Curriculum

At FICS we believe that education consists of more than the taught and planned curriculum. Students learn a great deal from interactions with others, the areas that staff choose to focus on, and the messages we give through assemblies and other formal events. 

The academic curriculum is an important part of what students learn at FICS; preparing students for future study and promoting a joy of learning. We encourage students to think widely and deepen their learning about their local context and the wider world. The quality of our curriculum owes much to the work of our highly-qualified specialist teachers. 

Pupils follow a standard curriculum that allows them to develop their knowledge and skills in KS3 across a broad range of subjects before making their GCSE choices. In Year 10, students have the opportunity to follow a wholly academic curriculum, or choose from a mix of vocational qualifications and work experience, depending on the individual child. 

Lessons follow a set structure to provide consistency for students and clear expectations regarding their engagement. It is not permissible for students to attend school and not engage with the work in lessons: there is no gain to the child if they are not actively thinking. The more that students are willing to work hard and challenge themselves, the more they will gain from their time at FICS. Students are encouraged to undertake independent work outside of lessons in order to consolidate and advance their knowledge and understanding.

FICS operates a two-week timetable. Students have five 60 minute lessons per day, as well as morning and afternoon tutor time. Morning registration is at 8:30am, with Period 1 running 8:40am - 9:40am, Period 2 9:40  - 10:40am, and then a twenty minute break. Period 3 runs from 11am to 12pm when school ends for lunch. Students need to be back in their tutor group for 1:30pm for afternoon tutor time until 1:55pm, before Periods 4 and 5 in the afternoon. School finishes at 3:55pm.

Students are strongly encouraged to take part in the wide range of lunchtime and afterschool clubs, with housepoints awarded for participation. 

Students will sit progress tests in Maths, English and Science in years 7-9, before they commence their GCSE courses in Year 10.

At the end of Year 10, students will sit Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs) in formal examination conditions. They will also sit PPEs in November of Year 11, before their final externally accredited examinations in May/June of year 11.