Thomas Telford School

School Curriculum

The Thomas Telford School teaching day has two teaching sessions running from 8:30am until 3:15pm, with an additional third session from 3.30pm until 4.50pm Monday to Thursday. This enables our students to access a more flexible provision of academic study, alongside sporting and recreational activities. Almost 100% of students remain in school for at least one Session 3 per week and a significant majority participate more than twice per week. The formal taught week is 28 hours 45 minutes with an additional 6 hours each week available for session 3.

Curriculum Philosophy and Vision

The School works hard and skilfully to develop student resilience, so that our students can establish themselves in a rapidly changing and globalised society. Recognition and acceptance of difference, in a world where personal and international conflicts unfold daily, is key to preparing our students for adult life. We all promote E-Safety and recognise the tremendous benefits that technology can bring, when used as a force for good.

Our high standards and expectations ensures that Thomas Telford School maintains a calm working environment, for students and staff. Outstanding behaviour should be, and is, the norm. Positive working relationships engender a culture of mutual respect. We are proud of the ethos of the School and aim to ensure that every child feels safe and valued. We promote a healthy lifestyle and positive relationships. We are vigilant in our monitoring and dealing with the rare occasions of racist, homophobic and sexist incidents, and use these incidents to educate those children to reflect on their behaviour and to be more respectful and kind.

Safeguarding is prioritised, and all students have access to Relationship and Sex Education. We have a Designated Safeguard Lead (DSL) and 8 deputies, to monitor and support our students. Our vertical tutor group system ensures that our students are in contact with a personal tutor and older students, as supportive role models and mentors.

The expectation is that staff will provide excellent teaching, which is engaging for learners and fulfilling for teachers. The aim is to ensure that both employees and students feel valued, through ongoing recognition of the students’ achievements and the part played by teachers in achieving outstanding outcomes. The Headmaster is always available to meet with students and employees, with an ‘open door’ policy.

All students access the following curriculum provision:

Year 7 and 8: The National Curriculum Foundation Subjects.

The KS3 Foundation Subjects are taught in a two-year phase during a longer taught week of 27 hours (National average 24 hours).

Subjects

Our expectation is that all our students take up an Ebacc suite of subjects. They are able to develop their interests by choosing from a wide range of academic and vocational subjects. Students study a total of 10 or 11 subjects (single sciences).

Subjects

  • English Language and English Literature
  • History or Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Science double award or three single sciences
  • Spanish or French

With the addition of:

  • Physical Education or Dance
  • Religious Studies, Sex and Relationship Education and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education

Plus two from the following:

  • Art
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Drama
  • Health and Social Care
  • Music
  • Technology

Session 3 Provision: 3.30pm to 4.50pm

Session 3s are open to all students. In some subject areas, those students requiring additional support attend compulsory academic session 3 catch up. Other students may choose to attend academic support to further their progress.

In addition the school offers a wide range of sporting, cultural and Performing Arts provision, for example

  • Drama or Dance Clubs (Arts Nights /School Productions)
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze – Gold).
  • Ethical and Debating Societies
  • Fitness Centre
  • Floodlit pitches for Football and Hockey
  • MedSoc
  • Music School (instrumental and voice coaching)
  • Public Speaking
  • Swimming Pool

Sixth Form

The Sixth Form provides for 560 students with a wide provision of academic and vocational courses. The majority of students study three A levels or BTEC programmes (equivalent up to three A levels) or a combination of A levels with BTEC programmes. A small number of students opt to study 4 subjects. The majority of Thomas Telford School Sixth Form students benefit from 3 taught sessions a week in Year 13 for each subjects they opt for and two sessions, with additional remote independent learning, in Year 12.

Students are expected to carry out a period of work experience in the final half term of year 12. The Careers Education and Guidance Team offers a bespoke road map for every student, in either Higher Education, employment with training or an apprenticeship. The School ensures that every student, without exception, has a clear progression plan for when they leave Thomas Telford School. The Career’s Team promote University visits and organise talks from employers, alumni, universities and colleges. On Wednesday afternoons, sixth form students can also access a wide range of sporting and recreational opportunities.