NSG Curriculum
OUR CURRICULUM VISION
Northampton School for Girls (NSG) is an ambitious and thriving school committed to providing a broad, modern, enriching and inspiring education to ensure that NSG girls have the confidence, independence, motivation and ambition to succeed within and beyond the school. We are a highly inclusive school, committed to achieving academic excellence for our students, ensuring that they flourish personally and make a difference to the world around them: locally, nationally and internationally.
Underpinned by our values of Respect for Self, Respect for Others and Respect for Learning, Northampton School for Girls provides an enriching curriculum alongside an impressive co-curricular offer that builds character and resilience, whilst inspiring and enabling students to achieve and become successful, well-rounded young adults in a fast-changing world.
Within our multi-cultural community, ‘Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development’, plays an important role. These aspects are covered in ‘Personal, Social, Health and Economic’ (PSHE) education, enrichment days, social enterprise activities and events, assemblies and tutor activities. Our girls understand what it is to live in a tolerant, diverse society following the laws of the land, to believe in the importance of individual liberty and to enjoy freedom in our democratic country. A wide range of visits and co-curricular activities provide opportunities for our girls to develop as leaders, learn how to communicate under pressure and to encourage and enthuse others. Above all, our girls are not afraid to challenge themselves in order to achieve success.
At Northampton School for Girls, students appreciate the impact that they have on others and particularly the responsibility that they have to give of their time, talents and charity to the wider community. We foster an environment where students can expand their minds, think flexibly, develop the skills of leadership that they all have within them, and grow as individuals.
CURRICULUM INFORMATION
At Northampton School for Girls, students are at the centre of our curriculum model. We are committed to providing a ‘traditionally’ academic curriculum for our students to ensure they are well prepared for the next stage in their education and are able to access university, apprenticeships or work successfully. Our curriculum offers a wide breadth of academic subjects, alongside the development of essential skills that ensures our students are empowered to become confident, independent, articulate, emotionally literate and socially astute. We follow the recommendations of the National Curriculum, ensuring that all statutory requirements are delivered, but go much further than this in the offer and opportunities we provide.
An increasing number of students follow the Ebacc and, where appropriate, we provide a bespoke and better suited curriculum for individuals. Progress 8 measures continue to be above national average, increasing year on year, along with attainment, evidencing the success of our curriculum. Class sizes average 27 students across Years 7 to 11.
The school day at NSG is split into 6 sessions of 50 minute lessons, with a 25 minute break in the morning and 45 minutes for lunch. During this time, students partake in many clubs and activities. There is a 25 minute tutor time and assembly time each day. Students are able to stay after school from Monday to Friday until 4.45pm to take part in extra-curricular activities or to study in the libraries.
Further details of the PSHE programme at KS3 and KS4 can be found here: PSHE Years 7-11
KEY STAGE 3
Northampton School for Girls operates a three year KS3 during which girls are taught a broad and balanced curriculum in both mixed ability and banded classes. Final GCSE options are agreed by the end of year 9.
The curriculum allocation is as follows:
KEY STAGE 4
Students choose two subjects in addition to the core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Languages, PE and PSHE.
The curriculum allocation is as follows:
Choices are guided to ensure all students maintain the breadth and balance needed for future pathways.
KEY STAGE 5
Northampton School for Girls Sixth Form provision is co-educational, admitting boys as well as girls. In Year 12, students select 3 subjects and choose a pathway (indicated below). Where appropriate some students study 4 A Levels.
Each subject is allocated 6 lessons per week, with an additional supervised study programme. All students follow the PSHE and enrichment programmes. Work experience also takes place in Year 12.
The curriculum allocation is as follows:
A level courses: (25 subjects)
Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dance, Drama, English Language, English Language & Literature, English Literature, Fine Art, Film, French, Geography, History, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Photography, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Product Design, Sociology, Spanish, Textiles.
BTEC level 3 courses: (5 subjects)
Applied Science, Business, Health & Social Care, Protective Services (Double Award - formerly Public Services), Sport.
Enrichment:
Includes: Extended Project Qualification, Core Maths, Young Enterprise, Sports Leaders Award, Music technology.
