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The Curriculum

Third Form

Curriculum Booklet 2011-12

The Third form (Year 9) is a year of swift and exciting progress in which pupils learn to become more independent and develop methods of work that will carry them through their later career in the school. It can also be seen as a foundation year in which goals achieved in pupils' previous schools are further developed and broadened in preparation for courses at GCSE.

Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum sets out the programmes of study for boys and girls in Year Groups 7-9 (ages 11-14). It is a vital time in a child’s education when pupils are inquisitive and eager to learn. At Clifton we recognise the importance of encouraging and nurturing this natural enthusiasm.

We pride ourselves on the individual care and attention given to pupils. A strong and well-established system of pastoral and tutorial care provides an environment in which individuals flourish.

Fourth and Fifth Forms

Curriculum Booklet 2012-13

At Key Stage 4 (age 14 - 16) pupils follow a number of courses to GCSE. The curriculum has a common core but offers greater choice and flexibility than in the Third form, allowing pupils to pursue their own interests. At the same time a rich and varied co-curriculum provides widening opportunities in sport, art, drama, music and other activities. Careers education and work-related learning help to shape ambitions as boys and girls start to think about the opportunities available to them in the Sixth Form and beyond.

The academic curriculum aims to provide for the needs of the individual but also ensures that every pupil is given access to a core of knowledge and cultural experience that is the basis for progress in learning and personal development.

Some pupils will choose a curriculum that is as broad and varied as possible. Others will wish to follow particular interests and talents. Some will want to study as many subjects as they can while others will do better by focusing on a narrower curriculum.

Our aim is to satisfy all these needs and to provide a programme of academic work, sport and cultural activity that is challenging, fulfilling and enjoyable.

Sixth Form

Curriculum Booklet 2012-13

A-levels are based on four or six units of approximately equal size with the exact number varying by subject. Half of the units make up the Advanced Subsidiary (AS), representing the first half of an Advanced level course of study. The others are known as A2, representing the second half of the course. The AS-Level is a qualification in its own right and is worth half an A-Level in terms of UCAS points.

All A-levels now allow for modular assessment and all include synoptic elements, designed to test a candidate's ability to make connections between different parts of the subject. Both AS and A-levels are graded A to E for pass grades, with U (unclassified) for fail. Modular exams are available in most subjects in January and June; except in some special cases, Clifton does not enter pupils for exams in January of the Lower Sixth, but pupils are entered for AS resits, and first-time modules in some subjects, in January of the Upper Sixth.

Clifton offers a wide range of subjects to its Lower Sixth pupils, most of whom study four subjects to AS. To add further breadth of opportunity to the Sixth form we have a fifth timetable sector, known as Sector E (see page 52 for full details). Sector E allows pupils to pursue non-examined interests such as Medical Preparation or Play Directing or to choose an additional, two-year, GCSE or AS course in, for example, a new modern language. Where necessary, others may take the opportunity to re-sit Maths or English GCSE. Most will then take three subjects to A-level, though some will continue with four. It may be possible to re-sit an AS or pick up an additional AS in the Upper Sixth.

In this way we hope to provide as much flexibility as possible. Most pupils will leave Clifton with three A-levels and an AS-level. For many, the fourth and/or fifth subject will add breadth and contrast to the curriculum, though there will be others for whom the additional AS will support and complement the three main A-level subjects.

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