Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity and a desire for learning in all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds, strengths and needs. It should be a gateway to opportunity and to a fulfilling and prosperous life in modern Britain and beyond. It will also enable our pupils to become ethical leaders within our academy, in our locality and in our society and to develop the skills and attributes to be make a positive contribution to the 21st Century’s economy

Our curriculum is broad and balanced, with an emphasis on academic success. We prioritise learning in Literacy, Numeracy, Languages, Humanities and Science. Our curriculum is both coherent and cumulative, with an emphasis on the critical importance of knowledge acquisition.

In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement.

We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance.

Our curriculum aims to:

• Elevate the life chances and aspirations of all pupils from all backgrounds particularly those from areas of social and economic disadvantage through our STAR values of Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect.
• Deliver excellent examination results to transform the educational achievement of our pupils.
• Provide a solid foundation for future learning at every stage.
• Cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware pupils
• Develop excellent communication skills that provide the opportunities for our pupils to articulate their views clearly and also be careful and active listeners to others
• Mould pupils into good citizens, with an understanding of, and respect for rules, rights and their responsibilities in society.
• Encourage pupils’ social participation within our community
• Promote the development and nurturing of young ethical leaders
• Allow pupils to discover, explore and develop their individuality
• Promote the physical and mental development and wellbeing of pupils
• Empower pupils with the necessary skills and abilities to play a full and inclusive role within society, consistent and comfortable with their beliefs and principles
• Promote community cohesion, British and cooperative values and encourage mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs
• Provide our pupils with the knowledge and skills to access the opportunities available in the local and national labour markets and economies
• Fulfil Trust and statutory requirements.
• Support the mission, vision and values of the Trust and its establishments.

At the core of the Academy’s curriculum will be a specialist and obligatory menu at Key Stages 3 and 4 for all pupils of academic subjects leading to the English Baccalaureate and including English, mathematics, sciences, languages, humanities, creative and technology.

Key Stage 3

All pupils will follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects. Pupils are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary. Students make their Option choices in Year 9. 

Subjects Available at Key Stage 3

•  English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Geography
• History
• MFL: French and Spanish
• Religious Studies
• Physical Education
• Art
• PSHCRE
• Computing and IT
• Music
• Design Technology and Food

Key Stage 4

Most students will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate. The primary focus is to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to make above expected progress across all subject areas.

Courses Available in Years 10 and 11

• All pupils will also follow non-examination courses in PE and PSHCRE. This will ensure that all pupils will be able to access all elements of The National Curriculum, including statutory requirements.
• We aim to secure exceptional standards of educational achievement and prepare pupils well for their next stage in education, employment or training.
• We aim to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation – from all backgrounds – to help them succeed at the highest levels of education and employment.
• We deliver a knowledge-based rich and academically rigorous curriculum that has the highest ambition for all. We want our pupils to be able to access top universities such as Oxford, Harvard and Yale. We want our pupils to be able to access high level apprenticeships and pursue any career of their choice.
• We place a strong emphasis on the English Baccalaureate. We recognise that studying a language enables our pupils to compete for the top jobs on a global platform.
• We aim to promote challenge for our pupils by including GCSE Computer Science and Single Sciences for our most able.
• We aim to promote equality by encouraging pupils to take up STEM subjects and provide extra-curricular provision to promote a love of learning.
• Academic GCSEs don’t preclude out pupils from studying a whole host of creative and vocational subjects Post-16 and or pursuing any career of their choice.
• We aim to ensure fantastic outcomes and progress to FE/HE.
• For further information about our curriculum offer, please see our subject pages or contact the school directly at info@oulderhill.staracademies.org.