School Curriculum

At Cardinal Allen we believe that an outstanding education means that our pupils have the opportunity to ‘be all they can be’. Our curriculum aims to develop confident, independent and enquiring students who develop a life-long love of learning. As a Catholic school, we seek to educate the whole person, academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally through a curriculum based on Christian principles and centred on the needs and aspirations of our pupils, parents and wider community.

Religious Education

Religious Education is at the heart of our curriculum and we are wholly committed to the spiritual development of all our pupils. All pupils study Religious Education from Year 7 onwards, and all study the subject to GCSE.

Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education (LIFE Learning)

All pupils have LIFE Learning lessons in years 7-11.  These are drop-down periods where we suspend the normal timetable for a 1 hour period.  They take place 30 times over the school year and pupils are taught in their form groups.  We further enhance our PSCHEE provision through a programme of cross-curricular enrichment days.

Further information regarding the school’s curriculum can be found in the Curriculum Organisation document and the Key Stage 4 Course Guide.

A Broad and Balanced Curriculum

All pupils follow a similar curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9 which provides a broad and balanced education in creative, practical and academic subjects. Subjects include Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, History, Geography, a Modern Foreign Language, Design Technology, Art, Music, and Physical Education.

At the end of year 9 students will be given the choice to study a range of subjects in years 10 and 11. These will include additional subjects such as Construction, Hospitality & Catering and BTEC Sport. More information about Year 9 Options is available in this online document.

All pupils continue their studies with a core curriculum of Religious Education, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science and Physical Education. Other subjects are chosen so as to recognise the value of a balanced curriculum whilst allowing for career aspirations and personal interests.

Knowledge Organisers

The Knowledge Organisers for all subjects are available to view for students and parents of Cardinal Allen Catholic High School. The information is availble on our school virtual learning environment and can be accessed using a valid school email account.

Click the link to access the Knowlege Organisers.

If you have any queries about our Curriculum at Cardinal Allen, please contact Mr T Farrington on the main school number (01253 872659) or email him at t.farrington@cardinalallen.co.uk