Dear Students and Parents/Guardians
I am delighted to be able to introduce to the Specialised Curriculum 2023-2025.
In September 2023 your child, along with all students in the present Year 9, will begin two year courses leading to Level 1 and 2 qualifications (GCSEs, BTECs, NCFE and CNAT)
The contents of this webpage are intended to provide you with information about the curriculum on offer.
In Years 10-11 students will have an opportunity to choose some of the subjects they would like to study alongside the core subjects as part of the National Curriculum. The website will help you and child with this process providing-
Online guides to each subject including Video Presentations from subject teachers about the courses on offer and written guidance and information about each subject.
Recorded presentation on the Options process and ‘How to’ guides to filling in the Google options form.
Information on the different specialised curriculum routes students will have been recommended to follow.
I urge you to read through all the information you receive with your child carefully to help inform your choices. Please do not hesitate to contact either your child’s tutor, Achievement Leader, Mr Barker, our SENCO, Mrs Thompson, or Mr Balkwill, if you require advice on any aspect of your child’s subject choice which may be causing you concern via our main reception.
Yours sincerely
Mr Lawrence – Headteacher
Mr Balkwill (Deputy Headteacher) explains the process for 2023-25 including:
Specialised Curriculum 2023-2025 Guidance Booklet
https://www.midsomernortonschoolspartnership.com/uploads/files/specialised-curriculum-2023.pdf
You will be achieving strong grades in nearly all of your subjects. You have the ability to go to university or an equivalent qualification and need a range of academic GCSEs to support you to prepare for these. This pathway will provide you with the opportunity to study a broad range of academic subjects alongside other subjects of your choosing. You will have the opportunity to select at least one creative, practical or vocational subject too if you wish to do so. This route will give you the opportunity to achieve a range of qualifications that constitute as the English Baccalaureate.
The diagram below is indicative of what the Ebacc Specialised route is likely to be like. Please be advised that this may be subject to revision.
You will feel that you have made good progress in most of your subjects, but may feel less confident in Modern Foreign Languages. You may feel more confident studying a Humanities (Geography and History) along with a blend of other GCSEs and vocational qualifications. This route will allow you to study some of the subjects (but not all) that constitute the English Baccalaureate.
The diagram below is indicative of what the Humanities Specialised route is likely to be like. Please be advised that this may be subject to revision.
This is a route for students who the academy feel would benefit from alternative courses and qualifications. Students invited to this pathway will participate in a Foundation Learning programme led by the SENCo alongside other subjects. We will work with you to make sure that you choose the right blend of subjects and types of courses.