Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

Year 7 students begin their journey at the academy in September, having had the opportunity to visit during the previous summer term to get acquainted with the academy's environment. Using a variety of assessment information, including English SAT scores and social and special educational needs (SEN) data from primary schools, students are placed in mixed-ability teaching groups for all subjects except mathematics. For mathematics, Key Stage 2 (KS2) maths scores are used to determine appropriate group placements based on students' needs.

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3 – Years 7, 8, and 9:

All students follow a common curriculum that includes:

- English

- Mathematics

- Science

- Physical Education

- Religious Studies

- Art

- Design and Technology (including Food Technology)

- Modern Foreign Languages

- Geography

- History

- Music

- Drama

- Computer Science

- PSHCEE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship, and Economic Education)

Additional Notes:

- All students in KS3 will study Spanish.

- A variety of extracurricular activities are offered after school, with options displayed on the academy's website and throughout the facility.

Detailed Curriculum Content

Physical Education: in line with government standards, all students receive two hours of taught PE each week. The curriculum incorporates not only sporting activities but also health-related fitness. These sessions are complemented by a range of extracurricular activities.

Religious Studies: is a mandatory subject taught to all students from Year 7 to Year 9. It forms a core part of the PSHCEE curriculum at Key Stage 4 and is available as an option at this stage. We follow the National Curriculum and aim to promote an understanding of various religions while placing a greater emphasis on Christianity.

PSHCEE:  is included in the National Curriculum and is taught to all students from Year 7 to Year 11. This program is designed to equip students with essential life skills, knowledge, and understanding to develop as well-rounded individuals. The curriculum covers:

- Careers education

- Citizenship

- Community involvement

- Drugs, tobacco, and alcohol education

- Emotional health and wellbeing

- Healthy eating

- Sex and relationship education

Careers Education and Guidance: This is integrated into the PSHCEE curriculum and is a key component of all subjects. In Years 7 to 9, students learn to recognise different adult roles within the home and community, understand the division of labour, and explore how work and occupations can affect lives socially and economically, both locally and globally. At Key Stage 4, the focus shifts to self-awareness and understanding career options, alongside the broader economic and industrial context. At the end of Year 10, students participate in a one-week work experience placement, and various employer encounters are organised for each year group in alignment with the Gatsby Framework.

Sex Education: This is primarily delivered through the PSHCEE program in accordance with current legislation. Materials and speakers for sex education are carefully selected to be age-appropriate and relevant to the students’ needs. The curriculum is delivered within the context of relationships and family life. Parents are informed about the program and are welcome to review the materials used or discuss any concerns with PSHCEE teachers. Parents also have the right to withdraw their children from this program if they choose.

English as an Additional Language (EAL): The Open Academy supports a significant number of students who speak or are immersed in another language at home. These students are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) and receive tailored support within the school environment. Upon joining the academy, students undergo an initial language assessment to determine their level of English proficiency and to inform the best approach for their support. Our teachers facilitate EAL learning within their curriculum areas by modelling effective English language use and building on students' existing knowledge in their first languages. We find that students learning EAL thrive at the Open Academy, as their bilingual skills enhance their overall learning experience.

If you require any further information about the curriculum we are following please contact Reception who will be pleased to direct your questions to the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01603 481640

Key Stage 4 

Years 10 and 11 students will follow a curriculum based on a compulsory core of subjects and then choose from a wide range of options.