Our Curriculum
…its philosophy and rationale
Birchwood is an 11-18 Academy with an 8 Forms of entry and a PAN of 240 students. We work in close partnership with other local secondary schools but we are the only mixed school which does not apply aptitude tests. Our admission rules are transparent based on sibling links and distance from the school. Consequently, we are very proud of our inclusive and all-ability ethos, catering for all students in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounding villages.
Curriculum organisation:
Our curriculum is organised and resourced in Faculties – by clicking on this link, you will be able to find out more about the courses on offer and the subject content being taught.
Faculties
Five-Year Curriculum Maps
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
In terms of curriculum intent and design, we cover the full range of subjects in a broad and balanced curriculum. At Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) students in Year 7 and 8 study the full range of subjects including English, Maths, Science, Humanities (History, Geography and RE), Expressive Arts (Art, Dance, Drama and Music), Technology, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German and Spanish), PSHE and PE. In Year 9 they follow a similar broad curriculum and also choose 6 subjects from a range of options. These include:
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
In Years 10 and 11, students follow a Core GCSE programme of English Literature & Language, Maths, Science, PE and then 4 other option subjects from the following list:
The majority of our students will be expected to follow the full academic range of GCSEs through to Year 11, offering 9-11 GCSEs. For a small number of students with more significant literacy and numeracy needs, this range will be reduced to help support them to do well and succeed in the subjects they have chosen.
The percentage of students who follow the EBacc curriculum (English, Maths, Science, History or Geography, MFL subject) is currently 45% compared to the national average of 39%. Our intake reflects the national profile in terms of high, middle and low ability students so we feel this is an appropriately challenging percentage.
Extra-Curricular Provision
The school provides a full and comprehensive array of clubs and after school activities alongside educational trips and visits.
For more details on our weekly programme of additional clubs and activities, please refer to the Website / High School / Extra-Curricular Activities link
Key Stage 5 Curriculum
The Sixth Form applies a competency-based admission system – we offer a wide range of A levels and Level 3 BTEC subjects. Access to these courses depends on a student achieving an agreed average point score and a specific GCSE level for their chosen A level. As for GCSE, we have 3 distinct Curriculum Plans depending on GCSE attainment:
- Curriculum Plan 1
For admission onto Curriculum Plan 1 to study 4 A Levels students should have a minimum total point score of 48 and the specific subject grade. We will consider students below this threshold dependent on subject requirements and combinations.
Students will be expected to supplement their core subjects with additional supporting qualifications and / or enrichment opportunities. - Curriculum Plan 2
For admission onto Curriculum Plan 2 to study 3 A Levels or 2 A Levels and BTEC students should have a minimum total point score of 40 and the specific subject grade.
We will consider students below this threshold dependent on subject requirements and combinations.
Students will be expected to supplement their core subjects with additional supporting qualifications and / or enrichment opportunities. - Curriculum Plan 3
For admission onto Curriculum Plan 3 to study 1 Double BTEC and 1 BTEC single or A Level students should have a minimum total point score of 34 and the specific subject grade.
Students will be expected to supplement their core subjects with additional supporting qualifications and / or enrichment opportunities.
Subjects to be offered at Key Stage 5 in the Sixth Form for 2022/23 include:
In the Sixth Form, we offer 35 A Level and Level 3 BTEC courses. These subjects have entry requirements which are specified and detailed in the Sixth Form section of our website. Most students choose the equivalent of 3-4 A Level subjects alongside a range of enrichment and leadership opportunities.
Sixth Form Enrichment Programme
In addition to their curriculum plan, we offer a wide range of enrichment options to complement A Level or Level 3 BTEC qualifications to ensure that our students receive a well-rounded Post-16 education (as shown to the right).
Extra-Curricular Provision
The school provides a full and comprehensive array of clubs and after school activities alongside educational trips and visits.
For more details on our weekly programme of additional clubs and activities, please refer to the Website / High School / Extra-Curricular Activities link
