Curriculum Overview

He has sent me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free. Luke 4:18

All Catholic Schools should endeavour to offer to all, and especially to the poor and marginalised, the opportunity of an education, of training for a job, of human and Christian formation. Christ at the Centre 2012.

The consensus of education researchers is that carefully planned and sequenced knowledge acquisition is central to narrowing gaps in learning between the advantaged and the disadvantaged. Knowledge is needed to acquire knowledge and to acquire skills.

As a Catholic school, with a clear mission to educate all, especially the poor and the marginalised, our curriculum is knowledge based. Woven through this knowledge based curriculum is the opportunity to develop the mind and body, and the opportunity for Christian and human formation.

Mind, Soul and Body

Mind

The great conversation of humanity

  • Cultural literacy
  • Big ideas and concepts
  • Applying knowledge

Soul

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging symbol

  • Catholic teaching and spirituality
  • Ethics
  • Community

Body

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world

  • Wellbeing
  • Creativity
  • Changing the world

All students

Alongside timetabled subjects, students begin the journey of developing skills of independent study, personal, relationship and social skills. There are opportunities for careers information, guidance, RSE and PHSE through the pastoral programme.

Key Stage Three

All students study

  • Religious Education
  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • Either French or Spanish
  • History and Geography
  • Computer Science
  • Technology
  • Creative Arts
  • Physical Education

Key Stage Four

All students will study a core programme of

  • Religious Education
  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • Physical Education

All students will study at least one of the English Baccalaureate subjects

  • Modern Foreign Language
  • History
  • Geography
  • Computer Science

Students will take further qualifications from a range of Humanities, Arts and Technology subjects; GCSE and vocational qualifications are available.

Students and parents will be guided to the most appropriate qualifications. We will emphasise the opportunities presented by studying the full suite of English Baccalaureate subjects to students with high prior attainment at Key Stage Two.

Key Stage Five

Saint Benedict will provide a range of subjects, both A Level and vocational. Students who wish to study at Russel Group universities will find a broad range of facilitating subjects available. These will sit alongside a smaller range of vocational qualifications.

All students will follow a General RE course.