Our students follow a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 3 that fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum. The two-week timetable (50 x 1 hour lessons) is divided as follows:

A detailed overview of the KS3 curriculum can be found in each year group curriculum booklet.

Students also develop their knowledge and skills of Personal, Social and Health Education through their RE lessons, scheduled tutor time activities and Curriculum collapse days on specific topics/areas. 

We believe that through the curriculum and supporting enrichment activities on offer, that KS3 students at Dyson Perrins are being well prepared for a life in Modern Britain. 

Some students will also take part in small group withdrawal lessons focussing on reading accuracy, reading comprehension and basic maths skills.

The academic year is split into three learning cycles, each ending with a formal assessment and ‘re-teach’ week where feedback identifies and addresses any gaps in students’ knowledge.

Students will receive an attainment grade at the end of each learning cycle based on the extent to which they are meeting age related expectations in each subject (Working Towards, Approaching, Meeting, Above, Well Above).

During Year 9 we help all students at Dyson Perrins to choose their GCSE options (click to view the Year 9 Options Form). They are supported through this process via: Subject Leaders’ Options Presentations; Careers Fair; Options Assembly & booklet and an Options Evening. Individual Year 9 students are also entitled to one-on-one options conversations with Senior Leaders. 

All students will study the following core curriculum:

All students will select at least one Ebacc subject and enjoy freedom of choice for the remaining 3 option choices. The curriculum is then designed to ensure that the maximum number of students gain their ‘first choices’.  Subjects are examined by either GCSE or accredited vocational courses such as Btec. While having a very close ear to the educational ground, we remain convinced that these qualifications continue to be held in the highest regard by universities and employers. We do, however, constantly review what we offer, so that the students have an education that is fit for the modern world.

The 'Head of Year' for each of the KS4 years leads a team of 'Form Tutors' who provide the cornerstone of our pastoral care system and see their tutees twice a day. Some of the PSHE programme is delivered by the Form Tutors who cover topics as diverse as: e-safety; sex education, careers education, decision making, revision techniques/study skills and how to cope with examination stress.  As they progress through KS4, students’ learning and progress is supported by an established and comprehensive intervention programme.

Year 11 Period 6
In lessons staff will be using the time to prepare the students for the exams and we will expect them to undertake a thorough revision programme at home.  To help support them in this staff will be putting on extra intervention sessions after school, this is known as period 6. Can you please encourage your son/daughter to attend as many sessions as possible as in the past this has proven to be a valuable method of raising achievement.

Period 6 will take place for an hour after school every day of the week and will focus upon revision, exam technique and improving coursework marks.In addition to this students may receive additional support during form time, weekends and during the holidays. It’s important that students do not see this as a punishment but as a way to ensure they fulfil their potential. If your child is needed to attend any of these sessions you will be notified by the relevant head of department.

Student Revision
Visit our revision page

Dyson Perrins Sixth Form students follow a full study programme.

Academic study.

Our sixth form provision includes a range of A Level subjects and Level 3 Applied General subjects. There is currently one level 2 vocational course on offer but this is not being offered in future years. Students usually follow 3 subjects, although a small minority take 4 after negotiation with the leader of Post-16.  Students on A Level courses are expected to enter the full A Level over two years, although a minority are entered for AS examinations based on individual circumstances. A full list of qualifications on offer can be found in our sixth form prospectus.

A Level and Level 3 Applied General qualifications in year 12 and year 13 are usually taught for 9-10 hours per fortnight, over 39 school weeks per year, meaning the vast majority of our students have 540 taught hours per year and are classed as full-time.  In addition, students have between 8-18 timetabled hours per fortnight for private study. All students follow a non-examined PSHE programme on collapsed timetable days or sessions. An example of topics might include positive mental health, safe driving, ages of consent, safe internet use, relationships or radicalisation.

Maths and English resits.

Students without GCSE maths or English at grade 4 have time with specialist teaching staff as part of a resit programme.

Community contribution and leadership.

Sixth form students take part in a wide range of activities within the sixth form, the wider school and the community. These include:

• One hour per week of voluntary work in lower school lessons or an extra-curricular activity.
• Leadership roles within the School Council.
• Running the school Charity Committee.
• Running House activities with the lower school.
• Listening to developing readers in Key Stage 3.
• Supporting students in our Mainstream Autism base.
• Assisting at school events such as parents’ evenings or Open Evening.
• Supporting younger sports leaders to run primary school sports events.

Careers guidance and work experience.

We offer a full programme of advice and guidance on apprenticeships, employment and universities. Students have opportunities to attend presentations form visiting employers, volunteering associations and universities. We expect all sixth form students to attend organised visits to universities. All year 12 students are expected to complete a one-week work experience placement with the possibility of longer placements discussed on an individual basis.

More information about our curriculum, individual courses and entry requirements can be found in the Sixth Form Prospectus.