Curriculum

The curriculum for Key Stage 3 follows the National Curriculum. Most students study two languages (Spanish and French) throughout Key Stage 3. A wide range of courses additional to the core subjects are offered at Key Stage 4. Students are encouraged to study humanities and languages and the great majority do so. Almost all Key Stage 4 examination entries are in GCSEs, Year 10 and 11 students typically study 9 GCSEs although some study up to 11 GCSEs.

There is setting in ability groups in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 where appropriate.  In Key Stage 3 students are set by ability  in mathematics, MFL  and science from Year 8 onwards using prior assessment data from KS2 SATs and internal assessments. In Key Stage 4 setting by ability is in place in English, mathematics and science.

Details of specific subject curriculum content can be found in the relevant faculty area; however, in general terms, the Oldfield curriculum is as follows:

In Years 7, 8 and 9, all students follow courses in:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Art
  • Computing and IT
  • Dance
  • Design and Technology
  • Drama
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Music
  • PE
  • Religious Studies
  • Spanish

In Years 10 and 11 students follow a core curriculum in:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • PE
  • PSHE

In addition to these core subjects students are able to choose four further courses from the following subjects:

  • Art and Design
  • Business Studies
  • Child Development
  • Computer Science
  • Creative iMedia
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Food Preparation and Nutrition
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Photography
  • Product Design
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Sports Studies
  • Textiles

The school day consists of five one hour lessons.