Rationale and Entitlement

The architecture of our curriculum model designs the structure and allocation of our subject and wider curriculum delivery across each year group and key stage.

Our curriculum model is designed to ensure we effectively deliver our intent by providing a broad and balanced curriculum and rich educational experience. We also design our school’s curriculum model to best meet the needs of our students and locality reflecting upon courses that support the local and national job market and those that have been positive destination subjects for our students. 

At The Deanes we want all students to leave our school as well rounded individuals prepared for the world of work and their personal futures (Promise#4). We believe a broad and balanced curriculum for all supports this ambition.

Key Stage 3

Our curriculum reflects the ambitious intent of the National Curriculum.  Students begin their secondary experience studying a rich programme of English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Spanish, Physical Education, Computer Science, Ethics and Citizenship and RSHE.  They also study a broad range of creative and performing arts subjects: Art, Music, Drama and Dance, Design Technology and Food and Nutrition.  In addition, all students have the opportunity to take part in our "innovative" Challenger sessions (Ofsted, 2019).

The number of lessons per fortnight in our 2022 - 2023 Key Stage 3 curriculum model is shown below.

Key Stage 4

The number of lessons per fortnight in our 2022 - 2023 Key Stage 3 curriculum model is shown below.

In Key Stage 4, our students study a broad range of subjects and learning opportunities to deepen their educational experience and build a solid foundation of subject knowledge and skills (Promise#3). Academic and Technical study at Level 1 / Level 2 (including GCSE) are studied across two years offering a wide entitlement to subjects including those which make up the Full English Baccalaureate.  All students at The Deanes must study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Combined Science.  

All students have the opportunity to choose four Option Subjects in Key Stage 4.  One of these options must be Geography or History.  

Students then choose an additional three subjects.  We do not block subjects at the time of choosing.  We allow students an open option choice and we aim to accommodate these choices based on the preferences of the cohort, hence ensuring that our curriculum meets the needs of our students (Promise#3).  

In addition, all students follow a course in Physical Education. The course focuses on ensuring that students understand the importance of healthy, active lifestyles – both physically and mentally.  This is complemented by our compulsory RSHE lessons, which covers topics such as positive relationships and sexual health. The Deanes is committed to promoting positive mental health and physical well being.

In order to further ensure that each student has a broad and balanced curriculum, we encourage all students to choose at least one creative or performing arts subject. We believe the study of creative and performing arts subjects supports our Building Character agenda by developing our students’ health, wellbeing and self-confidence. By studying subjects that require them to think creatively, problem solve, develop healthy lifestyles and be part of a team, our students will grow as individuals and enhance their employability skills in readiness for the world of work (Promise#4). 

The educational offer at The Deanes promotes a broad and balanced curriculum throughout all years that enables every student to fulfill their potential with the aspiration to move forward with their educational experience at one of our local further education providers, including Westcliff High School for Girls and then onto higher education.

At Key Stage 4, students are given the numerous opportunities to develop their Computing and ICT skills throughout their core and option subjects.  The diagram below details some of the curriculum opportunities available to students.