Curriculum Intent
The curriculum at Parkside School is designed to be balanced, challenging and relevant. It is also innovative and personalised, built around students’ individual needs and based on their ability and potential.
At Parkside School, we want our students to be highly successful in their learning. We offer a broad range of subjects at all levels preparing students for further education and future careers. We are also responsive to the national agenda thus ensuring that our students can compete robustly with all students nationally.
At all key stages, the curriculum is underpinned by the Aspire2b programme which includes an extensive extracurricular programme, CEIAG and preparation for the world beyond school alongside development of the individual learner and the wider skills needed to positively contribute to society. All students study PSHE on a weekly basis, this is planned to cover all elements of the personal, social, health and economic education programme throughout the year.
Our curriculum intent is based on our vision of PRIDE in Parkside, with our students being:
- Prepared for success at Parkside and beyond
- Respectful people who embrace and celebrate diversity
- Independent and responsible learners
- Determined people who strive to improve
- Excellent people with a breadth of experience
Key Stage 3:
During key stage 3 (Years 7-9) Parkside students follow a very broad and challenging curriculum consisting of a wide range of diverse subjects. This comprises the core subjects: English, Maths, Science, Core PE and PSHE. Students also study a foreign language (French or Spanish), Geography, History, Religious Studies, Drama, Art, Music and Technology, which includes Engineering, Food, Product Design and Textiles.
In addition, students experience careers education and guidance through the Parkside Aspire2b programme. All of which provide students with a wide-ranging experience on which to build in the next stage of their learning.
Key Stage 4:
At key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) all students will follow a similar compulsory core curriculum consisting of 5 academic GCSE subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Combined Science, which is worth 2 GCSE grades. Students will also continue to study PSHE as part of their personal development and Core PE to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
Further to this, students will make 4 further option choices from the broad spectrum of academic, practical, creative and vocational courses that are on offer at Parkside.
Please see our KS4 Curriculum and Options guidance for further information.
The Aspire2b programme continues to offer a range of careers information and guidance as well as enterprise education. This includes CV writing, a work experience placement day, bespoke Higher Education visits and all students also receive independent careers advice and take part in a mock interview process with a local employee.
Key Stage 5:
Students in Parkside 6th form study 3 A Level, or equivalent, courses. There is a broad offer of academic and vocational qualifications with specific subject course requirements. This study leads to higher Education, Apprenticeships or advanced employment.
However, Parkside 6th form is not just about work, our students are actively involved in an enrichment programme on a Wednesday afternoon as well as being involved in the community through local charity work and work experience. Enrichment provides students with the opportunity to either study further academic and creative courses such as Further Maths or/and participate in work with the community, student support and assisting with students in the Resourced Provision. The Aspire2b programme also continues through 6th form with students experiencing a wide variety of careers information and guidance.
Courses offered as part of the KS5 options process at Parkside School:
Mathematics, Further Maths, English Language and Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, Spanish, Geography, Religious Studies, History, Law, Psychology, Sociology, Product Design, Art, Photography, Applied Science, Business, Food & Nutrition, Health & Social Care, ICT, Performing Arts (Drama/Dance), Sports Studies.
In addition, all students continue to study PSHE as part of their personal development.
Statutory right of withdrawal: Religious Studies and Sex Education
Religious Studies
All young people have an entitlement to Religious Studies as part of the National Curriculum. At Parkside, our Religious Studies curriculum plays a vital role in developing well-rounded individuals, fostering critical thinking by encouraging students to explore diverse worldviews, beliefs and ethical frameworks. This not only promotes understanding and tolerance in our increasingly diverse society, but also equips students with the skills to analyse complex issues, engage in respectful dialogue and consider their own values and place in the world. Furthermore, it enhances their understanding of history, literature, and current affairs, as religion has significantly shaped global cultures and continues to influence contemporary events.
Parents and carers have a statutory right to withdraw their child, wholly or partly, from receiving religious education given in the school in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum.
Should this right be exercised, the school continues to be responsible for the supervision of a student withdrawn by parents/carers from religious education unless the student is lawfully receiving religious education elsewhere. This supervision should not incur any extra cost for the school (e.g. 1:1 supervision) nor does the school have a duty to provide alternative education. This includes giving over religious education lesson time to study other curriculum subjects.
We strongly encourage parents/carers to apprise themselves of the Religious Studies curriculum at Parkside and contact our Head of Faculty for Humanities prior to exercising their statutory right of withdrawal so that they can make an informed decision.
The right of withdrawal can be exercised by writing to the Principal, ensuring it is made clear whether it is from the whole of the subject or parts of it. The request should also include whether parents/carers want the pupil to receive an alternative form of religious education. A written record will be made of the request including discussion around the practical implications of the withdrawal and the outcome.
Relationships and Sex Education
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is taught via our PSHCE curriculum. Through these topics, we want to support all young people to be happy, healthy and safe – equipping them for adult life and to be able to make a positive contribution to society.
Parents/carers are unable to withdraw a young person from relationships or health education. The Government outlines that the contents of these topics – such as family, friendship and safety (including online safety) are important for all young people to be taught.
Parents/carers do have the right to withdraw a young person from sex education delivered as part of RSE at Parkside which, unless there are exceptional circumstances, should be granted up to three terms before the young person turns 16. At this point, if the young person themselves wishes to receive sex education rather than being withdrawn, the school will make arrangements for this to happen in one of the three terms before the young person turns 16 – the legal age of sexual consent.
We strongly encourage parents/carers to apprise themselves of the sex education components of the curriculum at Parkside and contact our Head of Faculty for Humanities prior to exercising their statutory right of withdrawal so that they can make an informed decision.
The right of withdrawal can be exercised by writing to the Principal. A written record will be made of the request, including discussion around the practical implications of the withdrawal and the outcome.