Our Curriculum & Subjects Overviews (UNDER REVIEW)

Curriculum Intent

At South Molton Community College, our curriculum is carefully designed with the start and end point in mind. We collaborate with our partner primary schools to gain a clear understanding of our students' starting point in Year 7. From there, we work upwards towards Year 11, ensuring that our students develop the necessary academic and social skills, as well as gain the qualifications needed to pursue further education or secure high-quality, meaningful employment. Our curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares our students for success beyond their time with us. As a school we have the highest expectations for each of our students and believe that no student should be left behind or leave the school without achieving their potential and more.

Our curriculum intent is detailed by the acronym SMCC and is evident in every lesson, every day.

Subject Mastery:

"We want each student to really understand and excel in the subjects they study. Our curriculum focuses on important knowledge, concepts, and skills in each subject. Our overall aim is that our students achieve qualifications and skills that enable them to have a competitive edge over their peers when they leave SMCC."

Meaningful Learning:

"We believe in providing students with meaningful learning experiences that connect their learning to real-world contexts and foster a deep understanding of the subjects they study. Our curriculum promotes active engagement, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge and skills in authentic situations.”

Character Building:

"Character Building is a key focus in our curriculum. Beyond academia, we strive to instil important values like responsibility, respect, and resilience. We believe that a strong character is just as vital as academic success in preparing your child for a successful future."

Critical Thinking:

"At SMCC, we emphasise the development of Critical Thinking skills. We want each student to be independent, confident, and great at solving problems. Our curriculum encourages them to ask questions, analyse information, and make thoughtful decisions, preparing them for challenges in and outside the classroom."

SMCC Approach:

"We follow an SMCC approach to give each student a well-rounded education. This prepares them not just for academic success but also for personal growth and future achievements."

The taught curriculum is based upon the National Curriculum programmes of study at Key Stages 3 and 4 and is timetabled using a 50-period, two-week cycle.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9)

Our students study the full breadth of the National Curriculum.  We are committed to delivering knowledge rich foundations across a broad range of subjects to support the academic and personal development of every student.  This approach empowers students to make considered choices about their learning pathways at the end of the key stage.  In addition to the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science, all students will also be taught the following until the end of year 9:

• Humanities subjects: History, Geography and Religious Education
• Modern Foreign Languages: Either French or German
• Arts: Art, Drama and Music.
• Design Technology including Food and Nutrition.
• Physical Education.
• Personal Development (PD), which is taught via timetabled lessons but also includes immersion days run at various times throughout the year, assemblies, and across a range of curriculum subjects.

The aim is that Key Stage 3 will lay sufficient foundations for the students to choose a sensible, informed and suitable course of study for key stage 4 during the year 9 options process.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

Students develop expertise in the academic subjects they will gain qualifications in.  All students study English, Mathematics and Science, along with four options subjects which they select from a broad offering, to match their aspirations.  Students are encouraged to study the English Baccalaureate if it is appropriate for them, but this is not compulsory.  When our students leave at the end of Key Stage 4, we want them to be equipped to flourish in a global society where they can lead happy, fulfilling, and purposeful lives.  Therefore, all students continue to study a wider curriculum at Key Stage 4 including Physical Education, Religious Education, and Personal Development to support this personal growth alongside their academic studies.

For details of all courses available see our Options page

SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Assessment and Reporting

Key stage 3 students have an Assessment framework, the framework outlines the expected standard for each subject and contains information about the knowledge and skills required. Students will use these frameworks in lessons so that they know what they have mastered and what they can do to improve.  The more fully they master this learning, the better their preparation for the following year’s work and the better equipped they will be for Key Stage 4 and beyond.

Reports through the year provide information about how students are progressing against the Assessment framework.

Key stage 4 students work is assessed using examination board mark schemes or mark grids. Tests and formal classroom assessments are used in subjects to determine progress and attainment, or to contribute to summative assessment grades. Mock examinations are held at regular intervals during Key Stage 4: once in year 10 and twice in year 11.

Reports through the year contain details of progress made towards the key stage 4 qualification be that GCSE grade 1-9 or vocational grades based on the student’s prior attainment and relevant mock exam results.

All report will also include information about a student’s effort and homework on a 1-4 scale. This is helpful in knowing how hard your child is working and what can be done to help secure the expected standards of learning.

Year 7 Assessment Framework