John Henry Newman Catholic College

Curriculum Statement 2024-2025

Students at John Henry Newman Catholic College pursue a broad and balanced knowledge-rich curriculum. To provide breadth to the curriculum all students participate in non-examination lessons and activities, comprising Physical Education, Personal Development, and CEIAG, which is implemented through our pastoral programme; The HEART curriculum. At John Henry Newman Catholic College students have a two week timetable. Each day consists of two formation sessions, 30 minutes at the beginning of the day and 15 minutes at the end of the day with five curriculum lessons of 60 minutes each in between. Our curriculum is designed and implemented so that students have the opportunity to intentionally connect with God and with each other as they actively discern the ‘definite service’ He has created each of us to do.

The Key Stage 3 Curriculum:

In Key Stage 3, students are taught in mixed ability teaching groups for all lessons in Year 7 and Year 8, and some in Year 9. All students have access to a full programme of Personal Development which is supplemented by weekly HEART sessions that are delivered during formation time. All lessons are taught by fully-qualified subject experts in well-resourced classrooms and facilities. 

The Key Stage 4 Curriculum:

In Key Stage 4, the core curriculum for all includes RE, English, Mathematics, Science, and PE. In addition pupils have 15 hours per fortnight to study three option subjects. A wide range of optional subjects are offered to complement the core curriculum. Some subjects are taught in mixed ability teaching groups, and others are set according to students’ prior attainment at KS2 and performance in milestone Key Stage 3 assessments. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring the qualifications that are offered at KS4 are relevant and valued by employers, apprenticeship providers, and higher education institutions, and offer a seamless transition into Post-16 study.

The Key Stage 5 Curriculum:

In the Sixth Form students are required to follow a suitable 16-19 Study Programme. Study Programmes are designed around students, their targets and ambitions. They are individually tailored and will consist of substantial level 3 qualifications, work related learning, extra-curricular activity and the continued development of core skills in English and Mathematics. Students are also supported through regular Academic Tutorials and Study Support Sessions, and a bespoke pastoral programme.

Qualification hours will comprise of Academic (A Levels), and Applied General (Vocational) courses. Students will be entitled to up to 10 hours of taught study for each option subject they choose. Students must study at least three Level 3 qualifications, although some students choose to study four. Other qualification hours include General RE, Core Maths, the Extended Project Qualification and GCSE Maths and English retake classes for all students who have not achieved a grade 4 or above at Key Stage Four.