Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 Curriculum – Years 9, 10 and 11

• There will be 19 lessons each week. Each lesson lasts for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The 20th session of the week is the Personal Enrichment Programme which takes place on Thursday afternoons. 

At Key Stage 4, there are a number of unique features which make the Academy Curriculum different.

• The Core Subjects
All students continue to study courses leading to qualifications in English, Maths, Science, and ICT. The type and level of qualifications will differ according to the needs and ability of the student. 
• Specialist Subjects
All students have the opportunity to study a course which reflects our academy specialisms. Choices include Media, Music Technology, ICT and Business Studies.
• Option Courses
A wide range of vocational, academic and alternative courses are available, and students are guided to opt for pathways that suit their aptitudes, talents, abilities and career aspirations. Year 8 students are invited to attend the Academy with their parents for an interview to select their Option choices for the following September.
• Sport and PRE
All students follow a planned programme of Sport in Key Stage 4. They also continue to study RE – either as a GCSE or as part of a Philosophy, and Ethics course which leads to Key Skills qualifications.
• Year 11 Options
Students complete their option subjects during Year 9 and year 10. This allows them to select two more options to study in Year 11. There are a wide range of courses, including the opportunity to turn a BTEC Certificate studied in Years 9 and 10 into a Diploma (worth 4 GCSEs). There are also opportunities to do work at Level 3 (A level equivalent).