At Bournside, our curriculum maps take pride of place in every classroom and department area, showcasing the rich learning journeys our students follow. These maps bring each subject to life, illustrating not only what students learn and when, but how knowledge and skills build powerfully over time as they progress through the school.
Carefully sequenced and thoughtfully designed, our maps also show the meaningful links between subjects. By highlighting where themes and concepts connect, the maps help students understand the ‘why’ behind their learning and deepen their confidence in making sense of the world around them.
This essential information ensures that everyone in the Bournside community shares a clear understanding of the bigger picture. It reflects our commitment to a well-planned, ambitious curriculum for all, and supports every student to know more, remember more, and achieve more.
Literacy is central to our curriculum. Just as our curriculum maps guide students through their learning journey, our whole-school approach to literacy ensures every young person develops the essential skills to read, write, speak and listen with confidence -skills that truly inspire lives through learning.
Every teacher at Bournside is a teacher of literacy, and our Literacy Statement sets out our commitment to the explicit teaching of reading, writing, vocabulary and oracy across all subjects. These skills help students think deeply, communicate clearly and make good academic progress.
We are passionate about fostering a lifelong love of reading. Research shows that reading for pleasure declines with age, so we work hard to ignite and sustain students’ enjoyment. From tutor-time shared reading and our 'Teachers as role model readers' initiative, to library read alouds, books displays and reading diplomas.
Throughout the year, we run numerous literacy events, including reading challenges, house competitions, and external trips. There is a wide range of extra-curricular clubs available to help further reading and writing for pleasure too. Students are encouraged to join at least one club per term, and they can try the Bournside LIT Club, the Creative Writing & Poetry Club, or the Bournside Book Club.
Learning at Bournside extends far beyond the classroom. We are proud to offer one of the biggest and most exciting extra-curricular programmes in the county, giving every student the chance to discover new passions and develop their talents.
From the incredible range of sports, arts, drama and music opportunities available, to clubs like robotics, debate, crochet, languages and science, there really is something for everyone.
Students can immerse themselves in drama through the Bournside Theatre Ensemble, take part in inspiring trips and activities throughout the year, or choose to commit to the transformative Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver or Gold.
As part of the curriculum, we provide many opportunities to develop each child’s personal development, focusing on aspects such as friendships, personal awareness and safety in the community. These are delivered as stand-alone sessions, beyond the classroom, both in and out of school, where appropriate.
Find out more information below - including sample of lessons covered in Terms 1 - 6.
Education 4 Life
The ethos for Education 4 Life lessons at Cheltenham Bournside School is to support students to become safe, happy, confident and informed young people, and to help them make educated choices both now and in the future.
At Bournside, our curriculum maps take pride of place in every classroom and department area, showcasing the rich learning journeys our students follow. These maps bring each subject to life, illustrating not only what students learn and when, but how knowledge and skills build powerfully over time as they progress through the school.