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.
In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement.
We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance.
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
| 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 |
| Religious Education | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Arabic OR French | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Computing and IT | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Design and Technology | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Performing and Creative Arts | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| P.E. | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education | 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. 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.
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 | ||
| Religious Education | GCSE Religious Education | Core | AQA | 8062 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
| 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 | ||
| Computing and IT | GCSE Computer Science | Core – pupils study one of the computing courses | OCR | J276 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
| Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia |
OCR | J817 | Year 9 | Year 10 | ||
| Performing and Creative Arts | GCSE Art and Design | Option – pupils can choose to study one of the available Art and Design courses. The course can be studied over the course of two years (Years 9-10) or in Year 11 only. Pupils will have the same number of lessons allocated to the subject, irrespective of whether they complete the course over one year or two years. | AQA | 8201 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
| Year 11 | Year 11 | |||||
| BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Art and Design | Pearson | 600/4781/1 | Year 9 | Year 10 | ||
| Year 11 | Year 11 | |||||
| GCSE Drama | Option – pupils can choose to study one of the available Performing Arts courses. The course can be studied over the course of two years (Years 9-10) or in Year 11 only. Pupils will have the same number of lessons allocated to the subject, irrespective of whether they complete the course over one year or two years. | AQA | 8261 | Year 9 | Year 10 | |
| Year 11 | Year 11 | |||||
| BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts | Pearson | 603/2973/7 | Year 9 | Year 10 | ||
| Year 11 | Year 11 | |||||
| Design Technology | GCSE Design Technology | Option – pupils can choose to study one of the available Design Technology courses. The course can be studied over the course of two years (Years 9-10) or in Year 11 only. Pupils will have the same number of lessons allocated to the subject, irrespective of whether they complete the course over one year or two years. | AQA | 8552 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
| Year 11 | Year 11 | |||||
| Level 1/Level 2 Award in Hospitality and Catering | WJEC | 601/7703/2 | Year 9 | Year 10 | ||
| Year 11 | Year 11 | |||||
| P.E. | Core PE | Core | N/A | N/A | Year 9 | Year 11 |
| GCSE PE | Option – pupils can choose to study one of the available PE courses | OCR | J587 | Year 11 | Year 11 | |
| Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 Certificate in Sports Studies | OCR | J813 | Year 11 | Year 11 | ||
| Citizenship | GCSE | Option | AQA | 8100 | Year 11 | Year 11 |
- For further information about our curriculum offer, please see our subject pages or contact the school directly at info@ebbradford.staracademies.org