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Curriculum Overview

An education for the whole person

St Gregory’s curriculum encourages students to develop their talents, deepen their knowledge and become motivated, independent learners within a caring Christian pastoral setting. High expectations and excellent teaching and learning opportunities create an atmosphere that allows students to thrive. We encourage our students to think for themselves, to become creative problem solvers ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Our curriculum and wider student experiences have been thoughtfully developed to fully prepare young people to take their place in a global community. St Gregory’s is at the forefront of learning, drawing on the expertise and specialisms of our many local, national and international partnerships, including schools, universities and employers to give our students unique opportunities to enhance their personal portfolio and allow them to develop important employability and entrepreneurial skills.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum offer is one that inspires and challenges. Students are introduced to a broad and balanced curriculum that will set the foundations for future study and a love of life-long learning. Educational experience extends beyond the classroom; we are committed to providing rich extra-curricular opportunities that extend learning and deepen skills.

At Key Stage 4, students choose from a range of curriculum areas and subjects. We have developed a ‘tried and tested’ provision that allows breadth and balance whilst promoting academic achievement and success. We are committed to providing our students with a choice of option subjects that matches their needs and interests.

At Sixth Form, our Key Stage 5 curriculum continues to build on the outstanding academic tradition of St Gregory’s. We offer our sixth form students outstanding pastoral care, bespoke careers advice and inspiring post-16 learning opportunities that ensure students continue to grow and develop. We have an accomplished history of preparing young people for post-18 careers, higher level apprenticeships and higher education, including Russell Group and Oxbridge universities.

We offer a range of A Level courses from which students can choose the combination which best matches their future aspirations.

All students follow courses in:

  • Core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science and Religious Education
  • Humanities: History and Geography
  • Performing Arts: Music, Dance and Drama
  • Physical Education
  • Computing
  • Food Technology
  • Product Design in Years 7 & 8 (Year 9 in 2022)
  • Art
  • Modern Foreign Languages: Spanish, French, German and Mandarin Chinese (please contact school for policy and rationale regarding which languages are studied in each year group)
  • Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and careers education are covered in a designated lesson per fortnight, tutor time and across the curriculum

Students study from a range of curriculum areas. The KS4 curriculum is reviewed annually to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of our students whilst taking into account developments in subject examinations and government guidelines. The English Baccalaureate is a measure of success in core academic subjects, especially English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences or computing and a language. We believe that as many students as possible should be given the opportunity to study these subjects. Parents and students are provided with up to date information and guidance when ready to choose options.

The general pattern of study is as follows:

  • English Language & Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Religious Education
  • PE (non-exam)
  • PSHE (non-exam)

Students are also offered the opportunity to widen their subjects to include three options from:

  • Art
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Design Technology
  • Drama
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Geography
  • History
  • Languages (French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese)
  • Music
  • PE
  • Photography

Students are able to choose from a wide range of level 3 courses at sixth form. The New Sixth strives for academic excellence for all. To this end there is a broad and balanced curriculum offer to suit a variety of subject specialisms and career pathways.

Students have an exciting opportunity to deepen their knowledge of subjects and the chance to embrace new ones. It is a time for intellectual exploration, transforming in only two years into a mature young person who is ready to pass through the gateway to the challenges and rewards of university or career. Great care and attention has been paid to providing a range of qualifications that are highly regarded by universities and potential employers and which will enable students to grow in intellectual and personal maturity.

Subjects available at A Level (unless specified as different) include:

  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Drama and Theatre Studies
  • Economics
  • English Literature and Language
  • English Literature
  • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)*
  • Fine Art
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics - A Level, Further, AS*, Further AS* and Core*
  • Music
  • Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
  • Photography
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Spanish

* These courses may be taken in addition to the three A Level courses.

Read our full curriculum statement below:

Curriculum Policy

Curriculum & Assessment Policy

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