What Your Child Will Learn

What Your Child Will Learn

At St Thomas More, our taught curriculum offers students a broad and balanced education, providing access to a wide range of subjects designed to inspire curiosity, develop knowledge and skills, and nurture individual passions. We recognise that every student is unique, with their own interests and aspirations, and we aim to provide opportunities for all students to both pursue what they love and explore new areas of learning.

Religious Studies forms a core part of our curriculum across all key stages. It plays a central role in developing students’ understanding of faith, morality, and the wider world. This is complemented by the work of our ethos teams, who help to bring faith to life through missionary and charity projects, encouraging students to live out the values of love, service, and community.

Key Stage 3

We place great emphasis on the importance of Key Stage 3 [Years 7–9] as a foundation for future success. Our curriculum structure ensures that students experience a wide range of subjects, allowing them to develop a rich understanding of different disciplines before making their option choices.

As students move through Key Stage 3, we gradually introduce attainment groupings in some subjects to ensure that all learners are appropriately challenged and supported. By Year 9, most subjects are taught in attainment groups, enabling personalised teaching that meets the needs of all students.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 [Years 10–11], pupils shape their own learning journey by sharing their preferences, and we work with them to build a pathway that reflects their strengths, interests, and future ambitions. Our curriculum offers a wide choice of GCSE and vocational qualifications, giving every pupil the opportunity to explore subjects they enjoy while preparing for the next stage in education, employment, or training.

We believe this stage should be exciting and rewarding, so our approach focuses on achievement, enjoyment, and personal growth. This helps every pupil to thrive academically and develop the confidence and skills they need for life beyond school.

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5 [Sixth Form], students have access to a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications.

Our post-16 curriculum is built on the same principles as our lower school: breadth, challenge, and ambition. It is designed to prepare students for life beyond school, whether that be university, higher-level apprenticeships, or employment.

Subject Overviews

Our taught curriculum is structured around key concepts and crucial learning, organised on a modular basis.

The key concepts represent the big ideas that underpin each subject. They provide a thread through the curriculum, helping students to see how knowledge connects and builds over time. As students encounter new information, they revisit these concepts, deepening and expanding their understanding.

This approach ensures that learning is coherent and meaningful — not just a series of isolated topics, but a connected journey that helps students make sense of the world around them.

You can explore an overview of each subject area using the links below. Each overview outlines the key concepts, the main topics explored within each module, and how knowledge and skills progress throughout the key stages.