The school has a curriculum determined by the Governors which is broad, balances, relevant and responsive to the needs of pupils and society. Nine areas of the curriculum have been established, each with a member of staff as co-ordinator.

These are:

There are two distinct stages of school life. Key Stage Three courses - Years 7, 8 and 9; Key Stage Four courses - Years 10 and 11. All National Curriculum subjects are included in both key stages.

Key Stage 3

All pupils study: English, Mathematics, Personal Health and Social Education, Citizenship, Physical Education, Religious Education, Design Technology, Modern Languages, Science, Art, Music and Humanities. At the end of Key Stage 3 national tests are held in core subjects. A level of attainment in each subject ranging from level 1 to the highest level 7/8 will be awarded.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 all National Curriculum subjects are available but students do have some choice. In 2007/2008 all pupils must continue their studies in English, Mathematics, a Modern Foreign Language, Personal Health and Social Education, ICT, Religious Education, Physical Education and Science. In addition pupils may choose other courses of study.

At the end of Key Stage 4 assessment of students' achievements will be mainly by GCSE examinations.

In recent years our Key Stage 4 Curriculum has been extended with pupils able to opt for Motor Vehicle studies, DIDA (Diploma in digital applications) and an asset languages course.

Some pupils opt to take a reduced number of GCSE's with a vocational course which is run in conjunction with StocktonRiverside College. Newstart placements provide other vocational opportunities.

Religious Education is an important part of the curriculum and is a compulsory subject in all year. The Governing Body and the Religious Education Department have devised a syllabus which is essentially Christian but which does look at the beliefs at the other great faiths. Parents who wish to discuss their right to withdraw their children from RE lessons or worship should contact the Headteacher.

Pupils are made aware of the world of work through curriculum units and the school's structured guidance programme which features as a major component one week's work experience in Year 11. In addition, a regularly updated careers library including computerised information, and a variety of vocational presentations by outside agencies complement the individual pupil post-16 choice counseling provided by the Connexions Service. Our Citizenship scheme has been recently implemented. Citizenship is delivered through the PHSE programme and through themed events throughout the year.

Help for pupils with Special Educational Needs is co-ordinated by a network of staff led by the Curriculum Access Manager. These staff meet regularly to ensure that all staff are aware of pupils' specific needs and strategies for meeting those needs. Support may be provided by differentiated materials or by additional in-class support. Where it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child, a pupil may be withdrawn for help to develop particular skills. Parents are invited to come into school for regular reviews, and advice is given to parents as to how they can help their children at home. The formal SEN policy of the school is available from the Headteacher.