Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

Key Stage 3		Key Stage 4
Years 7, 8 and 9 follow a broad and balanced curriculum based on the National Curriculum.		Years 10 and 11 students will follow a curriculum based on a compulsory core of subjects and then choose from a wide rang of options.

Subject	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Core Subjects	Optional Subjects	Year 10 & Year 11
	Teaching periods per fortnight				Teaching periods per fortnight
English	8	8	8	English		8
Maths	8	8	8	PSHE		1
Science	8	8	8	Maths		8
Technology	2	2	2	PE		4
Food	2	2	2	Science		8
Spanish	3	4	3	RE		1
History	4	3	4		Triple Science	5
Geography	3	3	3		Art	5
Art	2	2	2		Computer Science	5
Music	2	2	2		Design Technology	5
PE	4	4	4		Food & Nutrition	5
Drama	1	1	1		Spanish	5
Life (RSHE/PSHE)	1	1	1		Geography	5
RE	2	2	2		History	5
Guided Reading					Film Studies	5
					Music	5
					Performing Arts	5
					Sports Btec	5
					RE	5
					Spanish	5
					Travel and Tourism	5
					Psychology	5

Below you will find links to the curriculum intent and structure for each subject.
These offer a useful overview of each subject together with the topics covered and how they are sequenced for each year group.

Detailed Curriculum Content

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