Mission Statement: Academic excellence within a strong community of equality and respect, where potential and opportunity are realised.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” 

Martin Luther King Jr 

George Abbot Curriculum Intent

The curriculum at George Abbot is broad, aspirational and academically rich offering rigour, challenge and access for all. We want our students to experience the best that has been thought, discovered, created, expressed and to reference their learning within time, place and context. Knowledge is sequenced effectively towards clearly defined end points. Driven by research and cognitive science, our responsive teaching seeks to bring social and cultural justice. We ensure learning is accessible to every young person through skilled pedagogy. Our curriculum extends well beyond the classroom and incorporates a deep commitment to diversity and respect, artistic and physical endeavour, character development and wellbeing. Student resilience and self-efficacy are facilitated as the foundation for future success.

Features of our curriculum and its delivery include:

  • Curiosity
  • Ideas and cultural endeavour
  • Deep thinking
  • Independent enquiry
  • Thoughtful sequencing
  • A clear focus on key concepts
  • Deliberate retrieval opportunities
  • Inclusive classrooms
  • Systematic approaches to developing reading, writing and oracy
  • Understanding and celebration of diversity and our role in society
  • Knowledgeable and skilful teachers with a real commitment to ongoing learning
  • Intelligently planned assessments which enable strong understanding of individual student progress
  • A whole school responsive teaching model
  • Preparation for progression into undergraduate study, apprenticeships and the world of work
  • Extensive extra-curricular provision
  • Character development
  • Respect and support for each other
  • Belonging

George Abbot Curriculum Implementation

5 year curriculum:

We have worked in partnership with our curriculum and whole school leaders to develop a bespoke 5 year George Abbot curriculum.  Our curriculum is deliberately broad and is staffed by subject experts. All year groups access well planned PSE and RSHE content. Our careers provision is an important strength and supports student choices and decisions on their journey through school. Students study all National Curriculum subjects up to the end of Year 9 – these include:

Key Stage 3 Subjects:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish
  • Geography
  • History
  • RE
  • PE
  • Art and Design including Photography, Textiles, Graphics
  • Computing and ICT
  • Design Technology and Food & Nutrition
  • Music, Dance, Drama
  • PSE and RSHE

Key Stage 4:

  • At the end of Year 9, most students drop either Geography or History
  • Most students continue with a Modern Foreign Language
  • Most students will select two additional option choices
  • Students take their GCSE in RE in Year 10
  • Students study both English Language and English Literature
  • Students study either three single sciences or double science
  • Students therefore study 11, 10 or 9 GCSEs

Key Stage 4 option subjects offered in addition to the subjects offered at Key Stage 3:

  • Business
  • BTEC First Award Level 1/2 – Children’s Play, Learning & Development
  • BTEC Level 1/2 Construction
  • Hair and Beauty – Practical and Employability Skills City and Guilds Level 1/2
  • Media Studies
  • Sociology
  • Cambridge National – Sports Studies

Timetable Structure

The timetable is based on a 40 period per 2 week cycle model. Lessons are 75 minutes facilitating greater modelling, practice and depth of explanation. Week B replicates week A as much as possible. There are four lessons a day and a short break between each lesson. Students enjoy fresh air after every lesson and there is access to canteens spread across three breaks. The day begins with a 25 minute Tutor session, when students are welcomed for the day through an interesting form time programme that includes assembly, reading, character development, PSE and citizenship.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

Students study either three or four subjects at Key Stage 5. If students are studying three subjects, this could be a set of A Levels or a choice of A Level subjects in combination with BTEC qualifications or solely BTEC subjects. Where students are studying four subjects, these will be four A Level courses. Subjects are divided across five option blocks with 300 learning minutes per week for most subjects. PSE and RSHE are delivered through tutor time, assembly and feature lectures. Students also access 1:1 time with their tutor to support their personal development and nest steps. We have a dedicated careers team who provide independent and expert advice and guidance of a high calibre.

2023-2024 Key Stage 5 Curriculum

  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • DT: Design Engineering, Product Design
  • Economics
  • English Language and Literature
  • English Literature
  • Fine Art
  • French
  • Further Maths
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphics
  • History
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • PE
  • Philosophy and Ethics
  • Photography
  • Physics
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Textiles
  • BTEC Applied Science
  • BTEC Business
  • BTEC Child Development
  • BTEC Food and Nutrition
  • BTEC Sport Foundation Diploma and Diploma
  • Cambridge Technical in ICT

Prospectus 2023-24

Curriculum Journey by Subject

Year 10-11 Curriculum Booklet 2024-2026