Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity and a desire for learning in all pupils, regardless of their background, strengths and needs. It is ambitious, challenging and engaging. It builds on the essential knowledge, skills and understanding from primary school and enables pupils to become informed citizens who have an appreciation of human creativity, ingenuity and achievement. 

Our curriculum draws out key concepts that provide a rich web of knowledge for our pupils and help them to become expert critical thinkers. 

Our curriculum aims to: 

  • cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware pupils. 
  • develop cultural capital in all pupils, so that they have an appreciation of human creativity and talents. 
  • develop pupils as excellent citizens with a strong sense of responsibility for their actions. 
  • encourage civic and social participation within their community. 
  • promote and develop leadership within all pupils. 
  • encourage pupils to develop their individuality and lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. 
  • inspire and motivate. 
  • foster a deep and durable love of lifelong learning. 
  • provide a strong and lasting foundation for future learning at every stage. 
  • deliver excellent exam results, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can compete for the best jobs locally, nationally and globally. 

At the heart of our curriculum is a strong academic core for all our pupils at key stage 3 and key stage 4: the English Baccalaureate. This includes English, mathematics, sciences, history, geography and a modern foreign language. Creative and performing arts, technology, computing, and physical education are central to our curriculum offer sparking curiosity, interests and talent.  

Our curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and emotional development of pupils at school and in society more widely. Religious Education, Relationship and Sex Education, Health Education and PSHCE are fully timetabled and taught by specialists throughout key stage 3 and key stage 4. 

We believe every pupil is entitled to a curriculum that is varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, developing enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument. 

In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement. 

We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance.   Our curriculum also provides opportunities for pupils to consider careers in each subject – more details are provided in the careers page of our website. 

Our school operates a five-year curriculum journey, from Year 7 to Year 11. All pupils will follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects. Pupils will make their GCSE choices when ready and when the Key Stage 3 curriculum has been delivered. The length of Key Stage 3 will vary depending on the subject and all Key Stage 3 subjects match or surpass the ambition and scope of the national curriculum.   Pupils will complete GCSEs and vocational qualifications when ready. 

Almost all pupils will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate. Pupils will also study vocational subjects to contribute to a deep and rich curriculum experience. Pupils will be offered extra time for English and mathematics where they are performing below nationally expected levels. The focus is to support pupils with literacy and numeracy as soon as they join the school.  In particular, there will be a strong emphasis on reading and expanding vocabulary. 

Subjects Available at Key Stage 3

Subject Exam Information
English Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Mathematics Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Science Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Geography Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
History Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
MFL: French Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Religious Education Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Physical Education Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Art & Design Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
PHSE (including RSE) Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Computing Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Music Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Design Technology (including Food Technology) Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, pupils will complete a range of qualifications. All pupils will follow a combination of core subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate: English, mathematics, sciences, humanities and at least one modern foreign language. As part of the core curriculum, they will continue to study physical education, religious education, PSHCE and RSHE. In addition, pupils will choose optional subjects from a broad suit of choices covering both GCSE and vocational qualifications. 

The table below sets out courses of study we expect the school to follow. We will review the curriculum offer as our founding cohort of pupils prepare to begin study for their GCSEs.  

Subjects Studied at Key Stage 4

Subject Course Title Core/Option Exam Board
English GCSE English Language  Core AQA
GCSE English Literature  Core AQA
Mathematics GCSE Mathematics  Core Edexcel
GCSE Statistics Options Edexcel
Sciences GCSE Combined Science OR  Core (pupils study either separate or combined sciences) Edexcel
GCSE Biology Edexcel
GCSE Chemistry Edexcel
GCSE Physics Edexcel
Humanities GCSE History Core 
(pupils study one of the two courses) 
AQA
GCSE Geography AQA
GCSE Religious Studies Core AQA
Modern Foreign Languages GCSE French Core AQA
Computing GCSE Computer Science Options OCR
Cambridge National- Level 2 Creative iMedia  Options OCR
Music GCSE Music Options AQA
Art GCSE Art and Design (Fine Art) Options AQA
Design Technology GCSE Design Technology (Systems)  Options Edexcel
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition  Options AQA
Sports GCSE PE  Options Edexcel
Cambridge National- Level 2 Sports Studies Options OCR

A very small number of pupils requiring cognitive learning support will undertake an alternative pathway. Pupils will complete nationally and industry-recognised awards and qualifications, developing a personalised portfolio to include GCSE, approved high-value vocational qualifications and Entry Level and pre-GCSE courses to ensure they are meaningful for pupils and support their next steps. 

For more information on our curriculum, please contact Ms Rollings via: info@starsalford.org