Arden aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum which
enables every child to fulfil their potential and maximise
achievement; equipping them to make a successful transition
into higher education or work.
Through a balanced and challenging curriculum, through care,
understanding and respect and by communication and co-
operation with parents, Arden provides its pupils with the
education they deserve.
Arden has an enviable reputation and we are proud to provide
a stimulating and rewarding school environment that creates
happy, well rounded young adults who achieve high standards.
We teach individuals to value their own achievements highly
and to respect and celebrate the achievements of others.
Arden encourages the democratic, practical and realistic
involvement of pupils in the management of their daily lives.
We encourage them in learning respect for each other’s
individuality and in taking responsibility for each other and
their community.
The Curriculum
Key Stage Three
During Years 7 to 9, all pupils follow programmes in English,
Maths, Science, French or German, ICT, History, Geography,
RE, Design Technology, Art, Music, Drama and PSHE. In Year 8
pupils are offered the opportunity to begin a second Modern
Foreign Language (from French, German, Spanish, Italian and
Chinese); for some a course in written and spoken
communication skills is recommended instead.
Arden believes in fast-tracking where appropriate. Some pupils
in Year 9 commence their GCSE course in Maths and by the
end of Key Stage Three every pupil will have gained a Level 2
qualification in ICT.
Most subjects are taught in mixed ability groups throughout
Key Stage Three. However setting is used in Maths from Year
7 and Science from Year 8. Banding is also used in English
and the first foreign language from Year 8.
In Year 7, those pupils who may require extra support with
writing join a small teaching group for English. This targeted
support rapidly boosts their progress in the subject, helping
them to fully access the wider curriculum, and promoting
success in every other subject.
e x c e l l e n c e i n e d u c a t i o n
13
ARD E N