Stantonbury School Curriculum: Ambition, Excellence, and Opportunity

At Stantonbury School, our curriculum is built on a dedication to delivering exceptional teaching and learning that inspires and challenges every student to reach their full potential. We believe in nurturing a love of learning that prepares students for a successful future, both inside and outside the classroom.

Our Curriculum Vision and Entitlement

We are committed to providing a broad, rigorous, and ambitious curriculum that is accessible to all students, regardless of background, prior attainment, SEND, or EAL needs.

All students will experience the five core entitlements of the Stantonbury School Curriculum throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. Our curriculum is designed to:

• Intellectual, Creative, and Physical Development: Ensure all students have the entitlement to develop across these key domains at every stage of their education.
• Depth and Mastery: Provide the depth required for students to master the key knowledge and essential skills for each subject.
• Character Development: Create students who are consistently Respectful, Responsible, and Resilient members of the communities they belong to.
• Progression and Coherence: Be ambitious, coherent, inclusive, and carefully sequenced, providing all students with clear, progressive learning journeys.
• Personal and Societal Contribution: Foster the development of students’ personal development, life skills, health, and wellbeing, preparing them to make a valuable contribution to society.
• Aspiration and Future Success: Raise students’ aspirations and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in their future careers and pathways.
• Beyond the Classroom: Provide essential opportunities to take the curriculum beyond the classroom through the enriched ‘Stantonbury Experience.’

Our highly skilled and passionate staff utilize innovative teaching methods to create engaging lessons, fostering a growth mindset and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and develop essential resilience.

We have developed the RSE curriculum in consultation with parents, students, and staff, taking into account the age, needs and feelings of pupils. If students ask questions outside the scope of this policy, teachers will respond in an appropriate manner so they are fully informed and don’t seek answers online.

The RSE The aims of (RSE) at our school are to:

• Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place.
• Prepare pupils for puberty and give them an understanding of the importance of health and hygiene.
• Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy.
• Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality, sexual development and relationships.
• Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies.

RSE Policy can be found here.

Curriculum Structure by Key Stage

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): The Foundation for Achievement

Key Stage 3 provides the crucial foundation for every child’s achievement. The transition from primary school is marked by a move to specialist, subject-specific teaching staff.

All students study a broad curriculum, including:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Design Technology
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• History
• Geography
• Religious Studies
• Modern Languages
• Music, Drama, and Dance
• Food and Nutrition
• Art
• Physical Education (PE)
• PSHCE

Grouping: Initially, all students are taught in mixed ability groups, with the exception of Mathematics, where setting is introduced from Year 7.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): Personalised Pathways

At this stage, students focus on a strong core curriculum while gaining versatility to pursue individual interests and strengths.

Core Curriculum:

• Mathematics
• English
• Science
• Religious Education
• Physical Education (PE)
• PSHCE

Options: In addition to the core subjects, students choose three options. This versatility is intended to allow each young person at Stantonbury School to find their own route to personal achievement and future success.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): Preparing for the Future

A significant proportion of our Year 11 students continue their education in our thriving Sixth Form, joined by an increasing number of external students.

Study Options: We offer a broad range of academic (A-Level) and vocational (BTEC/Cambridge Technical) choices. These are complemented by courses that deliver transferable skills and understanding. The diverse combinations available are designed to prepare students for their individual futures, whether that involves:

• Entering the world of work
• Degree apprenticeships
• Preparing for university interviews and higher education