A teacher standing at the white board pointing forward during a lesson

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is knowledge-rich and encourages students to acquire and use different types of knowledge over time, developing their abilities and mastering the content.

"The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils develop knowledge and skills very effectively."

Ofsted 2024

Jump to Key Stage

Key Stage Three

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum runs from Year 7 to Year 9. The core curriculum builds on and exceeds the English National Curriculum. 

In KS3 we:

  • Ensure that all students quickly achieve the high standards of literacy and numeracy necessary to underpin success across the curriculum.
  • Emphasise science, history, geography and modern languages, as these subjects develop the analytical skills that universities and employers prize, as well as giving students a more rounded understanding of the world around them.
  • Give generous time to creative and expressive arts, such as drawing, painting, music, drama, design technology and physical education. 
A student looks forward during a lesson at The Charter School East Dulwich
interior stairs in the main building at The Charter School East Dulwich

All students will study:

  • Art & Design 
  • Biology, Chemistry & Physics
  • Computing
  • Design Technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Physical Education
  • PSHE
  • Religious Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Music

Learning is not limited to the five timetabled lessons per day. The Tutorial programme has a clear daily focus designed to help build character and positive behavioural and learning habits (e.g. class reading to support literacy).

All pupils are expected to complete reading and maths at home every week using our Sparx platform. There is also be additional homework set in other classes by teachers. Form Tutors, Pastoral Managers and Year Leaders will closely monitor each pupil’s academic progress, as well as their personal growth and social development. All students have the opportunity to extend their studies by attending enrichment classes which are on offer every week at lunchtime and after school. Students needing help with literacy or the use of English as a primary language for learning receive additional support. Some of this support is offered in lessons; some takes place during tutor time.  Sporting provision is also a key feature of school life. Students will be offered opportunities to join teams with their peers at The Charter School East Dulwich.

For information on how we support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities click here.

Key Stage Four

In Key Stage 4, students follow more tailored pathways of study, reflecting their individual aptitudes and interests. All pathways include the core subjects of English language and literature, Mathematics, and Science.

Almost all students will have the opportunity to study for the English Baccalaureate suite of qualifications (Spanish or French, History Geography), which offer the widest field of professional opportunities in later life. Students can also pursue at least one creative subject such as Music or Art and Design.

Some students will earn the opportunity to study for additional GCSEs in Further mathematics and Triple Science in order to provide additional challenge and opportunities for progression in later study. 

The Key Stage 4 tutorial programme will focus on the development of professional and life skills that will prepare students for fulfilling adult lives. Community and work experience placements are part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum for all pupils. The school also offers opportunities for leadership development activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

A teenage boy holds up a drawing he has completed.  The drawing is of a trainer and the teenager looks very proud of themselves
A student looks forward during a lesson at The Charter School East Dulwich

Options choices

In year 9 students make important decisions about the subjects they will study in Key Stage 4. In addition to English, Maths, Science, Spanish or French, and History or Geography they could also choose 2 of the following subjects:

  • Art
  • Photography
  • Music 
  • Drama
  • GCSE PE
  • BTEC Sport
  • IT
  • Computer Science GCSE
  • DT
  • Engineering
  • Business GCSE
  • Sociology
  • Religious Studies
  • Film Studies
  • History or Geography

For information on how we support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities click here.

Our GCSE Options booklet below includes information about the opportunities students will have and the options process.

Key Stage Five

Students are provided with information, advice and guidance in order to create a personalised programme of study in Years 12 and 13.

The school offers a wide range of A Levels and other Level 3 qualifications such as the Extended Project. Work Related Learning provision remains a key feature of school life in Years 12 and 13. Students study three or four qualifications each, based on their preferences, skills and careers goals.

We support all of our students to secure offers from the higher education provider of their choice or positions on higher level apprenticeships. Students with suitable levels of academic achievement will be provided with bespoke support for applications to Oxford and Cambridge colleges and medical schools. Students with additional needs or personal challenges are supported to overcome barriers to learning and fully achieve their potential.

Three students sit at a laptop discussing their work during a lesson at The Charter School East Dulwich
A student looks forward during a lesson at The Charter School East Dulwich

The Charter School East Dulwich Sixth Form works closely together with The Charter School North Dulwich in order to offer a wide curriculum. As a result, some courses are studied at The Charter School North Dulwich and their students also join us here at The Charter Shcool East Dulwich. Please note: the availability of any chosen subject, or subject combination, will depend on student demand, staff availability and on timetabling contingencies.

Arts & Humanities

  • Art
  • Drama
  • English Literature
  • French
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Film Studies

Business & Economics

  • Business BTEC
  • Economics

Science & Technology

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Maths
  • Further Maths
  • Computer Science
  • Design Technology
  • Sport BTEC

Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Geography
  • History
  • Politics
  • Religious Studies
  • Spanish
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

For information on how we support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities click here.

Explore the Curriculum