Curriculum Overview

Curriculum

Introduction

St Birinus School operates a two-week timetable with 50 hours of taught lessons throughout week A and week B.   

Our five-year curriculum is designed to be ambitious and give all learners the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. At St Birinus School we believe that a carefully planned and structured curriculum is the foundation upon which excellent learning and development is built. The curriculum is designed and implemented in such a way that it builds on prior knowledge and prepares pupils for the next stage in their education.  Our teachers are experts, we value each subject and its set of essential ideas, facts, stories and concepts which comprise the knowledge we deliver to students.  Our curriculum planning interweaves subject specific skills ensuring students build on what they have previously learned.  

Subject Leaders carefully construct a curriculum that promotes a deep understanding of a wide range of topics. We have ensured that our Key Stage 3 curriculum is of similar ambition and breadth to the national curriculum. Teachers plan learning that allows pupils to embed and recall knowledge through techniques such as careful sequencing, modelling, and retrieval practice. This builds firm foundations for progression to the next level and exam success.  

Students receive excellent information and guidance when selecting their options. Most students choose to study 4 option subjects. Around 40% of students are entered for the English Baccalaureate* each year. Disadvantaged and SEND students are encouraged to opt for challenging pathways.

Support for learning

Disadvantaged students and those with SEND are at the centre of our curriculum thinking and planning. In particular, we ensure that our curriculum meets the needs of disadvantaged, SEND or other vulnerable learners by: 

  • prioritising the knowledge and skills that will enhance the cultural capital of these students 
  • deliberately teaching tier 3 vocabulary in each subject area 
  • emphasising the outward-facing and global dimension to our curriculum 
  • designing our curriculum in such a way that it benefits all students and disproportionately benefits vulnerable learners. Elements of this curriculum design include: careful sequencing of knowledge and skills; quizzing and other methods to ensure the retention of knowledge over time; deliberate practice of key skills. 

Subject allocation for each year group is as follows (numbers given are hours per fortnight):

Key Stage 3 - Years 7 & 8 in 2019/20

All students in Years 7 & 8 follow a broad and balanced curriculum, studying:

Subject

Hours per fortnight

Comments

English

6

 

Mathematics

6

 

Science

6

 

History

3

 

Geography

4

 

Ethics & Morality

2

 

Technology

2

Includes Food, Graphics and Resistant Materials

Modern Foreign Language (MFL)*

6

Students study one language: French or Spanish with a small cohort opting for the Mandarin excellence programme 8 hours per fortnight.

Computer Science

1

 

Art

2

 

Music

2

 

Physical Education

5

3 hours for students studying the Mandarin Excellence Programme.

Drama

1

 

Setting in Years 7 & 8

In Years 7 students are taught in set classes in Mathematics, these sets are determined by KS2 data, internal assessment and class work. Regular assessments inform change of class according to individual student educational need.  In all other subjects, students are taught in mixed attainment groups.

Key Stage 4 – Year 9 & Year 10 in 2019/20

Students start their GCSE courses in Year 9 and so begin to follow the requirements of the individual subject specifications.

All students study:

Subject

Hours per two weeks

Comments

English and English Literature

8

 

Mathematics

8

 

 

Science

10

 

Combined and Separate Science GCSEs offered.

Option subjects

4 per subject (16)

Each option subject receives 4 hours per fortnight. Students ‘opt’ for four subjects with bespoke guidance to ensure that a balanced curriculum maintained

Personal Development

2

 

Physical Education

4

 

 

Key Stage 4 – Year 11 in 2019/20

Subject

Hours per fortnight

Comments

English and English Literature

8

Core subject

Mathematics

8

Core subject

Science

10

Combined Science GCSEs taught to 4 (of 6) groups with the Single Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) taught to the top 2 groups.

Option subjects

5 per subject (20)

Each option subject receives 5 hours per fortnight.

Physical Education

2

Core subject

Key aspects of the Personal Development curriculum are delivered through a series of events and collapsed timetable days.

The wide range of option choices encompasses both academic and vocational qualifications and allows for learning pathways both within and beyond Key Stage 4.

Option subjects are taught for 4 hours per fortnight in Years 9 & 10, then 5 hours per fortnight in Year 11.

Key stage 5

Information about the Key stage 5 curriculum can be found on the Didcot Sixth Form website: http://www.didcotsixthform.co.uk/20/curriculum

 

@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 We are currently recruiting:- Teaching Assistant - Technology TechnicianTo apply, please visit Read more pic.twitter.com/nyRcT2o4w0
@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 Birinus Bulldogs played their first game of the season losing 13-7 to Cranford. Thomas Mallows stunned Cranford with a touchdown on the first play of the game running it 75 yards. Also, a stellar defensive performance by Seanan Nathwani, locking down his opposite number all game. pic.twitter.com/qjGlSWXB0j
@@GKKLeadership01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 Our fantastic speakers this morning at the International Men's Day annual Leadership Conference pic.twitter.com/vrNV9Cx6W3
@@GKKLeadership01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 Happy . Our annual student leadership conference with some incredible speakers is in full swing! pic.twitter.com/nGPa3F5fpA
@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 Congratulations to the Under 15 football team who are through to the 5th Round of the ESFA National Cup after a hard fought 2-1 win against John Hampton Grammar School. Goal scorers were Man of the Match Austin Crutchley and Harrison Andrews with the winner 2 minutes from time. pic.twitter.com/XGu5nFhygX
@@GKKLeadership01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 We've had the Royal Navy at talking to our students about careers in the navy as well as doing some creative problem solving and Leadership work. Fantastic kick start to ! pic.twitter.com/J3cVVDJB33
@@GKKLeadership01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 Happy Diwali to all our families celebrating this beautiful festival of lights today pic.twitter.com/dL5kUBSCX9
@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 Congratulations to the Under 15 football team who are through to the 4th Round of the ESFA National Cup after a 3-1 win against Warriner School. Goal scorers were Austin Crutchley, Archie Barlow-Matthews and Kieron Houston. Man of the Match Tyler Dix.
@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 Congratulations to the Under 13 Football team who are through to the 4th Round of the ESFA National Cup following a 10-1 win against Greyfriars school, Oxford. Goalscorers were Luke Moss (7), Max Bailey, Toby Brudzinski and Cameron McGregor. Next up Piggotts at Home in Round 4. pic.twitter.com/o78K8Q9HXC
@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 The Under 16 Football team are into the quarter-finals of the County Cup after beating Cheney on penalties. Josh Hursey 2 and Reinhard Baffour-Asare scored as the game finished 3-3. The boys scored all 5 penalties in the shootout with Dan Mathews saving the decisive spot-kick. pic.twitter.com/s1Ph8vojPk
@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 We are very excited to be running more of our ‘Exploring RET: Leadership and Learning’ CPD events this year. If you’re interested, get in touch! Read more pic.twitter.com/IW151KYECU
@@StBirinusSchool01:00 AM - 1st January, 1970 We are recruiting an ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER for January 2024. To apply or view the Application Pack, please visit Read more For a conversation or tour with the Headteacher, please email Mrs Cliff - hcliff-birinus.oxon.sch.uk or call 01235 814444. pic.twitter.com/o29RipFbl0

House System

St Birinus has a Vibrant House system which ensures that staff and students work together to create a positive school community where everyone is included.
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