Our Curriculum
"The school has planned the curriculum with precision." Ofsted 2023
Our curriculum is designed to prepare bright young people with knowledge, understanding and skills to succeed in the 21st Century, and be ready to take a leading role in their communities. We aim to support transition at key points in a student's academic journey. We also intend to provide our young people with the challenge, skills and attributes to have the personal and intellectual ability to thrive independently.
Stroud High School students have a curriculum that sets them up for the next stage of their lives. In almost all cases this is Higher Education. The curriculum and student experience prepare students to excel at GCSE and then undertake a personalised pathway at A Level. They secure places at the very best universities, aspirational apprenticeship programmes and pursue wide-ranging careers – all united by the belief that they can make a positive impact in the world around them.
Our curriculum develops five key domains of knowledge, understanding and skills. These evolve and advance throughout the Key Stages:
- Literacy, Language, Communication & Culture
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths
- Character, Health, Wellbeing & Social Responsibility (Key Stages 3&4), Personal Development & Preparing for Next Steps (Key Stage 5)
- The World, the Past, Ideas & Spirituality (Key Stages 3&4), Humanities & Social Sciences (Key Stage 5)
- Design, Creativity & the Performing Arts
For further information regarding our curriculum, please contact Jane Thornton, Assistant Head.
The foundations for success of our students are built in Key Stage 3. They experience a broad curriculum of discovery.
In Key Stage 3, students develop the skills to be an effective learner. They are inspired to be curious, ask questions and become intellectually confident. The curriculum encourages them to deepen their understanding of themselves and aspire to their personal best. The student experience in Key Stage 3 underpins the transition into their own bespoke curriculum in Key Stage 4.
| Literacy, Language, Communication & Culture | Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths | Character, Health, Wellbeing & Social Responsibility | The world, the Past, Ideas & Spirituality | Design, Creativity, Performance & the Arts |
| English Language English Literature French German Spanish |
Maths Science Computing |
Personal Development Star Awards Citizenship (incl British Values) Physical Education Future Choices |
Geography History Religious Studies |
Design Technology Art Music Drama |
Students personalise the Key Stage 4 curriculum around their own preferences, and are encouraged to enhance their understanding of themselves as high performance learners. Independent advice and guidance is available to support students when making curriculum choices
In this Key Stage students study a core of English Language, English Literature, Maths and Science (combined or separate) and then an additional four choices (or three if a student is studying Biology, Physics and Chemistry as individual GCSEs).
Along with their nine GCSE subjects, students follow a programme of Personal Development, Citizenship, Physical Education and Ethics. These are key components of our curriculum that develop students as healthy, well-informed, open-minded young people prepared to make considered decisions.
Key Stage 4 students build upon the foundations of their prior learning and focus on deeper engagement with concepts, ideas and knowledge. There is a focus on study skills, developing intellectual confidence and deliberate practice.
| Literacy, Language, Communication & Culture | Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths | Character, Health, Wellbeing & Social Responsibility | The World, the Past, Ideas & Spirituality | Design, Creativity, Performance & the Arts |
| English Language English Literature French German Spanish |
Maths Additional Maths Combined Science Biology Physics Chemistry Computer Science |
Personal Development Citizenship (incl British Values) Physical Education Core Ethics Future Choices Extracurricular Opportunities (eg DofE) |
Geography History Religious Studies Business Studies |
Product Design Food Art Textiles Photography Fine Art Graphics Music Drama |
Stroud High Sixth Form students tailor their curriculum based on their own intellectual and creative interests. Students are able to choose from a broad selection of 26 A Level subjects. The majority of students will pursue their passions by studying three A Levels, but there is the option to study a fourth - for example Further Maths.
Alongside A Levels, students will study an enriching additional academic qualification of their choice. This could be the Extended Project Qualification, Gold Crest Award or Core Maths.
Our personalised curriculum pathways offer exciting opportunities for students to work with industry specialists who will guide and mentor students on their learning journey.
Scholarship lies at the heart of our Key Stage 5 learning experience. Students are encouraged to invest time in exploring their chosen subject disciplines in depth. Our structured scholarship programme aims to develop independent study.
We have a robust transition programme in place for students joining our Sixth Form from other schools. Students are supported in this transition in both subject-specific academic skills and the development of cognitive capabilities.
We are proud that our Sixth Form students mature into lifelong learners ready to make their mark in the world.
| Literacy, Language, Communication & Culture | Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths | Personal Development & Preparing for Next Steps | Humanities & Social Sciences | Design, Performance & the Creative Arts |
| English Literature French German Spanish |
Maths Further Maths Biology Physics Chemistry Computer Science Product Design Core Maths |
Pathways Broadening Horizons Programme Scholarship & Independence Extended Project Qualification Leadership & Volunteering |
Geography History Religious Studies Philosophy Sociology Psychology Politics Business Studies Economics |
Product Design Art Textiles Fine Art Drama Physical Education Music |