The curriculum is the way in which the school organises teaching and learning so that each pupil reaches their highest possible level of achievement.

For the first three years at Penketh (known as Key Stage 3), pupils follow all the National Curriculum subjects. In Year 7 therefore, each pupil will have lessons in English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, French or German (family choice), Geography, History, ICT, Art and Design, Music, PE, RE, Dance and Drama and Citizenship and Health Education.

To ease the transition into the new High School, pupils will be taught a number of subjects by the same multi-skilled teacher. From September 2004, pupils can expect to be taught Maths, Science and ICT by the same teacher and similarly for English and Drama and Geography and History. This enables the teachers to get to know your child more quickly and effectively.

Pupils are in mixed-ability tutor groups and are taught in these socially based groupings for Citizenship, Technology, PE and their Modern Foreign Language. For the other subjects, 3 of our 9 classes are "accelerated learning" classes consisting of our academically most able pupils. (Individuals are selected for these on the basis of their National Curriculum "Teacher Assessments" and test levels from Primary Schools).

The other 6 classes are mixed ability social groups. Work in all classes is organised so that every pupil is challenged to achieve their full potential. (There are, of course, opportunities for "late developers" to join the accelerated classes at appropriate times throughout the year). Teachers take great care to build on the achievement of each pupil in their Primary School.

For Years 8 and 9 all pupils continue to follow their National Curriculum studies. Pupils are taught in ability based "sets" for most subjects, regardless of whether they were in accelerated or mixed ability classes in Year 7. The most able pupils begin the study of a second Modern Foreign Language.

In Years 10 and 11, all pupils study English, Maths, Science, PE, PSRE (Personal, Social and Religious Education) and Citizenship. In addition, pupils and parents may choose 4 from, typically, more than 20 additional subjects.

Most subjects are GCSE courses, but we have an increasing range of Applied GCSE's and other 'Vocational' courses which are more specifically targeted at work-related learning.

In addition to the knowledge, skills and understanding developed, pupils are encouraged to apply these skills and show their initiative in lessons and in a variety of cross-curricular opportunities.

As an 11-18 school, we hope as many pupils as possible will stay on to study our wide range of courses in the Sixth Form. However, we are aware that for a number of individuals, their future will be in other directions. Our Careers Education and Guidance team work with pupils but particularly those in Years 9 -11 to ensure that pupils are aware of all their progression opportunities and that they make the right decisions for their future.