The Curriculum

Patcham High School prides itself on the broad and balanced curriculum it offers its students, based on our knowledge of individual Students it provides equal access and opportunity to all to promote high achievement.

We aim to ensure differentiation, progression and continuity. Our curriculum challenges and motivates Students to realise the full range of their interests and abilities encouraging Students’ personal and social development. The organisation and delivery of the curriculum aims to develop in Students the skills and attitudes for the enjoyment of life long learning and a healthy lifestyle working in partnership with Students home, school and wider community.

Our curriculum is based around the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Modern foreign Languages, Humanities, Physical Education and Life Skills. All students will study a full range of additional subjects in Years 7, 8 and 9, there are some elements of choice for Year 9 and then more for Year 10 and 11 curriculums. Please see the links below for information regarding choices made at Easter for Year 8 and Year 9 students.

We believe in monitoring the progress of our students regularly and providing them and you with half term progress checks. We provide regular opportunities in school to discuss these updates on progress with form tutors and subject teachers to set targets to support learning.

At the beginning of Year 7 students undertake ‘CAT’ tests (Cognitive ability tests) to provide teachers with additional information regarding students’ abilities to use alongside information from primary schools. Students are taught in mixed ability groups and set in Mathematics and Science from year 8. We operate a flexible system regarding ‘setting’ and make termly reviews to ensure students are best placed to progress.

Please see below for an outline of the subjects covered in the formal curriculum for each year group.

For any enquiries regarding the curriculum, contact Mike Newman via email.

The Curriculum Structure

Year 7
Year 7 Rotation
Year 8
Year 8 Rotation
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11

In addition, students taught curriculum in school have partnerships with external providers for some vocational courses.

Moving from Year 8 into Year 9

Please use this link to view the Year 8 Choices Booklet.

Moving from Year 9 into Year 10

Please visit the Key Stage 4 Transition page for information for moving from Year 9 into Year 10.

Vocational Studies

• Year 10  – College day for students is Tuesday
• Year 11  – College day for students is Friday

These are half days and are scheduled to ensure students do not miss any core subjects at school. The courses run over two years and the day will remain the same for both years.

Greater Metropolitan College Brighton (GBMET) Courses for 14 to 16 years.

• Hair and Beauty Level 1
• Construction Level 1

Plumpton College Courses for 14 to 16 years also available for specific students by arrangement.

All students are visited regularly by Ms Ottoway our offsite learning coordinator who liaises with staff at college and school and is the first point of contact for any queries or concerns about college. nottoway@patchamhigh.org.uk  01273 543494 (Monday /  Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday).