Curriculum

Curriculum Intent and Vision

The Mission
Alongside the mission to create a generation of outstanding citizens who are knowledgeable and proud of their faith, heritage and traditions, the school mission is to attain academic excellence and encourage each and every child to reach the highest levels of achievement, creativity and personal development.

The School aims to foster young people who are curious, enthusiastic and have a genuine love of learning. Engaging, exciting and relevant lessons in a wide range of subjects mean that learning is a pleasure and school becomes an experience to enjoy. As twenty-first century citizens, students are encouraged to be collaborative but also to take control of their own education and develop the independence that is the foundation for lifelong learning.

The King David High School is an inclusive comprehensive school and aims to meet the unique needs of every student, supporting them in fulfilling their ambitions and being the best that they can be, regardless of background, special needs or disability.

We believe not only that a happy student is a good learner, but that happiness and mental and physical wellbeing should be ends in themselves. The school provides a warm and caring environment that nurtures confidence, mutual support, kindness, consideration and self-esteem while challenging students to develop resilience and self-discipline.

Students are prepared for playing an active role in modern British society and the world as responsible citizens and leaders and for their next step on to universities, apprenticeships, employment, Seminaries and Yeshivot. Alongside pride and knowledge in their faith and traditional Jewish values, which are universal and appropriate for those of all religions and none, students are taught to be respectful of the beliefs, customs and practices of others.

Curriculum Intent
Curriculum across all subjects. The curriculum is typically taught in a cumulative and/or spiral sequence, with skills revisited, developed and enhanced in increasing complexity alongside substantive and disciplinary knowledge. In most subjects the key stage [KS] 3 curriculum is taught over 3 years although, due to the subjects’ linear nature, GCSE material is introduced part way through year 9 in Maths and Science.

The school aims to maintain curriculum breadth for as long as possible and is against curriculum narrowing at KS3.  At KS3 all students study English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Physical Education, Computer Science/IT, Religious Studies, Modern Hebrew, French and/or Spanish, Art, Drama, Food Technology and Music.

At KS4 the school encourages students to maintain curriculum breadth and challenge by choosing English Baccalaureate subjects. However, the school takes a bespoke approach and does not enforce the EBacc in order to allow students to pursue and excel on a broader range of creative and vocational subjects which enhance their wellbeing and ambitions. All students take between 8 and 10 subjects at GCSE including compulsory English Language, English Literature, Religious Studies, Mathematics and Dual or Separate Sciences.

‘Learning for Life’ (PSHE) is included in the curriculum throughout the school in weekly lessons and enhanced by designated study days.

Lessons are taught in a two week cycle, week A and week B. Lessons are all one hour in length. The table below shows the number of hours per subject in each two week cycle.