Ethos

Our ethos is to ensure that all pupils are able to make outstanding progress in their learning and personal development during their journey with us.

The Curriculum

We have actively developed our curriculum over a number of years. Changes have been driven by our determination to deliver courses according to our pupils’ learning needs, both now and in the future. We do not necessarily follow what appears to be in fashion or run courses to boost our exam statistics. We do what is best for our pupils’ future.

At GTS, we ensure a broad and balanced curriculum that is accessible to all pupils. It is maintained throughout the three-year KS3 curriculum, delivering a wide range of subjects and topics, promoting a broad range of knowledge and skills, allowing our pupils to discover and pursue their own interests and passions. At KS4, the curriculum “tapers” as pupils choose their GCSE subjects but continues to offer a wide range of educational experiences outside of the examined subjects. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all pupils, including those pupils with SEND and those that are disadvantaged, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.

Historically, Sport and Applied Learning specialisms have made a significant contribution to the success of the school. Pupils continue to have the opportunity to experience a wide range of sporting activities, from traditional team games to exciting and demanding outdoor pursuits, such as climbing and surfing. Vocational courses and career education focus on equipping our young people with life skills for the world of work.

At GTS we are not just about exam results. We offer our pupils opportunities and experiences to not only gain the very best qualifications but also develop skills, personal qualities, a passion for learning and a belief in themselves. Personal development is supported in our PSHE curriculum, pastoral input, and enrichment activities. The curriculum at GTS goes way beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Pupils at GTS are inspired to follow their dreams, whether it is on the sports field, on the moors, on the stage, or wherever their passions take them, and we are always proud to hear what so many of them go on to do having started them on their journey. Every year, large numbers of pupils start out on the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) programme with a significant proportion going on to complete the Gold Award. In the past few years, we have seen success at County, National and Academy levels within the sporting arena, Youth Speaks County winners, County chess champions, County and regional equestrian champions, performers in the West End. The list is quite literally endless. Many pupils who have recently left GTS are actively involved in the local community, either as volunteers or as elected officials within the town or district councils.

At GTS we believe our curriculum should provide the academic and inspirational steppingstones for life’s onward journey.

Curriculum Intent

The GTS curriculum will give pupils the academic knowledge (substantive and disciplinary), vocational skills and emotional literacy to pursue their dreams.

Through the curriculum and wider opportunities at GTS, we intend to:

• Provide pupils with rich knowledge, skills, and deep conceptual understanding of the world, so that pupils can take advantage of the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of later life.
• Ensure pupils are highly literate, numerate, and creative.
• Ensure disadvantaged pupils have a curriculum that enables them to make progress in line with their peers.
• Grow aspirations.
• Ensure our pupils become life-long learners by promoting their happiness and both physical and mental health.