CURRICULUM

| Education | Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity and a desire for learning in all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds, strengths and needs. It should be a gateway to opportunity and to a fulfilling and prosperous life in modern Britain and beyond.

Our curriculum is broad and balanced, with an emphasis on academic success. We prioritise learning in Literacy, Numeracy, Languages, Humanities and Science. Our curriculum is both coherent and cumulative, with an emphasis on the critical importance of knowledge acquisition.

Our curriculum aims to:

  • Cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware pupils
  • Mould pupils into good citizens, with a sense of responsibility for their actions
  • Encourage civic and social participation within the community
  • Promote the development of young leaders
  • Allow pupils to develop their individuality
  • Empower pupils with the necessary skills and abilities to play a full and inclusive role within society
  • Provide a solid foundation for future learning at every stage
  • Deliver excellent exam results

At the core of the Academy’s curriculum will be a specialist and obligatory menu at Key Stages 3 and 4 for all pupils of academic subjects leading to the English Baccalaureate including English, Mathematics, Sciences, Languages and Humanities.

Key Stage 3

The Academy operates a two-year Key Stage 3. All pupils will follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects following the national curriculum. Pupils are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary.

Courses Available at Key Stage 3

Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3

Subject Exam Information
English Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Mathematics Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Science Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
History Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Geography Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
French Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Arabic Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Computing Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
P.E. Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Religious Education Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
PSHE /Citizenship Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Art Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Food Technology Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Performing Arts (Music / Drama) Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3

 

Key Stage 4

The Academy operates a three-year Key Stage 4 where pupils sit GCSE’s across both Year 10 and 11. All year 9 pupils continue to study Art and Food Technology as well as core P.E. Pupils make their GCSE choices towards the end of Year 8. Across Years 9, 10 and 11, most pupils will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate, where they are also offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary. The primary focus is to ensure that every pupil makes above expected progress in English and Mathematics.

A very small number of pupils will undertake an alternative vocational pathway. This will be a targeted pathway which will ensure SEN pupils, including those supported with an educational health care plan (EHCP) and those newly arrived to the country, are supported in their learning to ensure they make rapid progress. Pupils will complete nationally and industry recognised awards and qualifications, developing a personalised portfolio to include GCSE’s and vocational achievements.

In year 11, pupils can opt from a number of options. Most qualification require 120 GLH/TQT (Guided Learning Hours/Total Qualification Time) which means there is sufficient time for all courses to be completed in year 11 based on 4 lessons a week.

 

Courses Available at Key Stage 4
Subject Course Title Core/Option Exam Board Specification Start Finish
English GCSE English Language Core AQA 8700 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE English Literature Core AQA 8702 Year 9 Year 11
Maths GCSE Mathematics Core EdExcel 1MA1 Year 9 Year 11
Sciences GCSE Science (Combined) Core – pupils study one of the Science courses EdExcel 1SC0 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Science (Individual Sciences) – Biology, Chemistry, Physics EdExcel 1BI0, 1CH0 & 1PH0 Year 9 Year 11
Humanities GCSE History Core – pupils study one of the Humanities courses AQA 8145 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Geography AQA 8035 Year 9 Year 11
Languages GCSE French Core – pupils study one of the Languages courses AQA 8658 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Arabic EdExcel 1AA0 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Urdu Languages courses EdExcel 1AA0 Year 9 Year 11
Computing/ICT GCSE Computer Science Core – pupils study one of the computing courses OCR J276 Year 9 Year 10
Cambridge National in Creative iMedia OCR J817 Year 9 Year 10
Religious Studies GCSE Religious Studies Core AQA 8062 Year 9 Year 10
Citizenship GCSE Citizenship Core AQA 8100 Year 9 Year 11
Physical Education Physical Education Core N/A N/A N/A N/A
Art Art and Design N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Food Technology Food Technology N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Performing Arts Performing Arts N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Option 1: History Or Geography GCSE History Or GCSE Geography Option AQA 8145/8035 Year 11(four lessons a week) Year 11
Option 2: Art L2 Art Option TBC TBC Year 11 (four lessons a week) Year 11
Option 3: Performing Arts L2 Performing Arts Option TBC TBC Year 11 (four lessons a week) Year 11
Option 4: Engineering L2 Engineering Option TBC TBC Year 11 (four lessons a week) Year 11
Option 5: Food & Nutrition L2 Food & Nutrition Option TBC TBC Year 11 (four lessons a week) Year 11
Option 6: Sports L2 Sports Option TBC TBC Year 11 (four lessons a week) Year 11