The academy delivers a diverse, relevant and engaging curriculum to develop learners who are entrepreneurial, resilient, independent and innovative. The curriculum gives students the knowledge, skills and understanding they need in Business, ICT and Mathematics.



Mathematics



Students in Key Stage 3 follow the Mathematics National Curriculum covering Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Handling Data across levels 3 to 8. Students are set according to their ability on entry and assessed regularly to ensure they make progress. Additional time is made available for students who struggle with Mathematics to improve their numeracy skills through a separate programme.



In Year 9, students begin GCSE Mathematics with the intention of obtaining their GCSE at the end of Year 10. Year 11 is then used either to enhance students’ understanding of Mathematics through GCSE statistics and AS level or for students to retake their GCSE mathematics. Functional Skills is also taught during Key Stage 4 which allows students to gain an additional GCSE.



A level Mathematics is offered to students in Key Stage 5 where they study a varied content of Core Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics. A GCSE resit is also available for students who were unsuccessful in Key Stage 4 and require GCSE Mathematics for university courses.



ICT



At Key Stage 3, ICT skills are developed across the curriculum through other subjects and by completing special projects, building on work already undertaken in Key Stage 2. At Key Stage 4, ICT students follow the new OCR Cambridge Nationals qualification, alongside Microsoft’s Office Specialist or Technology Associate qualifications.



These qualifications prepare students well for their future careers, either as IT specialists or as IT users. The Edexcel BTEC level 3 IT qualification is offered to Key Stage 5 students and is a popular option either as their career choice, or in support of their other subjects.

Business



Business is introduced at Key Stage 4, where students have the option of studying GCSE, Applied GCSE or BTEC level 2 courses. The choice of course is based on a student’s individual academic pathway. Whatever the choice, students learn how businesses are organised, financed and interact with the local and national economies.



At Key Stage 5 we offer BTEC level 3 courses – these are equivalent to AS and A2 qualifications but have a more vocational approach to the subject. Work is portfolio based with investigation into local businesses.