Curriculum

Our innovative curriculum is organised to allow a course of study that is broad, rich and flexible enough to allow a range of study routes as students progress through the Academy. We believe it is this variety that both challenges and excites the minds of all our students.

The curriculum is personalised to individual needs, shaped to suit particular interests and levels of attainment and enables students to follow their preferred learning pathways, be they academic or vocational routes. All students are able to enjoy, achieve and succeed in accordance with their individual talents and skills.

Years 7-9

In the first three years students follow the National Curriculum, studying subjects that underpin lifelong learning such as:
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Information Technology
• Expressive Arts (including Drama, Dance, Art and Music)
• Art
• History
• Geography
• Modern Foreign Languages (French and/or Spanish)
• Technology (Resistant Materials, Technology, Food Technology, Manufacturing and Graphic Design)
• Religious Education
• Physical Education
• Learning for Life (Personal, Social and Health Education, and Citizenship)

In addition to the core National Curriculum, students’ learning is enhanced by:

The Transition Curriculum (Year 7)

In addition to the core National Curriculum, in the first year of Academy life students follow a Transition Curriculum which supports them with the shift to secondary education and focuses on raising standards in Literacy and Numeracy and developing other key skills to create students who are independent, self-motivated and successful. A dedicated team of teachers and other staff continue the best practice of the primary phase of education combined with excellent preparation for continued learning.

The Thematic Curriculum (Year 8)

In addition to the core National Curriculum, all students in Year 8 study a Thematic Curriculum which emphasises Literacy and Numeracy, as well as skills based learning around themes. This approach supports the development of important Personal Learning and Thinking Skills which are deemed to contribute to success both in the classroom and in the workplace. These skills are:
• Team learner
• Reflective learner
• Independent Learner
• Creative Thinker

Years 10 and 11

All students continue to study the following subjects:
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Information Technology
• Physical Education
• Personal, Social and Health Education

In addition, students can choose from a range of GCSE and vocational qualifications:

GCSE

• Art
• Business Studies
• Citizenship
• Drama
• Geography
• History
• Photography
• Sociology
• Textiles
• Triple Science

Vocational Qualifications

• BTEC Art & Design
• BTEC Business Studies
• BTEC Performing Arts
• BTEC Health and Social Care
• ICT Nationals
• BTEC Media Studies
• BTEC Applied Science
• BTEC Sport
• BTEC Travel and Tourism
• Carpentry and Joinery
• Motor Vehicle Studies
• NVQ International Business Communication (English)
• NVQ International Business Communication (French)
• Skills for Life
• Specialised Diploma in Engineering
• NCFE – Creative Crafts delivered through Resistant Materials,
Textiles and Food Technology
• Health & Safety Progression Award
• ABC – Art, Design & Creative Studies

It is the Academy’s policy to enter all students for external examinations appropriate to their ability and course of study.

Click here for the Key Stage 4 -  Options booklet