Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity and a desire for learning in all pupils, regardless of their background, strengths and needs. It is ambitious, challenging and engaging. It builds on the essential knowledge, skills and understanding from primary school and enables pupils to become informed citizens who have an appreciation of human creativity, ingenuity and achievement. 

Our curriculum draws out key concepts that provide a rich web of knowledge for our pupils and help them to become expert critical thinkers.

Our curriculum aims to: 

• cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware students. 
• develop cultural capital in all pupils, so that they have an appreciation of human creativity and talents. 
• develop pupils as excellent citizens with a strong sense of responsibility for their actions. 
• encourage civic and social participation within their community. 
• promote and develop leadership within all pupils. 
• encourage pupils to develop their individuality and lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. 
• inspire and motivate. 
• foster a deep and durable love of lifelong learning. 
• provide a strong and lasting foundation for future learning at every stage. 
• deliver excellent exam results, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can compete for the best jobs locally, nationally and globally. 

At the heart of our curriculum is a strong academic core for all our pupils at key stage 3 and key stage 4: the English Baccalaureate. This includes English, mathematics, sciences, history, geography and a modern foreign language. Creative and performing arts, technology, computing, and physical education are central to our curriculum offer sparking curiosity, interests and talent. Our curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and emotional development of pupils at school and in society more widely. Religious Education, Relationship and Sex Education, Health Education and Citizenship are fully timetabled and taught by specialists throughout key stage 3 and key stage 4. 

We believe every pupil is entitled to a curriculum that is varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, developing enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument. 

In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement. 

We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance. 

We spread the burden of studying for GCSEs over both years at KS4 (years 10 and 11) so that Year 11 does not become too pressured. This also allows us to plan effectively for each individual student in Year 11 and to timetable a programme of study that maximises their potential. A detailed guide to the curriculum for each year group can be accessed below:  

There are three main elements to the curriculum to address pupils’ academic, personal and social development. 

Educational Excellence 

Pupils will make their GCSE choices when ready and when the Key Stage 3 curriculum has been delivered. The length of Key Stage 3 will vary depending on the subject and all Key Stage 3 subjects match or surpass the ambition and scope of the national curriculum.   Pupils will complete GCSEs and vocational qualifications when ready. 

Almost all pupils will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate. Pupils will also study vocational subjects to contribute to a deep and rich curriculum experience. Pupils will be offered extra time for English and mathematics where they are performing below nationally expected levels. The focus is to support pupils with literacy and numeracy as soon as they join the school.  In particular, there will be a strong emphasis on reading and expanding vocabulary. 

Key Stage 3 

 Key Stage 3 covers Years 7, 8 and 9. All students follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects following the national curriculum. Students are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary. 

At Key Stage 3, pupils will complete the following programmes of study: 

• English 
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Geography
• MFL
• Religious Education
• Citizenship & RSHE
• Art
• Nasheed (music)
• Computer Science and IT
• Design Technology (including Food Technology, Product Design & Textiles)
• Physical Education

Key Stage 4 

At Key Stage 4, pupils will complete a range of qualifications. All pupils will follow a combination of core subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate: English, mathematics, sciences, humanities and at least one modern foreign language. As part of the core curriculum, they will continue to study physical education, religious education, citizenship and RSHE. In addition, pupils will choose optional subjects from a broad suite of choices covering both GCSE and vocational qualifications. 

Students also receive additional time for personal study and have the opportunity to undertake projects relating to community service and charity. 

Courses Available at Key Stage 4 

Character Development 

Our curriculum enables our students to not only excel in academic performance but also to develop the knowledge, behaviour and skills by well- planned experiences that will build confidence and widen their understanding of the world. 

The Eden Promise 

Every student who attends Eden Waltham Forest will experience the following as a minimum offer: 

1. An outdoors activity to appreciate the natural world;
2. A Leadership and Team Building Experience;
3. A theatre visit to see a live performance;
4. A visit to a Gallery/Museum to appreciate different art forms;
5. A Faith trail to understand places of worship from different religions;
6. Participation in Sporting Events and Competitions;
7. A scientific discovery session to broaden scientific understanding.

Our cultural capital curriculum is further bolstered by a strong Leadership Specialism that supports students to develop the 5 Cs through world class links facilitated by East London Business Alliance that includes visits and training delivered by the London Central Business District. 

• Communication skills 
• Cooperative skills 
• Collaborative skills 
• Competitive skills 
• Creative skills  

• Parents can contact the school for further information about our curriculum. You can call the school on 0208 523 1810 or email the school info@egwf.staracademies.org.