Curriculum

Curriculum intent

We believe that a student’s curriculum must encompass more than just subjects. It must be broad, balanced and varied to allow students to nurture their passions and talents in order to be happy and successful. As such, Curriculum 360 has been designed to foster a deep knowledge of the big ideas that shape our understanding of the world. Reading and the importance of cultural literacy are consistently fostered to ensure that students are able to navigate the world and its nuances. Moreover, students develop the transferable skills that will help them to grow into independent thinkers and learners.

Through personal development, enrichment and opportunity, students are encouraged to take risks and challenge themselves, developing the grit and determination to succeed. We believe that a sense of self-worth and self-awareness is imperative in society and that resilience drives accomplishment and improvement. Furthermore, it is the expectation that students participate fully in C360. The result? A high level of investment in themselves as learner as well as the values and culture of the Academy.

Curriculum implementation

All year groups are split into two pathways. The first pathway is targeted toward students who have joined the Academy with middle to high prior attainment. This pathway is academically focussed with an expectation that students will complete the full-spread of Ebacc subjects (a humanity and a language). The second pathway is academically rigorous targeted toward students who initially require additional support with literacy and study skills. Equity between the two pathways is retained due to an emphasis for all to be stretched and challenged; and with the expectation that all students select a humanity to study alongside Science. The increased focus on literacy at Key Stage 3 will also result in a significant number of students in the second pathway taking the full spread of Ebacc subjects.

Across both pathways students are taught in mixed-ability groups (for more information about our grouping policy, see the Academy website). The targeted approach taken at Key Stage 3 works to ensure that students will all be able to enter into Further Education and Higher Education after graduating from the Academy.

Year 7

S pathway’s timetable will comprise:

nine periods per fortnight of English and Maths
eight periods per fortnight of Science
four periods per fortnight of PE
three periods per fortnight of History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages
two periods per fortnight of DT, Drama, Music and Art
three periods per fortnight of Study Skills and Personal Development.

L pathway’s timetable will be as above, except:

no MFL initially and instead:
two periods per fortnight of Literacy to raise achievement and improve access to the wider curriculum
four periods per fortnight of Study Skills and Personal Development.

Year 8

Year 9

Year 9 are guided through their option choices, during Year 8, to ensure that they select a package of subjects that will suit their individual preferences and ‘learning needs’. At this point, we believe that a three year Key Stage 4 best serves the needs of our students. The emphasis placed on personal development and study skills, alongside the National Curriculum, at Key Stage 3 ensures that they are in a secure place to embark on GCSE study. The curriculum in Year 9 is scaffolded; focussing on the rapid development of GSCE skills while most subjects retain Key Stage 3 content to ensure that the full National Curriculum has been delivered. We continually monitor the progress of the students and the content of the curriculum to ensure that it meets the needs of our pupils.

From the start of Year 9, all students study the following subjects:

English Language and English Literature
Maths
Science (Combined or Single Sciences)
PE
Study Skills and Personal Development.

Students can select from the following list of subjects (GCSEs except where noted):

Geography
History
French (continued from Y8)
Spanish (continued from Y8)
Art
Business Studies (BTEC)
Computer Science (Maths Set 3 or higher)
Dance
Design & Technology
Drama
Drama (BTEC)
Food Preparation & Nutrition
ICT (BTEC)
Music (BTEC)
Philosophy & Ethics
Photography
Sport (BTEC)
Triple Science (Science Set 2 or higher).

Years 10 and 11

Curriculum overview

Curriculum Overview Year 7-11

Enrichment for all

C360 provides students with a tapestry of opportunities throughout their five years at The St Leonards Academy to raise aspirations and set the highest standards. Students are encouraged to unlock their potential and realise their ambitions through extensive enrichment programmes and guidance that ensures talent is nurtured, learning is valued, challenge is stimulated and achievement is respected.

All faculties offer enrichment, examples include:

Personal Development Award (Y7/8)
STEM events and competitions
Crest Award
Homework Club
Academy Show
Music Gigs / Choir
Dance and gymnastics events
Sports Teams
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Y9/10).

We also offer a robust package of careers education that includes mentoring by university students, work experience and volunteering, progression workshops and career cafes where students and parents have the opportunity to meet with prospective colleges and employers.

There are an abundance of leadership opportunities at The St Leonards Academy. Each year has a Head Boy and Head Girl who are ambassadors for their year groups at the academy. Students can also participate in Leadership Groups who have responsibility and a budget for areas of improvement across the academy. This includes: anti-bullying, school environment and healthy eating.

Finally, through assemblies we ensure that students’ spiritual, moral and cultural needs are being enhanced with an emphasis placed on local and national events, religious holidays and celebrations.

The ambition of C360 is that every student takes at least one opportunity to enhance their curriculum and grow themselves as learners.

Trust

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