Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity and a desire for learning in all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds, strengths and needs. It should be a gateway to opportunity and to a fulfilling and prosperous life in modern Britain and beyond.
Our curriculum is broad and balanced, with an emphasis on academic success. We prioritise learning in Literacy, Numeracy, Languages, Humanities and Science. Our curriculum is both coherent and cumulative, with an emphasis on the critical importance of knowledge acquisition.
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.
Our curriculum aims to:
- Cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware pupils
- Mould pupils 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 pupils to develop their individuality
- Empower pupils 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
- Deliver excellent exam results
At the core of the Academy’s curriculum will be a specialist and obligatory menu at Key Stages 3 and 4 for all pupils of academic subjects leading to the English Baccalaureate and including English, mathematics, sciences, languages, humanities, arts and technology.
Key Stage 3
The Academy operates a three-year Key Stage 3. All pupils will follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects. Pupils are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary.
Subjects Available at Key Stage 3
| Subject | 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 |
| Art | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Performing Arts | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Design and Technology | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Geography | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| History | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| MFL: French and Spanish | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| ICT | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| PSHE | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Religious Studies | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| PE | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
Key Stage 4
The Academy operates a two-year Key Stage 4 where pupils sit GCSEs across both Year 10 and 11. Pupils make their GCSE choices towards the end of Year 9. Across Years 10 and 11, most pupils will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate. Pupils are also offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary. The primary focus is to ensure that every pupil makes above expected progress in English and Mathematics.
A very small number of pupils will undertake an alternative vocational pathway. This will be a targeted pathway which will ensure SEN pupils, including those supported with an educational health care plan (EHCP) and those newly arrived to the country, are supported in their learning to ensure they make rapid progress. Pupils will complete nationally and industry recognised awards and qualifications, developing a personalised portfolio to include GCSEs and vocational achievements.
Courses Available at Key Stage 4: 2020-21
| Subject | Course Title | Core/Option | Exam Board | Specification | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | GCSE English Language | Core | AQA | 8700 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| GCSE English Literature | Core | AQA | 8702 | Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| Mathematics | GCSE Mathematics | Core | EdExcel | 1MA1 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| Sciences | GCSE Combined Science | Core (pupils study either separate or combined sciences) | EdExcel | 1SC0 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| GCSE Biology | EdExcel | 1BI0 | Year 10 | Year 11 | ||
| GCSE Chemistry | EdExcel | 1CH0 | Year 10 | Year 11 | ||
| GCSE Physics | EdExcel | 1PH0 | Year 10 | Year 11 | ||
| Humanities | GCSE History | Core (pupils study one of the Humanities courses) | AQA (new exam board) | 8145 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| EdExcel (legacy exam board) | 1HI0 | Year 11 | Year 11 | |||
| GCSE Geography | AQA (new exam board) | 8035 | Year 10 | Year 11 | ||
| Languages | GCSE Spanish | Core (pupils study one of the Languages courses) | AQA | 8698 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| GCSE French | AQA | 8658 | Year 10 | Year 11 | ||
| Computing | OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia | Option | OCR | J817 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Interactive Media | Option | NCFE (legacy exam board) | 603/8052/7 | Year 11 | Year 11 | |
| Religious Studies | GCSE Religious Studies | Core | AQA | 8062 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| Physical Education | Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness | Core | NCFE (legacy exam board) | 603/2650/5 | Year 11 | Year 11 |
| Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Studies | Core | OCR (new exam board) | J813 | Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| Art | GCSE Art and Design | Option | AQA (new exam board) | 8202 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| Hospitality and Catering | Level 1/2 Award in Hospitality and Catering | Option | WJEC | 5569QA | Year 11 | Year 11 |
| Performing Arts | BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts | Option (pupils will select one of the Performing Arts subjects) | Pearson | 603/0406/6 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| BTEC First Award in Music | Pearson | 600/6818/8 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
- For further information about our curriculum offer, please see our subject pages or contact the school directly at info@thevalley.staracademies.org.