CURRICULUM
OUTLINE
YEAR 10
2023 - 2024
1
,Our Intent
At Bishop Stopford School, our aim is that every student should realise his or her unique potential.
Our Christian ethos and core values are expressed in all that we do: the culture is articulated
through highly productive relationships and there is a strong sense of identity and belonging. As a
result, our curriculum nurtures and challenges, prioritises individual worth and social cohesion, and
fosters independence and interdependence. Character development goes hand in hand with our
striving for academic excellence. We want students to leave us happy and healthy, with a strong
moral compass as well as with qualifications which have integrity.
Aspiration underpins our curriculum: it is designed so that no student is left behind or left out
because of social-, learning- or other disadvantage. Both the taught and the wider curriculum are
carefully planned to ensure that not only are students’ basic skills secured, but they provide the
foundation for future success. We aim to develop highly literate and knowledgeable learners who
are creative, self-regulating and resilient. They have opportunities to develop depth as well as
breadth, and because they are socially equipped, they can engage confidently with the wider
world.
Underpinning Principles
• Leadership of the curriculum is active, reflective and research-informed.
• Our curriculum is unapologetically academic and knowledge-driven, ensuring Bishop
Stopford students are engaged and thoughtful learners.
• Our curriculum is holistic: the spiritual, social and moral imperatives are as strong as the
academic.
• Key Stage 3 lasts for Years 7-9 to allow the range of subjects to be studied and to build
secure foundations for the two year GCSE programmes of study.
• Curriculum is structured to ensure effective progression through the key stages and beyond
school to further study or employment.
• Our curriculum enables all learners to progress, though development of a rich language
base and challenge in every lesson.
2
, Dear Students and Parents
Year 10 is a critical stage in education – the start of the two year GCSE programme. In order to
build on our home-school partnership, we are providing you with this outline of the Year 10
curriculum. It gives the framework to the formal teaching programme, which should lead to
enjoyable and meaningful learning. Students, of course, learn more than can ever be listed in a
booklet. Social skills and positive attitudes to life-long learning form an important part of what we
aim to develop at Bishop Stopford. A wide range of extra-curricular activities also complements
the planned timetable of lessons.
Given the challenges of the new curriculum, students will be expected to revise and consolidate
their learning throughout their courses. Year 10 mock examinations in all subjects are very
important in reviewing the progress of students in all aspects of their learning. These take place
immediately before the GCSE exam period.
We will be pleased to respond to any concerns that you may have about teaching, learning and life
in Year 10. In this way we hope to work in partnership to ensure that all students fulfil their unique
potential.
Yours sincerely
Miss J Silverthorne
Headteacher
3
OUTLINE
YEAR 10
2023 - 2024
1
,Our Intent
At Bishop Stopford School, our aim is that every student should realise his or her unique potential.
Our Christian ethos and core values are expressed in all that we do: the culture is articulated
through highly productive relationships and there is a strong sense of identity and belonging. As a
result, our curriculum nurtures and challenges, prioritises individual worth and social cohesion, and
fosters independence and interdependence. Character development goes hand in hand with our
striving for academic excellence. We want students to leave us happy and healthy, with a strong
moral compass as well as with qualifications which have integrity.
Aspiration underpins our curriculum: it is designed so that no student is left behind or left out
because of social-, learning- or other disadvantage. Both the taught and the wider curriculum are
carefully planned to ensure that not only are students’ basic skills secured, but they provide the
foundation for future success. We aim to develop highly literate and knowledgeable learners who
are creative, self-regulating and resilient. They have opportunities to develop depth as well as
breadth, and because they are socially equipped, they can engage confidently with the wider
world.
Underpinning Principles
• Leadership of the curriculum is active, reflective and research-informed.
• Our curriculum is unapologetically academic and knowledge-driven, ensuring Bishop
Stopford students are engaged and thoughtful learners.
• Our curriculum is holistic: the spiritual, social and moral imperatives are as strong as the
academic.
• Key Stage 3 lasts for Years 7-9 to allow the range of subjects to be studied and to build
secure foundations for the two year GCSE programmes of study.
• Curriculum is structured to ensure effective progression through the key stages and beyond
school to further study or employment.
• Our curriculum enables all learners to progress, though development of a rich language
base and challenge in every lesson.
2
, Dear Students and Parents
Year 10 is a critical stage in education – the start of the two year GCSE programme. In order to
build on our home-school partnership, we are providing you with this outline of the Year 10
curriculum. It gives the framework to the formal teaching programme, which should lead to
enjoyable and meaningful learning. Students, of course, learn more than can ever be listed in a
booklet. Social skills and positive attitudes to life-long learning form an important part of what we
aim to develop at Bishop Stopford. A wide range of extra-curricular activities also complements
the planned timetable of lessons.
Given the challenges of the new curriculum, students will be expected to revise and consolidate
their learning throughout their courses. Year 10 mock examinations in all subjects are very
important in reviewing the progress of students in all aspects of their learning. These take place
immediately before the GCSE exam period.
We will be pleased to respond to any concerns that you may have about teaching, learning and life
in Year 10. In this way we hope to work in partnership to ensure that all students fulfil their unique
potential.
Yours sincerely
Miss J Silverthorne
Headteacher
3
