The Curriculum at Willingdon

Curriculum Intent

The curriculum at Willingdon Community School offers a broad, balanced, personalised and challenging educational experience, which builds on students’ experiences in the primary phase of their education. 

It aims to provide all students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes which are necessary if they are to become successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve the best they are capable of. 

The curriculum model at Willingdon is a dynamic model, reviewed annually to take into account educational developments at national, local and school levels. The school is committed to maintaining its consistently high levels of achievement in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science; at the same time we continue to place a high value on the humanities and creative subjects, and provide a wide range of opportunities for students to pursue their interests in these areas at GCSE level. 

At Key Stage 3, the curriculum complies with our statutory obligations to provide courses in National Curriculum subjects over three years: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, French, Design Technology, ICT, Art, Music, Drama and P.E., together with Religious Education (delivered as Ethics), Citizenship, Careers Education and RSHE. Classes are arranged based on what best supports student progress in each subject, with a mixture of sets and mixed ability. In both cases groupings are fluid and may change throughout the year based on ongoing teacher assessment and input from our pastoral team. 

As a school with a fully comprehensive intake, Willingdon is committed at Key Stage 4 to providing an appropriately adapted yet ambitious curriculum for all students. A broad range of subjects are offered, mostly at GCSE level. Sufficient flexibility is built into the model, however, to ensure that we meet the individual needs, strengths and aspirations of each learner as they make their choices. Every student follows examination courses in English (Language and Literature), mathematics and science (double or triple award), together with four other option subjects.  As at KS3, classes are arranged based on what best supports student progress in each subject, with a mixture of sets and mixed ability. In both cases groupings remain fluid and may change throughout the year based on ongoing teacher assessment and input from our pastoral team.  

RSHE is taught in a rotation with Ethics for a period a week at Key Stage 3, and a period per fortnight at Key Stage 4. Some elements of RSHE also appear through the coaching time programmes first thing in the morning. 

Curriculum Diagram 2025/2026

KS3 & KS4 SUBJECT CURRICULUM BOOKLETS (2025/2026)

SUBJECT LEARNING JOURNEY 2024/2025

English

Maths

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

History

Geography

MFL - French & Spanish

MFL - Latin

Art

Design & Technology

Music

Business Studies

Drama

Food Prep & Nutrition

Physical Education

Child Development

Careers

Computing & IT

What you have to say

"We couldn't be happier with the school, our children are happy and are always learning. Staff always go the extra mile (and more) to ensure they have so much more than they need. Staff are dedicated and caring and show this towards us parents too - even when we are being fussy! Thank you so much for all you do."

Good afternoon Mrs May and Mr Gordon, 

I hope you are both doing well. Thank you very much for your kind words, it really means a lot as I was feeling a bit nervous yesterday about how I had done in my presentation! I loved the experience, and it has given me more confidence in terms of public speaking! The whole team was brilliant yesterday and I'm really proud of how we all did - I feel very honoured to be part of such an amazing team. Thank you again for your encouragement and support!

Year 11 Student