Curriculum Information

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Key Stage 4 Curriculum

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
Key Stage 3 and 4 Subject Information

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

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 Information

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.

KS4 Qualification types

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.

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 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.

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.

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