In KS3 pupils access the full National curriculum offer but it is taught within the MYP framework. The subjects fit into one of the following 8 MYP subject groups:
- Language and Literature – English
- Mathematics – Maths
- Sciences – Science
- Individuals and Societies – History, Geography and PSHRE
- Language Acquisition – Languages
- Arts – Art, Drama, Music
- Design – IT, Food, Textiles, Hard Technology
- Physical and Health Education – PE
The Secondary – Two-weekly Cycle
The Academy day is divided into 5, one hour teaching periods over a two-week cycle (with Wednesday period 5 being used for staff CPD), giving 48 periods per fortnight. In addition to this, we have an extra period 6 at the end of the day for pupils to attend intervention/enrichment sessions and after Academy day clubs.
You can see from the diagram linked below how the KS3 subjects are part of the 5-year journey that our pupils embark on. In each subject area pupils build the knowledge and skills required to become masters in each area and therefore progress onto the next stages of education.
Click the image below to view the larger, PDF version of the curriculum pathway
What is an IB Education? The IB Mission Statement
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
The IB Learner Profile
The MYP focuses on developing 10 qualities (the IB Learner Profile) in our students which are evident throughout academy life.
These attributes are: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective.
The Hundred of Hoo Academy is authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (three year) and currently deliver the MYP programme to all students in Year 7, 8 and 9. Leigh Academies Trusts’ Wilmington Academy was the first school in the UK to achieve its verification virtually and the first academy in LAT to obtain verification.
IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision**. We have become part of the IB World School community, joining over 4,700 schools worldwide in delivering IB programmes.
*Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted.
MYP Core Curriculum Disciplines
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) comprises eight subject groups:
Interdisciplinary Learning
Students also study a unit of interdisciplinary learning each academic year to support the main subject disciplines and build a connected curriculum that addresses the developmental needs of students.
Service-as-action and the Community Project
Another key aspect of our three-year MYP curriculum is service-as-action, which culminates in our MYP community project in Year 9.
Students take action when they apply what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service—making a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
The community project encourages students to reflect on their learning and the outcomes of their work – key skills that prepare them for success in further study, the workplace and the community.
For further information, please visit: www.ibo.org/programmes/middle-years-programme/curriculum/myp-projects/
Assessment within the MYP
For each subject group there will be an achievement level breakdown for each of the 4 criteria (A,B,C,D).
Achievement levels across the four criteria are added together creating a total number out of 32. Using the table on the right, this is converted into an MYP Grade from 1-7 with 7 being the highest.
During the course of the academic year students will be awarded an MYP Interim Grade. At the end of the year an MYP Final Grade will be awarded based on the summative assessments that have taken place during the course of the year.
At the end of year 9 pupils finalise the subjects they wish to study in greater depth at KS4. Our Key Stage 4 curriculum has been specifically designed to ensure breadth and variety to provide pupils with the knowledge they need to be successful throughout their lives. Pupils are guided to make appropriate choices and access a broad and balanced curriculum. Part of this process ensures pupils make informed choices that allow them to move onto the next stages of education or employment alongside ensuring their continued social development and personal enjoyment. Through our carefully considered offer, we prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
All pupils study English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Science, PSHRE and PE. All pupils must study at least one other EBacc subject and then pupils have 3 free choices from subjects they were studying in year 9.
Key Stage 3 and 4 Subject InformationThe Secondary – Two-weekly Cycle
The Academy day is divided into 5, one hour teaching periods over a two-week cycle (with Wednesday period 5 being used for staff CPD), giving 48 periods per fortnight. In addition to this, we have an extra period 6 at the end of the day for pupils to attend intervention/enrichment sessions and after Academy day clubs.
KS4 Qualification types
GCSE
This stands for the General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSEs generally have a mixture of controlled assessment and examination. Controlled assessments have to be completed during lesson time in school under conditions which are controlled by the teacher. Awards will be granted as 1-9 or ungraded.
BTEC
This stands for Business and Technology Council qualification. These can be studied at different levels, but the only level we deliver is a Level 2 programme. Awards are granted as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Pass is equivalent to 4-5 grade at GCSE, Merit is equivalent to 6-7 grade at GCSE and Distinction is equivalent to grade at GCSE.
Cambridge Nationals
Cambridge Nationals are a national vocational qualification introduced by the OCR examinations board. These can be studied at different levels, but the only level we deliver is a Level 2 programme. Awards are granted as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Pass is equivalent to 4-5 grade at GCSE, Merit is equivalent to 6-7 grade at GCSE and Distinction/Distinction* is equivalent to grade 8-9 at GCSE.
NCFE
This stands for Northern Council of Further Education and is a highly regarded vocational qualification exam board. These can be studied at different levels, but the only level we deliver is a Level 2 programme. Awards are granted as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Pass is equivalent to 4-5 grade at GCSE, Merit is equivalent to 6-7 grade at GCSE and Distinction/Distinction* is equivalent to grade 8-9 at GCSE.
RSL
This stands for Rock School Limited and is specifically for qualifications in Performing Arts. These can be studied at different levels, but the only level we deliver is a Level 2 programme. Awards are granted as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Pass is equivalent to 4-5 grade at GCSE, Merit is equivalent to 6-7 grade at GCSE and Distinction/Distinction* is equivalent to grade 8-9 at GCSE.
You can see how KS4 fits into our 5-year curriculum model below. Further information on all subjects offered at KS4 can be found by clicking on the subjects below for summary videos or through the accompanying the KS4 Subjects Booklet.
Click the image below to view the larger, PDF version of the curriculum pathway