"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
Proverbs 18:15
Our Curriculum Intent
The curriculum at Derby Cathedral School provides a high quality education that is an enriching experience for all.
Our curriculum is carefully designed by subject specialists and shows a clear progression for learning to ensure prior skills and knowledge are built upon each year to prepare all students for post-16 - University or equivalent - and beyond. Regular opportunities are planned to enable students to recall and retain key knowledge.
All students are challenged to be aspirational and are simultaneously well supported by our curriculum in order to meet these high expectations. The diversity of our school is reflected in our curriculum, which is fully accessible and inclusive to all. Regular assessment and feedback opportunities ensure students are aware of their strengths and understand how to improve.
We promote the full suite of English Baccalaureate subjects. Through these, students gain a greater awareness of the physical world; an understanding of society both past and present, and an appreciation of other cultures through language. Every opportunity is taken to broaden students’ vocabulary and develop their reading skills. There is an equally strong focus on other wider skills that are needed, such as mathematics, oracy, independent study and the use of technologies.
Further activities enrich our curriculum, our extensive extra-curricular programme provide opportunities that go beyond the academic curriculum in all subject areas. These opportunities increase students’ appreciation and understanding of society and culture.
Developing students’ spiritual awareness and knowledge of Christian values is a thread that is woven through all aspects of our curriculum. Our students will be happy and confident individuals who treat others with respect. They will have a clear understanding of ‘community’, be well prepared for their futures, and have a positive attitude towards life-long learning.
Lesson Allocation – 2024-2025
In Years 7 to 9 students at Derby Cathedral School have the following lesson allocation over a two week timetable:
|
Subject |
Lessons per fortnight |
Subject |
Lessons per fortnight |
|
English |
8 |
Mathematics |
8 |
|
Science |
9 |
History |
4 |
|
Geography |
4 |
RE |
3 |
|
Spanish |
6 |
PE |
4 |
|
IT |
2 |
Music |
3 |
|
Art |
2 |
DT |
3 |
|
PSHE |
2 |
Drama |
2 |
In Years 10 and 11 students have the following lesson allocation:
|
Subject |
Lessons per fortnight |
Subject |
Lessons per fortnight |
|
English |
9 (Y10) 8 (Y11) |
Mathematics |
8 (Y10) 9 (Y11) |
|
Science |
11 |
History/Geography |
6 |
|
PSHE |
2 |
RE |
2 |
|
PE |
4 |
Option subjects |
6 |
KS5
|
Subject |
Lessons per fortnight |
Subject |
Lessons per fortnight |
|
Art, Craft and Design |
11 |
Music Performance |
11 |
|
Biology |
11 |
Physical Education (Sport) |
11 |
|
Business Studies |
11 |
Physics |
11 |
|
Chemistry |
11 |
Politics |
11 |
|
Computer Science |
11 |
Psychology |
11 |
|
Criminology |
11 |
Religious Studies |
11 |
|
English Language & Literature |
11 |
Sociology |
11 |
|
English Literature |
11 |
Spanish |
11 |
|
Food Science and Nutrition |
11 |
PSHE |
2 |
|
Further Mathematics |
11 |
Extended Project Qualification* |
8 |
|
Geography |
11 |
Core Maths* |
8 |
|
Health and Social Care |
11 |
GCSE Mathematics Resit |
2 |
|
History |
11 |
GCSE English Language Resit |
2 |
|
Mathematics |
11 |
*Year 12 only |
|
All Sixth Form students study a minimum of three main subjects at KS5, as well as PSHE once a week. Some higher attaining students at GCSE may decide to study four main subjects. Further Mathematics must be studied as a fourth subject along with A Level Mathematics. Students can also choose the EPQ or Core Maths as an additional AS equivalent qualification in Year 12.
Students also have an option to resit GCSE Maths or GCSE English Language during Year 12; this is compulsory for students who did not achieve a minimum of Grade 4 at GCSE in one of these subjects.
Curriculum Plans
To help you have a clear understanding of the work our students are carrying out in lessons, please click the links below to see the curriculum long term plans for each KS3 year group, long term plans are also saved in each subject area, including subject specific plans for KS4.
Curriculum Plans
Policies and Further Information
Please see our Equality Information and Objectives Policy and SEND report for curriculum related information.
Please email Mr S Coucill, Deputy Headteacher in charge of curriculum with any further queries: s.coucill@derbycathedralschool.org.uk