The Crispin Curriculum
We seek to ensure that the Crispin Curriculum is coherent, inclusive and challenging and that it allows students to maximise their learning in the fullest sense by deepening knowledge and understanding, broadening perspectives and ensuring strong student outcomes. The curriculum will serve to ensure that students leave Crispin as knowledgeable, inquisitive and compassionate citizens.
At Crispin our curriculum is designed to embody the themes we have deemed central to the school, namely: ‘Aspiration, Compassion, Excellence’.
The learning pathway all students undertake is broad, balanced, and appropriate. Although Crispin is an academy, the National Curriculum is broadly followed across the school with our aims being at least as ambitious. At all stages our decisions are based on what is the most effective and challenging curriculum for all students at Crispin.
On joining Crispin in Year 7, we strongly believe that it is crucial that students develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to allow them to progress in their studies throughout the school and to prepare them fully for life beyond Crispin.
All students study:
- English,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- History,
- Geography,
- Religious Studies,
- Art,
- Computing
- Curriculum for Life,
- Drama,
- Food Technology,
- French,
- Graphics,
- Music,
- Philosophy,
- PE,
- Textiles,
- and Resistant Materials.
Additionally, students study a second language, Spanish, from Year 8.
Students are placed in a range of classes with students from their own year. Some of these are ability groupings while others are more mixed. GCSE English, Mathematics and Science are all taught in sets while optional subjects are largely grouped according to student subject preferences. Our fervent belief is that all students can make excellent progress regardless of their prior attainment or any additional learning needs. We carefully monitor the composition of our teaching groups and make adjustments when appropriate.
As students advance in the school they are given the opportunity to opt to follow certain subjects while all follow a core academic curriculum. However, we firmly believe that for students at Crispin it is important that they have the ability to choose from a comprehensive range of subjects that are the most apt for them. So, students can study two languages, two or more Humanities subjects or two Arts options to name but three possible combinations.
The majority of students opt to follow a range of subjects that will lead to the English Baccalaureate. All students study English, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (at least two GCSEs), Physical Education and Curriculum for Life.
Students then choose four options which can include:
- Art,
- Business Studies,
- Citizenship,
- Computing,
- Design and Technology,
- Drama,
- Engineering,
- Food and Nutrition,
- French,
- Geography,
- Graphics,
- Health and Social Care,
- History,
- Spanish,
- Media Studies,
- Music,
- Photography,
- Religious Studies,
- and Sport.
Students may also be invited to join Foundation Project Qualification in Year 10.
Finally, enrichment is seen as being very important at Crispin and students have a wide range of opportunities to learn outside formal lessons. Such opportunities include school trips, sporting activities, music, dramatic productions, work experience, visiting speakers and school leadership opportunities.
If you have any questions about the curriculum at Crispin, please contact Mr Reddick via the main school office.
Last Updated: July 2024
