The curriculum is central to the process of education. It is the process by which the aims of the school are translated into the full network of learning experiences through which pupils are enabled to develop. We believe that the curriculum should be designed to offer high quality learning experiences to enable pupils to access a broad range of intellectual, personal, social, emotional and physical activities. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all our young people, so they are motivated and make the commitment to lifelong learning.
What makes us distinctive as a Catholic school is that we care more about who a child becomes than just what she or he becomes. In this way, we seek to ensure that each student is not only prepared for society when they leave school but equipped to make a positive contribution for its betterment.
All students receive entitled a broad, balanced, coherent, relevant and personalised curriculum which meets their individual needs and provides them with appropriate qualifications in the future. The learning process at St Nicholas is engaging, motivating, exciting and allow students to achieve, as well as developing lively, imaginative and enquiring minds. All students are given the opportunity to be creative and take risks with their learning, in a supportive yet challenging environment. All students have full access to the curriculum, irrespective of gender, SEN, ethnicity, academic ability, social or cultural background.
The curriculum, through the school’s approach to spiritual and moral education, develop active citizens, both within St Nicholas Catholic High School and the wider community. Students are well prepared for their future careers through the development of independence of thought, self-reliance and a questioning approach which challenges prejudice. The curriculum encourages high expectations and aspirations.
The curriculum encapsulates students’ whole learning experience during their time at St Nicholas Catholic High School. We ensure that curriculum development is on-going and that all stakeholders understand the principles which underpin decisions around the curriculum.
The OFSTED Inspection Report from 2019, recognised that at St Nicholas Catholic High School the “The curriculum is well planned” and “Spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is a strong features of this school. There is a comprehensive and well-designed programme of activities that cover all aspects of SMSC education, and these are interwoven into day-to-day lessons and registration at the start of each day.”
An overview of the curriculum for each of the key stages can be viewed by clicking on the links on the right.
More information about the specific content for each subject at all three Key Stages can be found on the Departments pages, which is also accessible from the main menu. Please do take the time to have a good look at this information.
Status of Religious Education
As a Voluntary-Aided Catholic secondary school, the status of Religious Education within our school curriculum is of crucial importance. To this end, Religious Education is allocated 10% of curriculum time within each Year Group in Key Stages 3 and 4, with 5% allocated during Year 12 and Year 13. Additionally, staff and students undertake a daily act of worship during morning registration time.
If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the Curriculum, please contact Mr Spencer, Assistant Headteacher.
