Wanstead High School Curriculum

Aims and Intent 

Wanstead High School is committed to providing an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum that is ambitious for every pupil. Our curriculum enables pupils to develop their character, raise their aspirations, recognise the opportunities and possibilities open to them, and be ambitious for their future, while building the confidence and resilience to overcome any barriers and achieve their potential.

We aim to provide a high-quality education that meets the needs of every pupil, ensuring that no child is left behind. We seek to foster a genuine love of learning that supports academic achievement and future career success, while also promoting happiness, personal growth, confidence and a strong sense of self.

Our curriculum has been carefully designed to reflect our commitment to providing a rich and well-rounded education. It ensures that pupils develop the knowledge, skills, character and attributes they need to release their potential, make informed choices and contribute positively to society.

Our curriculum intent is realised through engaging, relevant and ambitious learning experiences, underpinned by a broad and balanced curriculum and enhanced by a wide range of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. Inclusive and ambitious for all, it fosters curiosity, inspires a love of learning and encourages pupils to become confident, lifelong learners.

Through our curriculum, we seek to equip every pupil with the knowledge, skills and confidence to successfully pursue their chosen next steps, whatever these may be, and, importantly, to lead happy, fulfilling and prosperous lives beyond Wanstead High School.

Our curriculum also aims to:  

• Support and enhance our core values and develop Character Virtues of Integrity, Curiosity, Respect, Service, Teamwork.
• Promote a positive attitude towards learning, encouraging pupils to be curious, engaged, resilient and motivated to succeed.
• Support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, helping them to understand themselves, others and the diverse world around them.
• Ensure equitable access to learning for all pupils, maintaining high expectations for all while providing appropriate challenge and support to enable everyone to thrive.
• Equip pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in education, employment and later life.
• Provide a broad and purposeful range of subject choices that supports pupils’ interests, learning and progression, enabling them to make informed decisions and work towards their individual goals and aspirations.

Our taught curriculum is organised into three distinct phases across the three key stages – Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. 

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 (KS3) our pupils have access to 15 discrete subjects which support both breadth and balance. All subjects follow the full national curriculum and are taught for three years at Key Stage 3. This allows them to experience a wide range of subjects for the full three years of KS3. 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) pupils study the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, Technology, French or Spanish, History, Geography, Religious Studies (RS), Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Physical Education (PE), Personal Development (PD), Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and library incorporated into their English lessons. 

Pupils in Years 7 to 9 study either French or Spanish as their allocated Modern Foreign Language, continuing with the language they begin in Year 7. At Key Stage 4, pupils choose to continue with French or Spanish as an option subject, depending on the language(s) they studied during Key Stage 3.

Key Stage 3 Teaching Groups

Pupils in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 are taught in tutor groups except:

Year 7: Mathematics classes are taught in sets after the first 3 weeks of the school year.

Year 8: Mathematics is taught in sets and English is taught in mixed ability groups.

Year 9: Mathematics and Science are taught in sets and English is taught in mixed ability groups.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 (KS4) all pupils study the core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science (combined or triple GCSE depending on their pathway), Physical Education (PE), Personal Development (PD). Pupils currently have an open choice of GCSE or Vocational options from a wide range of subjects including Computer Science, Media Studies, Design Technology, Dance, Drama, Music and Sociology. Most pupils go on to gain 9 GCSEs. Some pupils will study fewer and instead will be given support through a Support or Functional Skills option.

KS4 Teaching Groups

Pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow a programme of study aligned with their Option Pathway (Blue, Orange, Green and Yellow) and selected subject choices.

Alongside the pathway structure, subject choices are taught in mixed ability groups except:

Year 10: Mathematics and Science are taught in sets.

Year 11: Mathematics and Science are taught in sets.

Key Stage 5

Our Key Stage 5 (KS5) curriculum offers a broad range of A-Level subjects that are highly valued by universities and employers. Alongside their A-Level choices, all pupils have the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an independent research project worth half an A Level on a subject of their choosing.

In Year 12, pupils are timetabled for one hour of enrichment per fortnight. Enrichment opportunities include The Scholars’ Thinking Skills Programme, Debating and Public Speaking, Financial Literacy and Life Skills, and the Sports Leaders Programme.

Tutor time also plays an important role in supporting pupils’ academic development. Pupils build effective study and revision skills, develop greater independence and learn strategies that help them manage the demands of their courses and make strong progress across their subjects.

Key Stage 5 Teaching Groups

Pupils in Years 12 and 13 follow a programme of study based on their chosen subjects, having met the entry requirements for the Sixth Form and the specific requirements for each subject.

Religious Studies

Religious Studies makes a significant contribution to the personal development of young people.  All Key Stage 3 pupils have Religious Studies lessons and study content in line with the agreed Local Authority syllabus. 

Key Stage 4 pupils study aspects of Religious Studies as part of their Personal Development (PD) curriculum which includes lessons in Year 10 and assemblies from Year 7 to 13. 

Parents have the statutory right to withdraw their children from Religious Education. Parents with concerns are encouraged to discuss these with the Head of Social Sciences initially.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is taught as part of Personal Development (PD) to all pupils in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. This is through a combination of lessons taught by class teachers and externally delivered workshops. The curriculum for RSHE aims to:

• Meet the national and local guidelines. 
• Be inclusive and age appropriate.
• Be responsive to the needs of our children.

Careers Guidance

Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) is provided through the Personal Development (PD) programme to all pupils.

• Additional, independent advice is provided by careers advisors. 

• Unifrog supports pupils in exploring opportunities, make the best choices and to submit the strongest applications for their next steps.

• Work Experience, Industry exposures and careers information is delivered through a combination of direct sessions from employers and through BEP.

• The school is committed to meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education. 

British Values

• The school teaches the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. 
• These values are embedded in the curriculum across a range of subjects, and reflected in our own values of kindness, tolerance, respect and aiming for excellence.

Safeguarding

The school teaches pupils through the curriculum, as part of the Personal Development (PD) programme through assemblies, workshops and special events, how to keep themselves safe within school and in the wider world.