The Charter School East Dulwich provides a holistic education that allows all of our students to develop the character and expertise they need to succeed in life - personally, economically and as good citizens.
The School curriculum is built around the powerful knowledge found not only in academic subjects but also in the creative and expressive arts, which all students study at least to GCSE level. The School curriculum builds methodically on the foundations lain in primary school and is coherently sequenced to provide all students with the opportunity to progress to the next stage of their education, be it academic, professional or vocational.
The curriculum is made ‘desirably difficult’ for all students in order that every individual receives the right combination of support and challenge to achieve their personal best, irrespective of background or personal circumstance. The School makes generous provision for a range of enrichment activities through which students further develop the individual interests and aptitudes that allow them to flourish.
The curriculum explicitly encourages students to have confidence in themselves, to care for each other and for their environment, to be curious about the world and to have the courage and creativity to change it for the better.
Foundations (Key Stage 3)
Our Foundations (Key Stage 3) curriculum runs from Year 7 to Year 9. The core curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum but is not bound by its constraints. Instead, we apply the most appropriate elements and enhance students' learning through units of study specifically designed to stretch them scholastically and personally and to lay solid foundations for future success.
In Foundations we:
- Ensure that all students quickly achieve the high standards of literacy and numeracy necessary to underpin success across the curriculum.
- Emphasize science, history, geography and modern languages, as these subjects develop the analytical skills that universities and employers prize, as well as giving students a more rounded understanding of the world around them.
- Give generous time to creative and expressive arts, such as drawing, painting, music, drama, design technology and physical education.
- Encourage independent study through extended learning projects that develop students' own interests and passions.
All students will study:
|
English language |
History |
Art |
Physical |
|
Mathematics |
Geography |
Music |
Computing
|
|
Biology, Chemistry |
Modern |
Drama |
Global Awareness |
Learning in all areas is underpinned by a series of deep 'enquiry questions' with real-world relevance. These questions give a focus to learning activities, helping students to develop essential knowledge and skills. Each learning cycle will focus on a single enquiry question and will culminate in a formative assessment that is used to refine students' understanding.
The following is an example of the sort of enquiry questions Year 7 students tackle in their study of Humanities.
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term |
|
Enquiry question: Why are there people everywhere?
The pre-historic peopling of the world. |
Enquiry question: What is the difference between truth and authenticity? Learning topic: The emergence of organised religion. |
Enquiry question: Who gets to be in charge and why?
The emergence of hierarchy in the ancient world. |
The curriculum also has an overall coherence that help ensure rapid mastery and long-term recall of key knowledge and ideas. For example, in Autumn Term, students in Year 7 tackle the philosophical question of identity in English and in French. At the same time, they learn about the cellular structure of the human body in Science and, in Humanities, they discover how human beings adapted to their environments and spread around the world. Alongside these units of study, they will learn about the make up of their local and national community in Global Awareness.
Learning is not limited to the five timetabled lessons per day. The Tutorial programme will have a clear daily focus designed to help build character and positive learning habits (e.g. active reading to support literacy, Work-Related Learning, ethics, etc). Form Tutors and Heads of House will closely monitor each pupil’s academic progress, as well as their personal growth and social development.
All students have the opportunity to extend their studies by attending Enrichment classes which will be on offer every week. Pupils who learn most quickly are given additional opportunities to study enriching subjects such as Mandarin or Latin. Students needing help with literacy, numeracy or the use of English as a primary language for learning receive additional support. Some of this support is offered in lessons; some takes place after school.
Sporting provision is also be a key feature of school life. Students will be offered opportunities to join teams with their peers at The Charter School North Dulwich.
Senior School (Key Stage 4)
In Key stage 4, students follow more tailored pathways of study, reflecting their individual aptitudes and interests. All pathways include the core subjects of English language and literature, mathematics, and science.
Almost all students will have the opportunity to study for the English Baccalaureate suite of qualifications, which offer the widest field of professional opportunities in later life. Students are also be strongly encouraged to pursue a high-value qualification in at least one creative subject such as Music or Art and Design.
Some students will earn the opportunity to study for additional GCSEs in Further mathematics and Triple Science in order to provide additional challenge and opportunities for progression in later study. The following table contains illustrative examples of the pathways students face in Year 10.
| Support curriculum (8 GCSEs) |
Core curriculum (9 GCSEs) |
Stretch curriculum (11 GCSEs) |
| English language and literature* | English language and literature | English language and literature |
| Mathematics | Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Science (combined award) | Science (combined award) | Science (triple award) |
| History OR Geography | French OR Spanish | French OR Spanish |
| Creative Arts choice | History OR Geography | History OR Geography |
| Creative Arts choice | Creative Arts choice | |
| Free choice | Further mathematics | |
| Free choice | ||
| *Including additional Accelerated English tuition | ||
The Key stage 4 tutorial programme will focus on the development of professional and life skills that will prepare students for fulfilling adult lives. Community and work experience placements will be part of the Key stage 4 curriculum for all pupils. The school will also offer opportunities for leadership development activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.