Teaching Groups

At Archbishop Beck, we ensure that the curriculum is broad and balanced and fully inclusive to all learners. Grouping is carefully looked at to ensure that the curriculum is suitable for all students with all having access to the same curriculum, irrespective of what group they are in.  Movement between groups is reviewed after each assessment period and students are moved as and when appropriate, in consultation with the students and their parents/carers.

Year 7

Some of our learners are entitled to be part of the ‘Catch up Literacy’ and/or ‘Catch up Numeracy’ programme if they are identified as not having achieved the expected standard at KS2. This is co-ordinated carefully with our numeracy and reading leads and our SEND coordinator. Catch up is put into place, including access to tutoring after school for some students, so as not to impact the students full access to the curriculum.

Year 8 and Year 9

At the end of Year 7 and Year 8 a full consultation with Subject and Pastoral teams takes place to review the groups. Consultation with parents/carers is then made for students who are to be moved groups.  In Year 8 and Year 9 we then continue with our bands where students are set according to ability for all subjects apart from PE.  All Year 8 and 9 students have the same number of lessons in English, Maths, Science, Religious Education, History, Geography, Art, Computing, Citizenship, Languages, Performing Arts, Design Technology and PE.

Year 10 and Year 11

The Key Stage 4 curriculum in Years 10 and 11 offers a full breadth of subjects.  Our options process at the end of Year 9 is based upon the interests, abilities and aptitude of learners.  Students and parents are supported at an individual level to help them choose subjects that are appropriate for them and their destinations post-16.  We offer a range of GCSE and Vocational qualifications and ensure that all learners have the opportunity to complete the full English Baccalaureate suite of subjects.

All students study English language and literature, maths, science, PE/Dance, RE and either history or geography and then a free choice of two subjects from art, business studies, computer science, construction, drama, fashion, food, French, geography, history, ICT, media, music, Spanish and travel and tourism.  This allows students, if they wish, to choose both history and geography and both French and Spanish.