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
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