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La Sainte Union Catholic School

Curriculum Statement

Curriculum Statement 

As a Roman Catholic community, we are inspired by the person of Jesus Christ whose life and teaching is the exemplar of our work as Christian educators. 

In a spirit of inclusion and with respect for each pupil’s individual talents:
  • We strive to develop strength of character and individual confidence by stressing the pursuit of excellence and concern for others.

  • We seek to educate the whole person, academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally through a curriculum based on Christian principles and centred on the needs and aspirations of our pupils, parents and wider community.

For the full Curriculum Statement click on the link here.

 Contact

For more information on the curriculum followed by our school, please contact Mr Beavis, Deputy Headteacher at mbeavis@lsu.camden.sch.uk.  

Statutory Curriculum

Reflecting the vision of our founder, Jean Baptiste Debrabant, in providing a Christian-based education, each pupil studies Religious Education in Key Stages 3 and 4 with 100% entry in GCSE/Certificate of Award. In the Sixth Form, A Level students in Years 12/13 follow a General RE course.

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is delivered by a dedicated team. Citizenship is taught across the curriculum and through Community Drop Down Days. The learning and our values are reinforced through assemblies, presentations, and liturgy. Promoting the health and dignity of all human beings, Sex and Relationships Education is taught from entry through Religious Education, Science, PSHE and external specialist teams. This is delivered in accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church and Diocesan guidelines.

In Careers, there is independent professional guidance available throughout the school to ensure full economic well-being. This includes individual interviews, visits off-site and work placements, as well as a series of workshops covering medical, business, legal and Science / Technology / Engineering / Creative careers. Work Related Learning and Enterprise is integrated throughout the whole curriculum, particularly through PSHE. Students also participate in enterprise days. Pupils following a Sixth Form Vocational Course have work experience as an integral part of their course. A Careers and Higher Education programme operates throughout the Sixth Form.

All pupils participate in Physical Education lessons (Key Stages 3 and 4). A GCSE option is available at Key Stage 4 and A Level at Key Stage 5. Extra-curricular activities are wide-ranging and reviewed termly in response to pupil demand, as part of our Extended Schools programme. Competitive sports provide opportunities for teamwork. At Key Stage 4, all girls are encouraged to participate in a Sports Award programme.

Computer Science is taught as a discrete subject in all years at Key Stages 3 and 4. The majority of pupils in Key Stage 4 will have the opportunity to take the European Computer Driving Licence and the rest are entered for Functional Skills Level 1 or Level 2. Computer Science GCSE is a popular option.

All pupils are taught English at Key Stage 3 and are entered for English and English Literature at Key Stage 4 (GCSE). The Certificate of Achievement will be offered to one or two pupils, if appropriate. In Years 7 and 8, pupils are taught in mixed ability classes with a small cohort, achieving Level 4 or below, taught separately in Year 7. From Year 9, pupils are taught across two broad ability bands.

Drama is taught as a discrete subject in Years 7 and 8 and as a Key Stage 4 Option.

All pupils follow Mathematics at Key Stages 3 and 4 and are divided into broad bands after initial screening with additional support for very low prior attainers. At Key Stage 4, all girls are entered for GCSE Maths or entry-level, with one or two higher set also entered for Statistics.

Pupils in Key Stage 3 are taught Science in mixed-ability groups with a streamed top set in each half year group in Years 8 and 9. At Key Stage 4, pupils can opt for Separate Sciences or Core and Additional Science GCSE, according to their aspirations and abilities. Post 16, A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught with specialist support for aspiring Medics and selective Science degree applicants provided by the Higher Education Adviser.

All pupils study Art and Music at Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4, both subjects are among the option choices. Classes are mixed ability. These subjects are enhanced by broad extra-curricular provision including instrumental tuition, choirs, ensembles, school productions and competitions.

A carousel operates during the course of Key Stage 3 Design and Technology which allows access for all pupils to Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials and Graphics. Classes are mixed ability. At Key Stage 4, in response to pupil demand, we offer Food, Textiles or Product Design.

All pupils at Key Stage 3 study History and Geography as discrete subjects in mixed-ability classes. Two or more option groups are offered for each subject at Key Stage 4. Sociology and Business Studies sets are added in Year 10 as an option choice.

Modern Foreign Languages is part of our core curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4. All pupils in Year 7 choose a language, French or Spanish, which they take for five years. At Key Stage 4, a small group may be offered Support for Learning as an alternative to MFL, in Year 11. Any pupil able to achieve in a community language is encouraged to enter a GCSE from Year 9 onwards.

Each year, from Year 10, some DSEN pupils may access Work Based Learning, extended Work Experience or a modified curriculum according to their individual needs. This is arranged with the support of Connexions.

The 14-19 offer is subject to review in discussion with our LaSWAP partners. The current balance is popular with pupils and their parents and allows very good progression to post-16 courses and training.

LaSWAP offers vocational courses at Levels 2 and 3 including Art and Design, Business Studies, Health and Social Care, IT, Media and Science. Over forty choices, in almost all combinations, are available across our partner schools.

See the LaSWAP website for further details:

http://www.laswap.camden.sch.uk