Curriculum

Grangefield is a DFES Designated Specialist Technology College. This does not mean that all our pupils do is study technology – far from it! Our success in gaining Artsmark Silver, and the Sportsmark reflects our commitment to a balanced education. We believe that information and communication technologies can and should support learning right across the curriculum in English, the Arts, Humanities, Sports and Languages, as well as in Design Technology, Mathematics and Science.

What being a Technology College means is that we are totally committed to preparing our pupils for a technological future. All our pupils study Information and Communications Technology as a discrete part of their timetable throughout their time with us. The subject is taught in superbly equipped ICT rooms by specialist teachers. All pupils leave with at least a full GCSE in the subject, a significant number study ICT for an extended course equivalent to 4 GCSE’s.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

All pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum consisting of English, Maths, Science, Humanities (Geography, History, RE and Citizenship), Design Technology, ICT, Languages (initially French or Urdu), PE, Arts (Art, Drama and Music) and Personal, Social and Health Education. In many subject areas pupils are set by ability, based around their prior attainment. This enables us to meet more closely the needs of individual pupils. In Year 8 pupils who show an aptitude for languages are able to also learn Spanish.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

All pupils continue to study the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, PE and RE. As a Technology College all pupils continue to study ICT and one Design Technology from a wide range of options (product design, resistant materials, electronics, food technology, textiles, engineering, systems and control). From September 2007 our KS4 curriculum has been redesigned around a ‘Pathways’ model. In addition to the subjects listed above pupils have opted for one of three pathways:

a hands-on route, including college placements and work-related learning
a vocational route, with choices including BTEC ICT, BTEC PE, and applied GCSEs in Art and Design, Health and Social Care, Leisure and Tourism, Engineering
a more academic route, with GCSE options including History, Geography, Drama, Music, Art, French, Spanish, Urdu and Media Studies

A copy of the ‘Pathways’ booklet can be downloaded from the link below.