Senior Curriculum

Streaming and Assessment

Students sit Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) prior to entry to Cobham Free School, as part of the induction process. The results are analysed and pupils are allocated to either an accelerated, ‘A’, or a mixed, ‘C’, ‘F’ or ‘S’, stream, based on the outcomes. All streams cover the same content but the ‘A’ stream will be taught in greater depth. There are no limits to what a student can achieve at GCSE whichever stream the student is allocated to in Key Stage 3. Having two streams ensures that our cohorts are given all the support they need to achieve their potential. The streams are flexible, and once allocated, it is possible for pupils to move between streams if considered appropriate by the school.

Teachers across the school use both summative and formative assessment techniques (see the policies for further details). Examples of summative assessment in the senior department are:

Cognitive Ability Tests completed by new students prior to entry to Cobham Free School Senior Department. These tests produce KS2 retrospective indicators and GCSE predictors.

Subject specific baseline assessments in most KS3 subjects.

Classroom tests and assignments.

Assessed performances e.g. role plays, musical and English language.

GCSE Course Information (Options booklet)

Religious Education

Although not a faith school, Cobham Free School considers Religious Education very important. Pupils learn about different world faiths as part of the curriculum. Their studies are given context through visits to religious buildings, special themed lunches, assemblies and celebrations which reflect cultural festivals.

In our school, Religious Education is a part of a broad and balanced curriculum. All pupils receive RE in accordance with the Surrey Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (2023-2028). This can be viewed here >
Within our website, you will find details about the RE that is taught in each year group.
We expect all pupils to experience the full breadth of our curriculum, but should parents or carers wish to exercise the right of withdrawal for all or part of RE, they should consult the headteacher.
Collective worship (often known as an assembly) is part of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Assemblies are an important part of our school community life, so we hope that all pupils participate. Any parents or carers wishing to exercise their right to withdraw their child(ren) from all or part of collective worship should consult the headteacher.
The Right of Withdrawal from Religious Education
The right of parents to withdraw their children from Religious Education (RE) lessons is set out in section 71(1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

A parent of a student can request that their child is wholly or partly excused from:

Receiving RE given in the school in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum
Parents who withdraw their child from all or part of the school’s RE curriculum do not have to provide a reason. The school must comply with their request, although a school should ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the RE syllabus.

If students are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Students will usually remain on school premises. Parents are not permitted to supervise their child during these lessons.

The rules that apply to withdrawing students from RE lessons do not apply to other lessons that look at religion. Therefore, a student cannot be withdrawn from any National Curriculum subject, even if they teach about religion, other than RE or some aspects of sex and relationship education (RSE).

If you think you would like to discuss withdrawing your child from RE lessons, please contact the Senior Leadership Team.

We welcome pupils from families of all backgrounds and beliefs, religious or secular, to join our school; cultural diversity serves to enhance and enrich our community.