Formby High School offers a diverse and inspiring curriculum for students across all year groups. We aim to prepare our students for exciting and productive futures in an expanding global society by providing a curriculum which balances academic rigour with creative and enterprising opportunities. Classroom learning is further enhanced by cross-curricular enrichment activities, educational visits and work with visiting practitioners. Students are encouraged to develop independent learning and thinking skills, and our assessment systems promote active development of valuable ‘Attitude to Learning’ competencies.
Curriculum Policy
Curriculum Statement
Curriculum Model
Key Stage Three
Year 7 and 8
Students in Years 7 and 8 follow a broad curriculum that prioritises developing the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them for the challenges of GCSEs. Students follow a two week timetable:
Key Stage 3 has been made more efficient with opportunities for all students to progress, and a major focus on programmes of study that are new and challenging. This provides an opportunity to build on the work covered in primary school, whilst enhancing and refining essential skills and knowledge. Lesson encourage a word-rich culture which promote vocabulary development, high levels of literacy and a love for reading. Students are also encouraged to explore the big picture around the topics they study, demonstrate a real spirit for enquiry and ‘cultural capital’.
| Art | English | Music |
| Computing | Geography | Physical Education |
| Cooking and Nutrition | History | Religious Values and Education |
| Design Thinking | Mathematics | RESPECT |
| Drama | Modern Languages | Science |
Year 9
In addition to the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Spanish, RAVE, PE and RESPECT, students in Year 9 also have the opportunity to study other subjects as part of a ‘discovery year’ prior to starting Key Stage Four in Year 10. The aim of this year is to provide more time for subject areas to experiment and explore even more ambitious content and to give students an exposure to new subjects before making GCSE choices. It also allows more opportunities for personalisation and for students to pursue specific interests. Our Discovery Year options courses include:
- Arts Award
- Business Studies
- Creative iMedia
- Dance
- Design Thinking (Engineering)
- Design Thinking (Hospitality and Catering)
- Environmental Science
- Higher Project Qualification
- Latin
- Music Technology
- Sports Leadership
Click below for Year 9 Discovery Year Information for 2021/22
- Year 9 Discovery Year Guide
- Year 9 Discovery Year Options Information for Students
- Year 9 Discovery Year Video
Key Stage Four
At Key Stage Four (Years 10 and 11), all students follow a core curriculum of English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science (including the option to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate GCSE subjects), Religious Studies, RESPECT and Careers. They choose to follow one of our specialist pathways, incorporating GCSEs and vocational qualifications. In addition to the core curriculum, students make GCSE options choices at the end of Year 8 and are currently able to select from the range of courses outlined below. All GCSE examinations are taken at the end of Year 11 with the exception of Religious Studies which is completed in Year 10.
| GCSE Courses | Vocational Courses | |
|---|---|---|
| Astronomy (extra-curricular) | French (extra-curricular) | Creative iMedia |
| Business | Geography | Engineering (BTEC Award) |
| Computer Science | History | Hospitality and Catering |
| Dance | Music | |
| Drama | Physical Education | |
| Fine Art | Spanish |
Key Stage Five
At Key Stage Five (Years 12 and 13) students have the opportunity to follow one of four pathways. These are outlined in the second image below. Typically, students will follow a three course pathway (A Level, BTEC or a combination of both). Those who have a very high attainment at GCSE and who demonstrate the academic potential and capacity to cope with a more academically demanding curriculum will be able to select four A Level courses and will study all four subjects during Years 12 and 13.
Students will also participate in our Enrichment Programme which offers a wide range of additional accredited qualifications and practical activities, including Extended Project Qualification, Arts Award Gold, Tomorrow’s Teachers, Core Mathematics and more!
Click here for more information about our Key Stage Five Curriculum