"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 – 2023-2024

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 

Further Mathematics 

11 

Extended Project Qualification* 

Geography 

11 

Core Maths* 

Health and Social Care 

11 

GCSE Mathematics Resit 

History 

11 

GCSE English Language Resit 

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

Updated: 27/09/2022 40 KB
Updated: 16/09/2022 42 KB
Updated: 16/09/2022 38 KB

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