CURRICULUM

Our curriculum reflects our core values, promoting and developing ambitious, resilient students. It is designed to be enjoyable, engaging, rewarding and confidence building.

Our curriculum is coherent and cumulative, with an emphasis on the critical importance of knowledge acquisition. Key concepts and key knowledge are identified and their proximal role to next learning is carefully considered. The sequencing of our curriculum aims to secure systematic specialised knowledge and ensure next learning is accessible and meaningful.

Our curriculum aims to:

  • Cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware students
  • Mould students into good citizens, with a sense of responsibility for their actions
  • Encourage civic and social participation within the community
  • Promote the development of young leaders
  • Allow students to develop their individuality
  • Develop individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
  • Empower students with the necessary skills and abilities to play a full and inclusive role within society
  • Provide a solid foundation for future learning at every stage
  • Inspire and motivate
  • Deliver excellent exam results
  • Foster a love of lifelong learning

At the heart of our curriculum is a strong academic core for all our students at key stage 3 and key stage 4: the English Baccalaureate. This includes English, Maths, Sciences, History, Geography and a Modern Foreign Language.

Creative and Performing Arts, Technology, Computing, and physical Education are central to our curriculum offer allowing pupils to develop curiosity, interests and talent.

Our curriculum promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and emotional development of students at school and in society more widely. Religious Education, Relationship and Sex Education, Health Education and Citizenship are fully timetabled and taught by specialists throughout key stage 3 and key stage 4.

We believe every learner is entitled to a curriculum that is varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, developing enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument.

In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement.

We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 covers Years 7, 8 and 9. All students follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects following the national curriculum. Students are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary.

 

Subjects Available at Key Stage 3
Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Exam Information
English  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Mathematics  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Science  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
History  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Geography  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
French  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Religious Education  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Physical Education  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Design and Technology  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Art and Design  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Performing Arts  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Music  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Computing  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
RSHE and Citizenship  Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4

​Key Stage 4 covers Years 10 and 11. Most students will follow a combination of core subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate: English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities and a Modern Foreign Language.

As part of the core curriculum, they will continue to study Physical Education, Religious Education, and RSHEC. In addition, they will choose 2 further option subjects from a broad suit of choices covering both GCSE and BTEC qualifications. Students are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary.

 

Courses Available at Key Stage 4
Subject Course Title Core/Option Exam Board Specification
English  GCSE English Language  Core  AQA  8700
 GCSE English Literature Core  AQA  8702
Mathematics  GCSE Mathematics Core  Edexcel  1MA1
Science GCSE Combined Science Core Edexcel 1SC0
Biology GCSE Biology Option Edexcel 1BI0
Chemistry GCSE Chemistry Option Edexcel 1CH0
Physics GCSE Physics Option Edexcel 1PH0
Humanities  GCSE History Core- pupils study at least one Humanities subject  Edexcel  1H10
 GCSE Geography  AQA  8035
Modern Foreign Languages  GCSE French Core  AQA  8658
Art  GCSE Art Option  AQA  8202
Sport Cambridge National Level 1/2 Sport Studies Option  OCR J829
Performing Arts  BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts Option  Edexcel  CPA01
Engineering  NCFE Level 1/2 Tech Award in Engineering Option  NCFE  
Food and Cookery NCFE Level 1/2 Tech Award in Food and Cookery Option  NCFE  
Health and Social Care  Cambridge National Level 1/2 Health and Social Care Option OCR J835
Business Studies  BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Enterprise Option  Edexcel  CEN01
Travel and Tourism  BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Travel and Tourism Option  Pearson CTT01
Computer Science GCSE in Computer Science Option OCR J277

For more information on our curriculums in each subject area please follow the links or contact Assistant Principal Laura Jackson on laura.jackson@bay.staracademies.org