The Academy » The Curriculum
The Curriculum
Curriculum Model
The Academy follows the statutory requirements of curriculum entitlement as set out by the Government's policy. The Academy seeks to provide all learners with a broad yet balanced curriculum offer which is personalised to meet their abilities, skills, aptitudes and aspirations. In addition the Academy promotes the ECM agenda through the curriculum in order that all aspects of student's personal, social, emotional and spiritual well being are developed.
Detailed Policy
The Academy operates a timetable that is longer than is common in most schools. This allows the ability of offer an extended curriculum as well as flexibility in structuring the curriculum.
At a broad level the curriculum at the Academy is organised along the following lines:
- 3 year Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 14)
- 2 year Key Stage 4 (ages 14 to 16)
- 2 year Post 16 (ages 16 to 19 - with provision for some students to study into year 14)
At Key Stage 3 students study the full National Curriculum entitlement as well as discrete lessons in Dance and Drama. There are also two Citizenship Days and a week-long activity project week in the summer term. This offers a wide yet balanced curriculum in years 7 to 9. There is also a variety of features in the curriculum that provide additional support or further challenge to students when appropriate. In year 9, students have a limited range of choices in an option process designed to allow specialisation and in depth study prior to embarking on a full option programme based on examination courses in year 10.
At the end of Key Stage 3 students choose their options. Their core curriculum includes English Language, Maths, Science, PSHE, Citizenship, PE and RE. Students then have a choice of 3 subject from 3 option blocks. The options consist of a combination of conventional GCSEs, BTEC Firsts and Vocational GCSEs, AS qualifications, ASDAN, Diplomas, Young Apprenticeships and off-site L1 and L2 courses in partnership with local providers.
Key Stage 4 options are grouped in 3 Pathways (Green, Yellow and Orange) which have different subjects and choices. Students follow a Pathway dependent on ability and so a programme is developed that suits the needs of individual students.
At Post 16 the Academy offers two pathways both of which have equal parity within the Academy community: International Baccalaureate and BTEC Nationals.
The IB curriculum is organised in-line with the requirements as set out by the IBO. In addition students study the Theory of Knowledge, complete an Extended Essay and complete a Community, Action and Service programme.
Students are also offered a variety of BTEC National Diplomas in Art and Design, Business, Health and Social Care, Children's Care, Learning and Development, Mechanical Engineering, Fashion and Clothing, ICT, Music, Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism, Sports and Exercise Science and Uniformed Services. The Academy also offers the Extended Diploma in Media. All of the above are full time two year courses.