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 and including English, mathematics, sciences, languages, humanities, arts and technology.

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. Pupils are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary.

Subjects 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
Citizenship Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Creative Arts (encompassing Art, Food Technology, Resistant Materials and Textiles) Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Computer Studies Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Geography Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
History Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Languages Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Physical Education Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Religious Education Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4

The Academy operates a three-year Key Stage 4 where pupils sit GCSEs 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. Pupils 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 GCSEs and vocational achievements.

Courses Available at Key Stage 4
Subject Course Title Core/Option Exam Board Specification Start End
English GCSE English Language Core AQA 8700 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE English Literature Core AQA 8702 Year 9 Year 11
Mathematics GCSE Mathematics (9-1) Core EdExcel 1MA1 Year 9 Year 11
Sciences GCSE Combined Science (9-1) Core – pupils study one of the Science courses EdExcel 1SC0 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) (9-1) EdExcel 1BI0, 1CH0, 1PH0 Year 9 Year 11
Humanities GCSE History Core – pupils study one of the Humanities courses EdExcel 1HI0 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Geography AQA 8035 Year 9 Year 11
Languages GCSE Bengali Core – pupils study one of the Language courses AQA 8638 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE French AQA 8658 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Spanish AQA 8698 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Urdu EdExcel 1UR0 Year 9 Year 11
Computing GCSE Computer Science Core (pupils study one of the Computing courses) OCR J276 Year 9 Year 11
CiDA Level 2 Certificate in Digital Applications EdExcel  600/6627/1 Year 10 Year 11
Citizenship GCSE Citizenship Option AQA 8100 Year 9 Year 10
Physical Education Core PE Core N/A N/A Year 9 Year 11
GCSE PE Option OCR J587A Year 10 Year 11
Cambridge National Certificate in Sports Studies Option OCR J813 Year 10 Year 11
Art and Design GCSE Art and Design: Art, Craft and Design Option EdExcel 1AD0 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Art and Design: Textile Design Option AQA 8204 Year 9 Year 11
BTEC First Award in Art and Design (Level 1/Level 2) Option EdExcel 600/4781/1 Year 9 Year 11
Design Technology GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Option – pupils are able to choose one of the Design and Technology courses Eduqas 601/8093/6 Year 9 Year 11
GCSE Design and Technology AQA 8552 Year 9 Year 11
Drama GCSE Drama Option AQA 8261 Year 10 Year 11
Religious Studies GCSE Religious Studies Option AQA 8062 Year 9 Year 11