Curriculum

Falmouth School Curriculum Statement

Students, Teachers and Leaders have all been given the opportunity to give their feedback on what underpins the intent of the curriculum statement for Falmouth School. In addition to the contributions from the stakeholders above, research has been drawn from a number of publications such as; The Key, Sec-ed, TES and a number of other schools.
 
Strategic Intent:
 
Our Curriculum is designed so that students become independent and resilient learners. In all subjects Falmouth students will be challenged through rigorous content that facilitates outstanding progress and fosters a culture of ambition and desire to succeed. Students will develop the knowledge and skills that will not only prepare them for academic study but enable them to grow so that they are confident citizens; equipped with enquiring minds that will make a positive contribution to our society. 
 
The curriculum at Falmouth is underpinned by the following principles:
 
Inspire:  To motivate, to take inspiration from, to lead others and to start journeys. Equipping every student with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their own individual journey. 
Relevant: To teach subjects that are relevant to real life, including the skills and knowledge all students need to gain a greater understanding of society and peoples. 
Growth: To build a personal growth approach and to support our pupils to know why learning relates to the world for their future and beyond. 
Engaging: To engage in discussion, thought-provoking materials and topics allowing for the development of other key skills such as listening, speaking and understanding. 
Aspire: To develop ambition and a growth mind-set. To believe in possibilities and achieve goals, providing aspiration and belief for students from all backgrounds.
Empower: To grow interdependence among individuals, who can collaborate effectively and experience success both individually and co-operatively. Empowering all students towards the next step in their journey. 
 

Implementation

There is two-week timetable at Falmouth School.  Each day is divided into five 60 minute periods, giving a timetable of 25 periods per week. 

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Subject

Year 7

60 minute lessons per fortnight

Year 8

60 minute lessons per fortnight

Year 9

60 minute lessons per fortnight

English

8

8

8

Mathematics

7

7

7

Science

6

6

6

Physical Education

4

4

4

Languages

4

4

4

History

4

4

4

Geography

4

4

4

Ethics, Philosophy and Religion

1

1

1

Creative Arts (Art, Music & Drama)

7

7

7

PSHE

2

2

2

IT

1

1

1

Design Technology

3

3

3

In Years 7 to 9 students will be taught in groups with a wide range of ability. There is some setting by ability in Maths from Year 7 and Science from Year 9. Regular assessment and progress tracking enables us to adapt and modify these groups where it is apparent that students need to be moved. Year groups are spilt into two populations and taught separately for their subjects to enable effective timetabling. 

In year 9 students begin to identify the subjects they would like to continue into key stage 4 and take part in the options process early in the Spring term. A comprehensive options process includes parents and students to help support the decision-making process.                                           

Key Stage 4 Curriculum 

Subject

Year 10 60 minute lessons per fortnight

Year 11 60 minute lessons per fortnight

English (Literature and Language)

7

9

Mathematics  

7

9

Science

9

10

Core Physical     Education

3

3

Ethics, Philosophy and Religion

1

0

PSHE

2

3

Options (Year 11  x 3) (Year 10 x4) From September 2022 Year 10 students have been able to complete 4 option choices

5 x 4 = 20

5 x 3 = 15

 

In Year 10 and 11, students continue to study the core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and PE.  This culminates in GCSE or level 2 equivalent examinations at the end of Year 11, as well as the compulsory subjects of PSHE and Religious Studies. 

We offer a wide range of optional subjects for Year 10 and 11: Hospitality and Catering, Geography, History, Spanish, French, Drama, IT, Art, Graphics, Photography, Sport, Dance, Music, RE,  Design, Engineering, Media Studies, Child Development and Triple Award Science. The year group is spilt into two equal populations and each population is taught separately for Core subjects, although mixed for options.  

 

Key stage 5 Curriculum

Falmouth Sixth Form offers a wide range of courses which are combined to design a whole curriculum for each student.   Falmouth College is a vibrant, innovative and successful provider of post-16 courses for all students in the Falmouth and Penryn area. Our students play a full role in the life of the School and the community. We offer in excess of 30 Advanced and Vocational Level 2 and 3 courses as well as, a varied enrichment programme.   We offer a wide range of sports, peer mentoring, paired reading and extended project qualification. Each pupil has the support of a personal tutor and access to high quality advice and guidance in taking the next steps towards higher education, apprenticeships and employment. The progression routes of our students are excellent.  

Students usually pick three or four single courses from the list below or a triple award which is equivalent to three A levels.

A single course has eight 60 minute lessons a fortnight providing students with study periods between lessons. There are designated supported study periods and specific areas for students to carry this out. The students will also attend tutorials every morning to monitor their progress and experience our tutorial programme.

A level Economics

A level English Language

A level Psychology

A level Politics

A level Further Maths

A level Art and Design

A level Mathematics

A level Biology

A level Sociology

A level Product Design

A level Chemistry

A level Media Studies

A level Music

A level Spanish

A level Photography

A level English Literature

A level Physics

A level History

A level French

A level Geography

Level 3 BTEC Applied Science (Single)

Level 3 BTEC Music Performance (Single)

Level 3 Cambridge Tech Sport Diploma (Single)

Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts Certificate (Single)

Level 3 BTEC Health and Social Care (Single)

Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts Certificate (Single)

Level 3 Cambridge Tech Sport Diploma (Triple)

Level 3 CACHE Early Year Education (Triple)