Curriculum Overview
Our curriculum is designed to help us develop our students as 'Aspiring citizens, for a sustainable future'
Curriculum Intent
Our school’s curriculum is rooted in our school’s shared values, which are: ACE - Achievement, Care & Kindness and Excellence.
It prepares our learners to become confident critical thinkers, who enter the world of work and can embrace the challenges of our ever-changing global society.
Our curriculum is inclusive and is a carefully planned and sequenced learning journey, which reflects our school’s local context. It encompasses challenge at all levels, giving our young people the opportunity to meet and exceed their academic potential, as well as equipping them with a growth mindset for learning. The curriculum design is grounded on the teaching of new skills and knowledge at every stage and builds on prior learning towards clearly defined end points. All subjects are valued, and all students have access to the whole curriculum.
The development of reading, writing, communication and maths skills are embedded throughout, as are opportunities for students to enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness, including the promotion and inclusion of fundamental British Values.
Additionally, students are encouraged to develop their interests and talents beyond the classroom, through a comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities including drama, dance, football, rugby, singing, keyboard and art club to name but a few. We provide high quality careers education, information, advice, and guidance to prepare our students for the next stage of their educational journey, whether it be a sixth form place at our sister school, Sir John Lawes, another sixth form provision, college or an apprenticeship.
Throughout our curriculum we embed high standards and values, nurturing aspiration, integrity, respect for others and a strong sense of moral purpose. High expectations are instilled across the whole school by fostering a love for learning following our school’s motto: ‘Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow’.
Curriculum Model
Priory Academy implements a one-week timetable, with thirty 50-minute lessons per week for Key Stage 3 and 4 (KS3 & 4) whilst Key Stage 2 (KS2) classes each have a bespoke timetable. The curriculum is designed to be a smooth 7-year journey. It begins with the students’ starting points when they enter in Year 5 and takes them to GCSE expectations by the end of Year 11. Students at KS2 benefit from being taught in a primary environment with primary trained teachers, whilst at the same time having access to specialist secondary teaching for Music and PE.
The curriculum is comprehensive, broad and balanced throughout KS2 and Key KS3. Our curriculum consists of a three-year KS3 and a two-year KS4.
At KS4 we offer an excellent core curriculum with a good range of option subjects. We are ambitious for our students and encourage them to follow the EBacc route, however we do recognise that this may not suit the needs of all of our learners. For a complete list of the options available at KS4 please see below and the subject section on our website for more details.
| Year 5 and 6 (KS2) Weekly lesson | |
|---|---|
| Maths | Arithmetic |
| English | Music |
| Science | PE |
| MFL (Spanish Yr 5, French Yr 6) | PSHE |
| History/ Geography (On rotation) | Handwriting |
| Art/DT | Computing |
| SPaG | RE |
| Handwriting | |
Year 7, 8 & 9
|
Subject |
Years 7, 8 & 9 |
|
English |
5 |
|
Maths |
5 |
|
Science |
4 |
|
French/Spanish |
2 |
|
Geography |
2 |
|
History |
2 |
|
Religious Studies |
1 |
|
Life skills |
1 |
|
Computing |
1 |
|
PE |
2 |
|
Art |
1 |
|
DT |
2 |
|
Drama |
1 |
|
Music |
1 |
Year 10 and 11
|
Subject |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
|
English |
5 |
5 |
|
Maths |
4 |
5 |
|
Triple/Combined Science |
6 |
6 |
|
Core RE and life skills |
1 |
Tutor Time |
|
Core PE |
2 |
2 |
|
Option A |
3 |
3 |
|
Option B |
3 | 3 |
|
Option C |
3 |
3 |
|
Option D |
3 | 3 |
One option choice must include either History, Geography or Computer Science
At KS4 all students study GCSE English Language and Literature and Maths. As a school we offer both triple and combined science and students are supported to study the course that best matches their ability and interests. As part of the core curriculum all students take part in core PE, RE and life skills - these subjects are not formally assessed at the end of Year 11.
All students study either Geography, History or Computer Science, we encourage students to study a language. Students then have the opportunity to choose three more options to study from the following: Drama, RE, Food & Nutrition, Health and Social Care, Music, PE, Sport Studies, iMedia, Design & Technology, Art, Statistics, French, Spanish, Geography or History. The majority of students study between 9 and 10 GCSEs/ BTECs whilst at Priory Academy.
|
GCSE option subjects |
|
|
French |
Food Preparation and Nutrition |
|
Spanish |
Health and Social Care (Cambridge National) |
|
computer Science |
Drama |
|
Geography |
Physical Education |
|
History |
Sport Studies (Cambridge National) |
|
Religious Education |
iMedia (Cambridge National) |
|
Music |
Art |
|
Statistics |
Design & Technology |
*Subjects will only run if there are enough students opting for it.
