence
  • Understanding historical world views
  • Change and continuity
  • Historical interpretation
  • Communication

In Year 7, students will study a range of topics including the Bayeux Tapestry, the Ottoman Empire and the Wars of the Roses, in order to develop the core skills.

GEOGRAPHY

In geography, students develop and consolidate their previous knowledge of the world’s major countries and their physical and human features. We believe outstanding geographers need to demonstrate skills which are specialist, yet transferable across many subjects.

They are:

  • Use of computer systems e.g. GIS
  • Be able to read and confidently use Ordnance Survey maps both in the classroom and out in the field
  • Demonstrate map, globe and atlas reading skills
  • Collect, analyse and draw conclusions from a variety of fieldwork experiences.

Students will focus on four specific areas: physical geography, human geography, location and place knowledge. These are vital areas of understanding for students wishing to progress onto the GCSE course.

PERFORMING ARTS

Students study a range of different elements in music, dance and drama, Our aim is to foster a love of learning and creativity through challenging students to stretch themselves and take risks, for example in performing and composing. Whilst taught as separate elements, the curriculum overlaps allowing for small, informal performances designed to instil confidence and enjoyment. Through developing these skills students are able to enjoy a greater sense of self, value teamwork and begin to look at the world through other people’s eyes.

 

ART & DESIGN SUBJECTS

ART

Students have the opportunity to access a wide variety of materials to create an exciting selection of artworks. They develop drawing and painting skills, investigating the use of tone and colour. Projects are vibrant and varied and are designed to have an element of flexibility for pupils to explore and create their own, imaginative responses. Students will gain an understanding of a variety of artists work and will be encouraged to show their artist knowledge and inspiration within the work they create. Projects are skills based so that students can learn and build on their knowledge. The emphasis is on trying and testing materials and techniques and becoming more confident with drawing.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Students take part in activities that encourage creative thinking, reciprocity and resourcefulness in product design. An active approach is taken to help individuals build their confidence with a range of materials and making methods. Students have the chance to work with a variety of tools and equipment, develop good technique and importantly learn about health and safety in the design studio and workshop environment. Theoretical aspects are tackled, again, through hands on activity via product analysis.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

Students learn the essential skills to be safe and creative in the kitchen. Practical activities are a key part of the course and skills will be developed through the preparation and cooking of ingredients to create a range of healthy, nutritious and tasty products. Sensory analysis will extend evaluation skills and students will be encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions both verbally and in writing. Students learn about basic nutrition, analyse the nutritional values of the food they eat and suggest ways food products can be adapted to meet the needs of different groups of people. Topics also include food safety, food provenance and seasonality