Curriculum

Curriculum intent

We believe that our students are entitled to a curriculum of powerful knowledge, consisting of the best that has been thought, said and done across a broad range of subjects. We believe that it is important that our students encounter this powerful knowledge in the curriculum because it will help them make sense of the world and enrich their lives.  Our curriculum therefore consists of the best and most important ideas from each subject. These ideas are selected, sequenced, taught and assessed in order to give students the best chance of learning from, engaging with and remembering them.

However, we also believe that a student’s curriculum must encompass more than just subject knowledge. It must allow students to nurture their passions and talents in order to be happy and successful. Through personal development, enrichment and leadership opportunities, students at our academy 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. The result? A high level of investment in themselves as learner as well as the values and culture of the Academy. 

Curriculum implementation

Based on research conducted over the last five years it is evident that setting based on prior attainment helps the most-able but can without rigorous planning have a detrimental impact on other learners. As such we believe that mixed ability provides the best opportunity for progression for the majority of students.

At The St Leonards Academy, each year group is split into two halves: S and L. Each year half is balanced based on prior attainment and gender. Baseline (MidYIS) assessments are completed and utilised alongside KS2 data to establish the year halves and to inform class groupings. All subjects, apart from English, Maths, Science and PE teach exclusively mixed ability classes.

Where classes are set, students can move between groups as their knowledge, skills and abilities improve.

Religion and Philosophy is taught as discrete subject at KS3 whilst SMSC and British Values are taught across all curriculum subjects.

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.

Further Information

For further information about the curriculum, please contact Mr Christopher Dean, Assistant Principal at c.dean@thestleonardsacademy.org.uk