curriculum

Class sizes are small, which means that each child will have individual attention and support. Our teaching groups rarely exceed fifteen and in GCSE option subjects they are often much smaller. In our small classes each child's academic potential is recognised and developed through teaching of the highest quality and this in turn will build confidence.

From Year 7, each child will follow a broad and well balanced curriculum. Subjects included are, English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, A Modern Foreign Language, ICT, Art, Design, Food Technology, Music, Religious Education, History and Geography. From Year 8, a second Modern Foreign Language is introduced and from Year 9, Science is taught separately, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

In the Spring Term of Year 9, pupils begin to consider the subjects they wish to study at GCSE. Parents are fully involved in the decision making process and an GCSE Options Evening gives the pupils, parents and teachers the opportunity to discuss GCSE preferences.

At GCSE in addition to the core subjects of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each child will select four additional subjects to study from a wide range including - Art, Catering, Child Development, History, Geography, ICT, a second Modern Foreign Language, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Textiles.

In Years 10 and 11, each child will follow their GCSE courses, which will be supplemented by an enrichment curriculum which includes lessons in Physical Education, Music and PSHE. We believe that 10 GCSEs is a maximum number that any pupil should take. We feel it is more important to aim for excellent results in a smaller number of exams, for pupils to enjoy their subjects and to have time for them to take part in the Extra-curricular opportunities on offer.

Each individual child's progress throughout the Senior School is assessed and closely monitored by teachers using a variety of classroom assessments and formal tests. Each parent will receive regular reports on progress and achievement through a combination of written reports and parent/teacher evenings.

At St Joseph's we raise money throughout the year for a number of different charities  - please click here to see our Concert Calendar for 2011