- Home
- Parents
- Curriculum & Pastoral Overview
Curriculum & Pastoral Overview
Our curriculum is designed to give a broad and balanced approach that promotes high levels of engagement, achievement and progression. Our leaders have planned a knowledge and skills-rich curriculum that covers the National Curriculum, and takes ideas and concepts even further. Our curriculum enhances the skills, knowledge and opportunities open to all learners.
Key Stage 3 comprises the curriculum taught in year 7 and year 8. Key Stage 4 curriculum begins in year 9 leading to GCSE assessment at the end of year 11. The option programme is designed to offer a broad choice. Following the enhanced curriculum, students study subjects that further, and enhance a range of skills. Students who choose both a modern language and a humanities subject, combined with the Core subjects, qualify for the English Baccalaureate. It is considered to be an advantage by employers, colleges and Universities. The EBacc is made up of the subjects which the Russell Group Universities say open more doors to more degrees. Sutton Trust research reveals that studying the EBacc can improve a young person’s performance in English and Maths. Our students’ personal development is a significant part of their curriculum, and extra curricular , and all students can certify in GCSE Citizenship at the end of year 10. This is experience and understanding is enhanced by the CEIAG (Careers Education, Advice & Guidance) that runs through all year groups, and is designed to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks. A comprehensive PSHE programme runs for 25 minutes each day following a 5 minute registration.
Lessons are taught in 100 minute sessions over a two week timetable with Key Stage allocations as follows:
SUBJECT |
Y7 |
Y8 |
Y9 |
Y10 |
Y11 |
Y12 |
Y13 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENGLISH |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
|
MATHS |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
SCIENCE |
4 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
|
MUSIC |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
TECHNOLOGY |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
HISTORY |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
GEOGRAPHY |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
RE AND Citizenship |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Computer Science |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
LANGUAGES |
3 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
PE |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
ART |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
OPTION 1 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
OPTION 2 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
OPTION 3 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
OPTION 4 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
GCSE ENG/MATHS |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
4 |
Forest School students follow a National Curriculum (https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-3-and-4) that is designed to:
- Be broad and balanced, giving students a common body of knowledge and information, whatever GCSE subjects they subsequently take.
- Maximise their learning. We want all our students to be guided in their studies by our ASPIRE to be Elite ethos. Their learning helps them to build an aspirational mind set, whilst in a safe environment, designed to allow them to express themselves, instil resilience and learn from their experiences. We teach our students to be prepared and independent, to be respectful and excellent.
- Ensure students are engaged and ready for, and excited by, the challenges of GCSEs. We thus ensure that students cover a full range of subjects, including:
- Core subjects - English, Maths and Science
- Humanities - History, Geography, RE and PSHE
- Arts - Fine Art and Photography
- Technology - Product Design, Engineering, Food Preparation and Nutrition and Hospitality and Catering
- Physical Education
- Modern Foreign Languages – currently all students study French and Spanish in Y7, choosing which to specialise with in year 8
- Performing Arts subjects – Music and Drama
Forest students take English Literature, English Language, Maths, two or three Science subjects and four option subjects from a broad range, including Art, Music, Business Studies, Catering, Computer Science, Citizenship, Engineering, Food Preparation and Nutrition, French, Geography, History, Spanish, Physical Education, Photography, Product Design and Religious Education.
The KS4 curriculum is broad and balanced: details of all courses leading to GCSE or equivalent qualifications are detailed in the Options booklet, and shared with parents in detail on our special information evening in year 8.
Personalised learning routes for students to help them progress and achieve their best. There are four KS4 suggested pathways for students to follow to maximise engagement and progression on to the next stage of their learning, whether this be FE, HE including Oxbridge and Russell group, apprenticeships or the world of work.
At The Forest School, we are committed to helping every Year 11 student achieve their best. Our after-school intervention sessions provide tailored support in key subjects, focusing on areas where students need extra guidance. These targeted sessions, led by dedicated staff, offer an excellent opportunity to boost confidence, deepen understanding, and prepare for upcoming exams in a supportive environment. Click here to see the Intervention 2024-25 schedule.
Click here to view the Year 11 Examination 2024 Information Evening presentation
Sixth Form
Our purpose built co-ed Sixth Form runs a wide variety of A Level courses, and a selection of vocational alternatives. Retention rates from GCSE students moving into Year 12 are very high. Students opt for one of three pathways, according to their GCSE results, their area of interest and what they want to study at university. Students get full support in their applications for apprenticeships or to university, including dedicated support for those applying for Oxbridge places. Many students take the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). This is a highly prestigious, academic qualification which is excellent preparation for further study, as well as carrying UCAS points.
Year 12 students complete a week of work experience and take part in the National Citizen Scheme and many take part in a World Challenge Expedition.
Retakes for both maths and English GCSE are timetabled, and therefore students see the importance in these subjects.
At The Forest School, our PSHE curriculum is a journey of learning, designed to prepare the students for a life of fulfilment beyond the school and to equip them for the multitude of challenges life presents. This curriculum is embedded in the ethos of our school, ASPIRE to become Elite, a representation of the growth and development we aspire for each of our students.
Drawing on the skills developed across the curriculum and those needed for wider life, our PSHE curriculum is not just a series of lessons contained within Tutor Time but a life long learning experience, facilitated across different subjects and facilitated by extra-curricular activities, enrichment opportunities, outside speakers, the Focus of the Week, assemblies and through specifically designed visits.
PSHE topics studied through the Unifrog Programme include:
- Diversity and anti-racism
- Life Skills
- Online Safety
- Physical Health
- Relationships, family and friends
- Sexuality, gender and sexual health
- Wellbeing and mental health
- Career’s
Topics taught in PSHE are ‘spiral’ and developmental, the aim is that knowledge and understanding is built upon through the academic years. Topics are aimed at the developmental stage of students and are revised regularly to ensure they are suitable for our students.
The Forest School’s PSHE programme links to key themes throughout the academic year and is supported by additional sessions facilitated in Tutor Time through the Focus of the Week programme and through assemblies.
The PSHE programme encompasses SMSC development, Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG).
School Assemblies mirror and enhance The Forest School core ethos of Aspire to become Elite and are planned throughout the year to follow a programme that includes e-safety, British Values and national observance weeks.
At key stage 3, students build on the knowledge and understanding, skills, attributes and values they have acquired and developed during the primary phase. PSHE education acknowledges and addresses the changes that young people experience, beginning with transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. It teaches the knowledge and skills which will equip them for the opportunities and challenges of life. Students learn to manage diverse relationships, their online lives, and the increasing influence of peers and the media.
At key stage 4, as part of our spiral curriculum, students deepen knowledge and understanding, extend and rehearse skills, and further explore attitudes, values and attributes acquired during key stage 3. PSHE education reflects the fact that students are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others.
Students are served well outside the timetabled curriculum because there is a wealth of well attended extra-curricular activities from homework club to chess club, as well as community volunteering in the 6th Form. The school has a strong heritage in sports and successful extra curricular fixture programme, and therefore helping students' well being.
Extra Curricular Summer Term 2024 2025
Please find a number of relevant PHSE presentations, relating to First Aid, are available to download:
Year 7 students have participated on the Positive Choices Workshops (lead by Wokingham Borough Council and the Community Safety Partnership Team) for the past two academic years, facilitating the PSHE programme at The Forest School. The students participated in workshops run by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services, Thames Valley Police, SoulScape and the Story Group. Students learning around basic life skills, personal safety, the dangers of carrying a weapon and the repercussions; as well cybercrime and exploitation were greatly facilitated.
These sessions were also supported by a parents evening, this included a presentation for the Ben Kinsella Trust regarding Knife Crime Awareness, which includes the moving and tragic story of Olly Stephens and information regarding the Wokingham Keep Safe Campaign.
Knife Crime Awareness Essentials 2025.pdf
Wokingham Keep Safe Campaign Digital Resource Pack.pdf
Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, children and young people need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.
At The Forest School we aim to ensure that students are able to develop a healthy attitude towards relationships and sexual matters by giving information and providing opportunities for discussion in appropriate contexts and at suitable times throughout their secondary school life.
Schools are now required to teach Relationships and Sex Education to all students from Year 7 to 11. The Department for Education guidance on Relationships and Sex Education can be found here.
The Forest School’s PSHE (including RSE) Policy sets out the broad curriculum programme. This is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the programme for each year groups builds effectively on the previous year's content. RSE is covered in the Unifrog PSHE programme and across the curriculum in a wide range of topics.
Right of withdrawal
Parents have the legal right to withdraw their children from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory RSE up to and until the third term before their 16th birthday. They do not have the right to withdraw their children from relationships education, those aspects of RSE that are taught through the Science curriculum, or where RSE issues arise incidentally in other subject areas.
Requests to withdraw from sex education must be made directly to office@forest.academy, by completing the withdrawal form included as Appendix 2 in the Forest School’s PSHE (including RSE) Policy. Before granting any such request the Headteacher or assigned DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) will discuss the request with parents and, as appropriate, with the student to ensure that their wishes are understood and to clarify the nature and purpose of the curriculum.
The Forest School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
The Forest School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. Information from Department for Education can be found here
British Values are taught in each year group, the image below gives a snapshot of how we implement British Values across each year group.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the overarching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. The SMSC and British Values document shows an overview of how we implement SMSC, British Values within PSHE and across curricular, enrichment activities, educational visits and the use of external agencies / speakers.
We run all different kinds of clubs and extracurricular activities for you to enjoy. They may take place before, during or after the school day. Please speak with your Form Tutor or Head of Year for current club availability and to join up. School Trips are advertised to students / parents through school communications.
Extra Curricular Summer Term 2024 2025
Sports and Physical Activity: Athletics (District, County), Swimming, Gym, Basketball, Football, Rugby, Tennis, Netball, Cricket, Hockey, Badminton, Table Tennis, American Football, Rounders, Golf, regional and national competitions, Ski Trip |
Art and Culture: Art Trips, History - Battlefields Trip, Choir, String Orchestra, Key Board Club, Film Institute Trip, Chess Club, LAMDA, Board Games Club, Language Trips, Theatre Visits, Visiting Theatre Groups, French Club, Rock Project, Winter Concert |
Literacy and Reading: World Book Day, Reading Buddies, Reading Competitions, Creative Writing, Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), Creative Writing, Library Club, Harry Potter Trip |
Character: Head Boy / Girl, Student Council Representatives, Mentoring, Peer Mentoring, Safe School Leaders, Magistrates Mock Trial (Club and Competition), Sports Leaders, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Positive Choices Trip, Charity / Fund Raising Events, Open Evening Ambassadors, PGL Liddington Trip |
Careers and Aspirations: Brilliant Club, Work Experience, University Talks and Visits, Careers Drop in Sessions, Youth Parliament Events, Wellington College Events |
STEM and Academic: Eco Club, Hackathon, UIKMT Maths Challenge, STEM Club, Astro-PI “Mission Zero”, Coding Club, Maths Problem Solving Club, Wellington College STEM Events, Science Trip |