Introduction

The current curriculum reflects the full ability range of students who enter the academy, with relatively few students joining us with high scores at KS2 and many having weak basic skills of literacy and numeracy. Generally, reading ages are below their chronological age and average KS2 scores are well below national expectations. Traditionally our intake of students has a high percentage of additional learning needs and many young people who will have English as an additional language.  Also, a significant minority will have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The curriculum content and organisation addresses the needs of the intake in order that the students have the opportunity to enjoy their learning, access the curriculum opportunities, and achieve beyond the expectations that are associated with low levels of prior attainment. Our expectation is that all students will make better than expected progress nationally in all performance measures.

The academy uses a combination of high quality learning and teaching, a broad, balanced and creative curriculum and aspirational targets for students’ attainment and progress to maximise students’ achievements.

The core curriculum will consist of:

• English 4 periods
• Maths 4 periods
• Science 3 periods
• Physical Education 2 or 3 periods
• Religious Education 1 or 2 periods

ICT is integrated in all subjects and as a separate subject in KS3, and students will be able to gain certification through the option system in ICT, Digital Media and Computer Science. Accreditation within the options will be appropriate to student interests and abilities and will include GCSE, BTEC and Foundation Learning. As the market place for qualifications expands the academy will seek other opportunities. The use of enrichment time is explained later in this document.  At KS4, students can follow an EBACC combination of subjects by supplementing the core curriculum, by choosing a Humanities and a Modern Foreign Language in 2 of the 3 option blocks.

Please see the links below for our Curriculum Subjects & Curriculum Analysis follwed by the subjects we offer and links to their respective exambodies

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Subjects We Offer

English Language

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700

English Literature

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-literature-8702

Maths

OCR http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-mathematics-j560-from-2015/

Combined Science: Trilogy

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Biology

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461

Chemistry

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

Physics

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

Art

EDUQAS http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/art-and-design/gcse/

Art – Photography

EDUQAS http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/art-and-design/gcse/

Business

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-subjects/gcse/business-8132

Computer Science

OCR http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computer-science-j276-from-2016/

Design Technology

EDUQAS http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/design-and-technology/gcse/

French

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658

Geography

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035

History

Pearson Edexcel http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html

RE

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062

Spanish

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/spanish-8698

Statistics

AQA https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/statistics-8382

 CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS (Certificate)

Health & Social Care

OCR http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals-health-and-social-care-level-1-2-j801-j811-j821/

Sports Science

OCR http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals-sport-science-level-1-2-j802-j812/

 BTEC (TECH Awards)

Performing Arts: Dance

Pearson Edexcel https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/performing-arts.html

OTHER AWARDS

Engineering Technology (Level 2)

EAL http://eal.org.uk/record/2499-first-certificate-in-engineering-technology

Engineering Technology (Level 1)

EAL https://eal.org.uk/record/2394-foundation-certificate-in-engineering-technology

Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy

VTCT https://www.vtct.org.uk/qualification-category/hairdressing-barbering/?level=2&search_type=qualifications

Hospitality & Catering

WJEC https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/hospitality-and-catering/hospitality-and-catering-level-1-2-award.html

Life Skills

OCR https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/vocational-qualifications/vocational-qualifications-qcf-life-and-living-skills-entry-level-1-3/

*This information is subject to change