Curriculum

“The curriculum is well designed to meet the needs of students in developing their basic skills and making the best of their individual talents.”

OFSTED 2014

If you would like to view the content of our Curriculum please visit our Curriculum page https://www.penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk/curriculum-information/

The timetable consists of 5 x 1 hour lessons (25 lessons in total per week).

We offer a rigorous three-year Key Stage 3 programme that ensures a firm grounding in a wide range of subjects, leading to more informed choices at Key Stage 4. Most of our students pursue the English Baccalaureate, alongside a wide choice of creative, practical and vocational subjects, because we believe it matches both theirs and our aspirations, placing them on level terms with high-performing students elsewhere.

Our curriculum also lies beyond the classroom, enabling students’ personal growth and development through our exciting and engaging extra-curricular programme. 

In Year 7 students are taught in their tutor groups for some lessons, while Mathematics, Science, English, and Modern Foreign Languages, which are taught in ability sets from September, based on prior achievement and our own baseline assessments. In Years 8 & 9, setting is introduced for most subjects and this allows girls to be placed in the group best suited to their individual needs in each subject. Students who may need additional support to achieve their potential in Mathematics or English may have a bespoke timetable that allows for intervention in these areas to accelerate their progress.

Specialist help is provided by the Learning Support Department for students whose needs are not fully met by the normal mainstream curriculum. Learning Support takes place with small groups or individuals, either within the mainstream class lesson, or on short-term withdrawal basis.

Parents are regarded as full partners in the support programme and are welcome to contact the SEN Co-ordinator at any time.

Years 7, 8 and 9.

All students will study the following curriculum:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Art
  • Life Skills
  • Technology
  • German / French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Computing
  • Music
  • Physical Education / Dance
  • Religious Education

Years 10 & 11

All students follow public examination courses usually leading to GCSE or GCSE equivalent vocational qualifications and for a small number of pupils, vocational based qualifications are available in collaboration with local colleges and appropriate providers. The curriculum is evaluated regularly and additional qualifications may be offered if suitable.

The in-school programme of study for Years 10 and 11 comprises a compulsory core of:

  • English (Language and Literature)
  • Mathematics
  • Science

In addition, students follow non examination courses in:

  • Physical Education
  • Life Skills

Together with 4 additional subjects at present chosen from:

  • Art
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • French
  • German
  • Geography
  • BTEC Health and Social Care
  • History
  • Computer Science
  • BTEC Creative Media Production
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Physical Education
  • Religious Studies
  • Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Technology (Food Preparation and Nutrition, Product Design and Textiles)

If you need any further information about our school curriculum please contact Mr J Ramsdale, Senior Assistant Headteacher at j.ramsdale@penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk

  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award