Curriculum
Discover the Difference
- Art & Design
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing
- Design Technology
- Drama
- English Language
- English Literature
- Food and Nutrition
- Geography
- History
- Latin
- Mathematics
- Modern Foreign Languages - French/German/Spanish
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Religious Studies and Philosophy
Art & Design
Art and Design students are encouraged to take a broad approach to their studies thus allowing them to develop a clear understanding of the nature of the subject.
Students will discover a department that offers a dynamic and vibrant course which will allow them to develop their work with complete freedom over format, media and scale.
Subject
Content: Years 7-9
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11 (GCSE)
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A sustained project
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A selection of work resulting from activities e.g. trails and activities.
Staff
Learning Environment
Where we are
Beyond the Classroom
Where we go
Exhibition work
Students showcase their artistic talents
Biology
Students have the choice of undertaking Biology as a separate GCSE or as part of the Combined Science AQA Trilogy programme. The benefits of undertaking a separate Biology GCSE allows students to undertake an extra 45 minutes of in-depth practice each week.
Biology is always at the cutting edge of fascinating developing areas of research associated with living organisms and life processes.
Subject
Content: Years 7-8
- Cells
- Reproduction
- Structure and function of body systems
- Health and Lifestyle
- Ecosystem processes
- Adaptation and Inheritance
Delivery
Content: Years 9-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Chemistry
Chemistry has played a major role in developing and improving living standards across the world.
GCSE Chemistry students are notable for their powers of analysis and intellectual rigour as the subject invites students to think creatively about solutions to problems.
Subject
Content: Years 7-8
- Particles and their behaviours
- Elements, atoms and compounds
- Reactions
- Acids and alkalis
- Periodic Table
- Separation techniques
- Metals and Acids
- The Earth
Delivery
Content: Years 9-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Computing
The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
The department aims to enable pupils to become confident independent users of computers and to develop computational thinking skills to the highest possible level.
Subject
Content: Years 7-9
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Design Technology
Studying Design and Technology enables students to use creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes of products that can achieve real change in addressing the relevant problems facing today's world.
The course also gives students the opportunity to apply knowledge from multiple disciplines including Mathematics, Science, Art and Design, Computing and the Humanities.
Subject
Content: Years 7-9
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Design from a given brief
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Design development to a final prototype
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Manufacturing their designed product to a working prototype
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The skilled use of workshop hand tools
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The skilled use of the ‘Laser Cutter’ and other industry related processes
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Product evaluation to aid further development in the future
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Where we are
Beyond the Classroom
Student opportunities
Drama
GCSE Drama is an active, engaging and stimulating course which allows students to explore the theatrical process from the point of view of the actor, designer and audience.
Subject
Content
Delivery
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Drama on Stage
Additional Information
Trips
English Language
English Language allows our pupils to immerse themselves in a wide range of engaging and challenging literary non-fiction. Throughout the course, pupils are encouraged to develop
Subject
Content: Years 7-8
Delivery
Content: Years 9-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
The London Theatre Experience
Debating
English Literature
English Literature offers up a diverse and popular range of set texts across the three genres of poetry, prose and drama.
Subject
Content: Years 7-8
Delivery
Content: Years 9-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
The London Theatre Experience
English Extra
Food and Nutrition
Food Preparation and Nutrition students will develop and nurture an understanding of nutrition, food provenance and food materials. Students will also experience food from around the world through the study of international culinary traditions.
This is an exciting and creative course which will allow you to demonstrate your practical skills whilst making connections between theory and practice!
Subject
Content: Years 7-9
- How to handle and use cooking equipment safely
- Importance of following a healthy diet
- Practical work is a key component of the course and pupils are given a choice of recipes with each topic
- Independent learning and teamwork skills are developed throughout
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
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Food, nutrition and health
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Food science
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Food safety
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Food choice
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Food provenance
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Events and Trips
School Life
Christmas Cake Club and Baking Club
Geography
Geographers are taught a wide-ranging combination of subjects and skills. The Geographer’s ability to view issues from a wider perspective is appropriate for working in many different areas.
The nature of peoples’ working lives is changing. It is less likely that someone will spend all their life in one company or organisation (the so-called job for life). If your career path is to be varied you will need to develop transferable skills and you will need to be flexible. Geography fosters these qualities and provides a firm base for life-long learning.
Subject
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Explore the world through Geography
History
History takes an all encompassing approach to aspects of Twentieth Century history, with a wide breadth of study coupled with 3 more in-depth areas of investigation.
The course is a challenging yet rewarding course for students and acts as a foundation for those wishing to take their studies to Sixth Form level.
Subject
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Stepping back in time - Exploring the world through History
Latin
Latin fosters a broad range of disciplines and gives students a clear understanding of some of the elements of classical civilisation, literature and language that have had a profound impact on modern day societies.
Latin students can therefore take the 'long view' on aesthetic, ethical, linguistic, political, religious and social questions.
Subject
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Mathematics
Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.
The writing of structured solutions, proof and justification of results help you to formulate reasoned arguments. And importantly you will have excellent numeracy skills and the ability to process and interpret data.
Subject
Content: Years 7-8
Delivery
Content: Years 9-11(GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Extra Maths
Modern Foreign Languages - French/German/Spanish
In a world where effective global communication skills are more vital than ever, all pupils at Newcastle-under-Lyme School choose one of French, German or Spanish as their compulsory MFL.
In addition, pupils have the option of continuing with two modern languages to GCSE. Providing distinct advantages for the future, all languages are highly regarded by universities, can be combined well with other subjects and there are good career prospects afterwards: you are very employable with a language!
Subject
Content: Years 7-9
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
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Identity and Culture
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Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest
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Current & Future Study and Employment
Staff
Who we are
Mrs M T Holmes |
Head of Modern Languages (Teacher I/C of German) |
Miss M I Barnes |
Teacher |
Miss S Graham |
Teacher |
Mrs M Isherwood |
Teacher I/C of Spanish |
Mrs E L Kozlowski |
Teacher I/C of French |
Mrs S Thomas |
Teacher |
Mrs D Oldham |
Foreign Languages Assistant (French) |
Mrs C Spooner |
Foreign Languages Assistant (Spanish) |
Mrs C Conlin |
Foreign Languages Assistant (German) |
Learning Environment
Where we are
Beyond the Classroom
Explore the world through languages
Music
As a potential musician you will be comfortable with performing in front of audiences great and small and will want to develop your musical skill through singing and instrumental lessons.
Musicians are renowned for their patience in carrying out long term composition tasks and their positive attitude towards constructive criticism to better their work.
Subject
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
Staff
Who we are
Mr T Sagar |
Head of Department |
Mrs J Perkin |
Teacher |
Learning Environment
Where we are
Beyond the Classroom
Clubs, Events and Music Practice
Event Highlights
Music from 'Carols by Candlelight' - 2018
Physical Education
Physical Education plays a prominent part in the life of the School. As a department, we aim to provide opportunities for all pupils to participate in a physical activity, whilst at the same time promoting a competitive and healthy interest in sport.
At GCSE level the combination of coursework and a final exam assessment provides students with the opportunity to use a wide array of study skills.
Subject
Content: Years 7-11 (General)
Delivery
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
- Paper 1: Theory - Physical Factors (30% of GCSE marks)
- Paper 2: Theory - Socio-Cultural Issues (30% of GCSE marks)
- Paper 3: Practical Performance (40% of GCSE marks)
Staff
Learning Environment
Where we are
Beyond the Classroom
Sporting Clubs and Societies
Physics
Physics helps you understand the world around you; from the motion of Galaxies to the structure of atoms. In the 21st century major new discoveries such as exoplanets and gravitational waves demonstrates how Physics is constantly pushing the boundaries of known science.
Subject
Content: Years 7-8
- Year 7: Forces, Sound Waves and Space
- Year 8: Electricity & Magnetism, Motion & Pressure, Energy
Delivery
Content: Years 9-11(GCSE)
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Energy
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Electricity
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Particle model of matter
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Atomic structure
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Forces, their interactions, and motion
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Waves
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Magnetism and electromagnetism
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Space physics
- Paper 1: Covers topics 1-4
- Paper 2: Covers topics 5-8
Staff
Learning Environment
Beyond the Classroom
Extra Physics
Religious Studies and Philosophy
Religious Studies students acquire both the academic and interpersonal skills required to develop a unique understanding of our world and the diverse array of people and religions that live within it.
Students will learn how religion, philosophy and ethics interact, and how they form the basis of the different cultures that exist within the UK and beyond. Pupils will be encouraged to recognise, appreciate and critically evaluate the broad range of beliefs and practices that will be explored at each Key Stage.
Subject
Content: Years 7-9
Delivery
- Discussion and debate.
- Films and documentaries.
- Examination questions are practiced on a regular basis, especially ones where students are expected to justify a moral and philosophical perspective they hold.
Content: Years 10-11(GCSE)
- Paper 1: The study of religions (50% of GCSE)
- Paper 2: Thematic studies: philosophy and ethics (50% of GCSE)
Staff
Learning Environment
Where we are
Beyond the Classroom
Where we go