The DGS Curriculum

Dartford Grammar School’s mission statement is ‘A learning community developing international citizens’ and the curriculum is at the heart of our purpose. Dartford Grammar School offers a unique curriculum based on the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). This consists of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the lower school and the Diploma Programme (DP) in the Sixth Form. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is offered around the world in 146 countries, and we are proud that we are a leading IB World School, offering a truly international education.

In Years 7 – 9, students develop their knowledge and understanding of their subjects through an inquiry based learning approach to the Middle Years Programme which is underpinned by the philosophy of the Learner Profile. In Years 10 and 11, students follow a broad range of academic GCSE subjects, including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, either double Science or Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  Students then have three optional subjects from History, Geography and Religious Studies, Art, Drama, Music, Computer Science, Design Technology, Engineering and Physical Education. We are the only school nationally where all students sit GCSE examinations in two Modern Foreign Languages, one from Mandarin Chinese or Japanese then either French, German, Latin or Spanish. Our innovative Creativity Week programmes enables all students to enjoy a cross-discipline approach to their learning and develops independence and autonomy.

In the Sixth Form, we offer the IB Diploma to over 600 students. The Diploma offers students a fulltime real education that equips them with the key skills and a broad but deep subject knowledge to succeed in higher education or employment. The IB Diploma is recognised around the world and so allows students to access universities both in the United Kingdom and internationally. Through the IB Diploma, all students study English, Mathematics, a Language, a Science, a Humanity and either an Arts subject or a second choice from Languages, Science or Humanities. Students choose their six subjects from two levels of entry; three at higher level and three at standard level. Additionally students complete a 4000 word Extended Essay, as well as a study of Theory of Knowledge and an exciting Creativity, Activity and Service project (CAS).

Our entire curriculum, in line with the IB Learner Profile, encourages students to be internationally minded and aware of the importance of cultural diversity while embracing British values. Our curriculum offers academic depth and breadth, with the balance of a vibrant co-curriculum where all students actively participate in the wider life of the school. The curriculum aims to develop students academically, socially and personally, preparing them for life in a changing world. The IB Middle Years Programme provides the basic structure for the curriculum through years seven to eleven with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme forming the provision in the Sixth Form. The PSHE programme is fully embedded into a non-examined curriculum in line with statutory RSE requirements. 

Key Stage 3 (The Middle Years Programme)       

Key Stage 4 (The GCSE Years)

The GCSE curriculum will involve elements of personalisation and choice about the specific courses studied beyond the core curriculum. The curriculum meets the requirements of the English Baccalaureate and further reflects DGS’s commitment to language learning.

Students will choose Three GCSEs from the following subjects:

• Geography
• History
• Religious Studies
• Art
• Music
• Drama
• Physical Education
• Computer Science
• Engineering

It is very important that students select their THREE subjects using the guidance below:

• Students must choose one from Geography and History.

• A second Humanity can be chosen from Geography, History or Religious Studies. Students cannot select Geography, History and Religious Studies.

• Students can decide to choose one only from Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education.
• Students can decide to choose one only from Computer Science or Engineering.

Key Stage 5 (The Sixth Form): The IB Diploma Programme

After subject meetings and consultation, students are admitted from Year 11 and from other schools in the area. Students are offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma. For this broadly based course students select 3 subjects at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level. One subject must be selected from each of the following groups:

• Group 1: Studies in Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies.
• Group 4: Experimental Sciences.
• Group 5: Mathematics.
• Group 6: The Arts or a free choice from subject group 2, 3 or 4.

The IBDP is completed by a philosophical course in the Theory of Knowledge, the writing of an Extended Essay in an IB subject, and by activities encompassing creativity, activity and service (CAS).

The 'non-examined' curriculum

Creativity Weeks

Students work on cross-curricular programmes of study during two weeks in the year. These ‘Creativity Weeks’ allow the students to engage with the MYP Areas of Interaction and to take part in holistic project based learning.  The first week is during October and the second week is in June. The programme is reviewed on an annual basis to meet changing educational needs.

PSHE & Sex Education

The PSHE programme is taught through a designated lesson in Year 7 and in form times for the rest of the school. Year group assemblies are also used to deliver the programme and the Creativity Weeks in Years 11 and 12 also contribute to the delivery. In addition, Year 7 Science teaches the human reproduction process and returns to consider moral aspects at Key Stage 4. In addition the PSHE programmes for Key Stage 3 and 4 consider relations between the sexes, conception, contraception, and health related issues. At all times relevant moral issues are discussed, and the role of the family is prominent. Parents are given the opportunity to view the materials used and have the right to withdraw their sons from all or part of the programme. Refer to the Sex Education Policy for further details.