Curriculum Statement
At The Gilberd School we offer a broad and balanced curriculum that fulfils statutory obligations, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for life in 21st Century Modern Britain. Our students choose their GCSE options in Year 8 and begin their GCSE studies in Year 9, following a three year KS4.
Our curriculum is ambitious, with an emphasis on English, Maths and Science and the other English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects (Geography, History, French and German), whilst also ensuring that students have the opportunity to develop their character and creativity through a range of artistic and practical courses, as well as through a diverse programme of extra-curricular activities.
We believe strongly in the importance of “literacy for life”, as reflected in our weekly cross curricular focus on specific areas of Literacy and the many interventions that are put into place to support those who find literacy more of a challenge. Numeracy across the curriculum is championed, and our students’ mathematical skills are enhanced further by challenges and competitions. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is heavily promoted at The Gilberd, with all students at KS3 studying Computing and Technology.
Our students are encouraged to show the highest level of commitment and ambition with the setting of challenging, aspirational targets; numerous leadership opportunities; and activities which stretch and encourage higher level thinking. Students are rewarded accordingly though our celebrated Gilberd Crest reward system.
A resilient, “Growth Mindset” approach is adopted in lessons, with students expected to respond to their assessed work by making improvements, as directed by their teacher, their peers or from self-assessment. They are also encouraged to problem solve; think independently; and learning from mistakes and misconceptions, whilst supporting the learning of others.
Within the classroom, students act with integrity, following our agreed Behaviour Policy. They show compassion in their ability to empathise with others whose experiences and situations may differ to their own and fully appreciate the importance of the British values of tolerance and respect within the law.
Personal Social Health Education (PSHE); Citizenship and British Values; and Careers; are provided through our highly effective Future Skills Programme. This is delivered by Form Tutors and, where deemed necessary, by external providers.
We are immensely proud of our curriculum, which has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. It is reviewed annually to ensure that it meets the needs of all our students, regardless of their academic ability, for an ever changing world.
