Curriculum

Within this section of the website, you will find information regarding each department, such as staffing, lesson information and schemes of work. Please click on a department name in the left-hand navigation bar to view the information. 

Please send any curriculum queries to Mr E Whiffin (Deputy Headteacher): ewhiffin@felpham.org.uk

Curriculum Statement

At Felpham Community College, we define our curriculum as the totality of students’ day‑to‑day experiences during their time with us: in lessons, beyond the classroom, and through the values, relationships and opportunities that shape them as learners and as people.

Our curriculum is underpinned by our vision:

To equip all students with the ambition, knowledge, skills, values and experiences they need to achieve beyond their perceived potential and positively impact the world around them.

We deliver a broad, inclusive and ambitious curriculum that extends well beyond exam specifications and the minimum requirements of the National Curriculum. This is a fundamental entitlement for every student and the primary means through which we live out our values of Achievement, Care and Equity.

Achievement

Achievement sits at the heart of our curriculum design. We want all students to leave Felpham with the qualifications, skills and experiences that enable them to access ambitious destinations and lead successful, fulfilling lives beyond school.

We secure this through:

• a wide and balanced subject offer from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5
• a curriculum that is challenging, coherent and carefully sequenced
• high expectations for all students, supported by excellent teaching
• integrated careers education, ensuring learning is purposeful and future‑focused

Care

Our curriculum reflects our commitment to knowing students as individuals and supporting their academic success, wellbeing and personal development.

Student voice informs both our curriculum offer and options process, and our Personal Development curriculum is extensive and responsive. It includes PSHE, Citizenship, Relationships and Sex Education and Religious Education across all key stages, shaped by the evolving needs of our students and wider society.

We deliberately build independence, resilience and confidence, with carefully planned, stage‑appropriate support from transition to post‑16 pathways. This includes literacy support in Year 7, structured guidance at key decision points, and focused study support in examination years.

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold Award school, our curriculum and ethos are rooted in the rights of the child and promote respect, responsibility and active citizenship.

Equity

Equity at Felpham means taking the time to know our students well and providing whatever is necessary for each one to succeed, regardless of background or barrier.

Our curriculum is fully inclusive:

• All students have access to a broad range of academic, creative and vocational subjects
• Languages are protected and valued, and all students have the right to study the EBacc if they choose
• Our Sixth Form pathways ensure that every student has a meaningful and ambitious route forward

High‑quality adaptive teaching forms the universal offer for all students, complemented where necessary by targeted support, enabling every learner to engage successfully with an ambitious curriculum.

Curriculum Design, Teaching and Assessment

Our curriculum is carefully planned and coherently sequenced, so that knowledge and skills build progressively over time and are retained securely. Content is selected deliberately, revisited purposefully and taught in a way that enables students to make connections and deepen understanding.

We place a strong emphasis on reading, language development and subject‑specific vocabulary, recognising literacy as a gateway to success across the curriculum.

Assessment is used supportively to inform teaching and learning. Teachers use regular formative assessment to check understanding and respond to misconceptions, while summative assessment points are carefully planned to evaluate progress and guide next steps.

High‑Quality Teaching at Felpham: The Felpham Five

Across the school, our curriculum is delivered through a shared approach to teaching known as the Felpham Five. This ensures consistency, clarity and high expectations for students in every subject and year group.

Challenge

Lessons are designed to stretch thinking and deepen understanding. Students are encouraged to engage with ambitious ideas and meaningful work, supported so that all learners can succeed and build confidence.

Planning

Teachers plan learning carefully so that it builds securely on what students already know and prepares them for what comes next. Planning takes account of individual needs while keeping long‑term learning firmly in view.

Modelling

Teachers clearly demonstrate processes, skills and high‑quality work so students understand what success looks like and how to achieve it independently.

Questioning

Thoughtful questioning supports understanding, encourages participation and develops students’ ability to explain and refine their thinking.

Feedback

Students receive feedback that helps them understand how to improve and move forward in their learning, given in ways that are timely, helpful and manageable.

Through the Felpham Five, students experience consistent routines, positive learning behaviours and supportive classrooms, helping them feel secure and confident in their learning.

Curriculum Entitlement and Subjects Studied

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Building Strong Foundations

Students follow the full National Curriculum, ensuring breadth and protection from early narrowing. Subjects studied include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Geography
• French and Spanish (both studied in Year 7 before students choose one language from Year 8)
• Art and Design
• Drama
• Music
• Religious Education
• Physical Education
• Design and Technology (including Food Technology, Textiles and 3D Design)
• Computing and ICT
• ‘Everyone Matters’ (PSHE, Citizenship, Relationships and Sex Education)

Enrichment opportunities, including swimming provision in Year 7, support physical development, wellbeing and cultural capital.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): Choice, Challenge and Ambition

All students study:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science

All students have the right to study the EBacc, including:

• History or Geography
• a modern foreign language (French or Spanish)

Students also continue with Physical Education and Citizenship and choose four further subjects from a wide range including science, creative, technical and vocational courses, ensuring breadth, personal interest and progression.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form): Depth and Independence

Students choose from a wide range of A Level and vocational Level 3 courses, alongside opportunities to develop independence, oracy and leadership. The curriculum includes a Life Skills programme, enrichment opportunities and structured study time.

A Level 2 Access pathway supports students who need a different route, ensuring meaningful progression into further education, training or employment.

Reading and the Extended Curriculum

We actively promote reading for pleasure and progress, through regular reading opportunities, modelling of effective reading and targeted literacy support where needed.

Our extended curriculum includes a wide range of clubs, activities, trips, performances and competitive opportunities. These enrich learning, broaden horizons and support personal development, with financial support provided to ensure access for all.

In summary

Our curriculum at Felpham Community College is ambitious, inclusive and carefully designed to support Achievement, Care and Equity. It enables all students to develop knowledge, skills, character and confidence, preparing them well for life beyond school.

This curriculum intent is enacted through our teaching and learning approach, behaviour expectations, personal development provision and inclusive practices, ensuring a coherent experience for students and families across all areas of school life.