Curriculum Update
Timetable
Thanks to Alan’s expertise, HoDs have already received first drafts of next year’s KS4 and KS5 timetable, prior to finalising KS3. They’re working together on some of the finer details, and it’s our curriculum leaders’ involvement, providing knowledge of their teams and curricula, that is crucial to the process.
Timetabling is both a science and an art – getting the right people in the right place at the right time – and underpinned by the fundamental aim of maximising student progress and achievement.
Rooming will be done last of all but giving plenty of time to get classrooms ready for September.
And we’ll let you know, via the VLE, when individual staff timetables are finalised on SIMS.
Assessment Calendar
We’ve held our annual consultations with union reps and HoDs to put together the 26-27 assessment calendar. As usual, we’ve gone for iterative changes rather than wholesale reform, aiming to streamline what we do – seeking to limit multiple data drops in the same week, remove assessments where possible to support wellbeing, etc.
We’re currently aligning everything with the meetings calendar and, to support with next year’s planning, the final version will be arriving shortly.
GCSE Options
The Y9s took the options process very seriously this year so a big thank you to the Y9 team and FTs for all their work on this.
The five most popular subjects were, in reverse order: 5. RE and Childcare (tied); 4. Media; 3. Psychology; 2. Triple Science; 1. Business Studies.
But it’s also worth noting an upsurge of interest in subjects like Art, D&T and Drama.
Good to know that they are engaging students at KS3 and, with the removal of the EBacc as a headline performance measure, students are already seeking a broader mix of qualifications.
The provisional class lists will be distributed to HoDs and the pastoral team shortly so they can check student combinations. Then, students will receive an email with their confirmed choices in the penultimate week of term – and with 94% of students set to receive all three of their first choices (Alan’s wizardry again) we don’t expect any changes!
Curriculum & Assessment Review
Following the government’s 'Curriculum & Assessment Review' ‘(great bedtime reading) that was published last Autumn, various agencies have been tasked with implementing some of the key recommendations (useful summary).
There are no immediate changes for us for 2026-27 but do be aware that the revised National Curriculum will be published by the DfE at Easter 2027. We will then have until September 2028 to begin teaching this, thereby providing four terms to prepare.
That said, it’s likely to apply to KS3 only in the first instance, as KS4 students will be following existing GCSE specifications until September 2029-30. The revised A Levels won’t be introduced for first teaching until 2031-32!
So, an unhurried road map, in line with the “evolution not revolution” approach, but change is definitely on the horizon…
Adam
Mia's notes
If there are any concerns about Equality and Diversity (staff) at GHS please contact A Johal (DHT)
