Curriculum Statement 2018
1 INTRODUCTION (AVA) is developing an exciting and challenging curriculum. Our pupils work longer hours than typical secondary school pupils do 27 hours, rather than 25 hours of formal classes a week and all pupils benefit from an extended curriculum with the school providing study support facilities after school. We commit extra time to English and Mathematics to allow pupils attain proficiency quickly in literacy and numeracy and enable them to address the curriculum with confidence. We will discuss individual curriculum pathways with pupils and their parents. Personalised programmes are to develop pupils particular strengths while enabling them to make good progress in all subjects. 2 VISION Our vision for the curriculum is rooted in the vision for the school: Every pupil to leave AVA with their best possible academic results, to open doors to their future. We are focussed on ensuring that pupils achieve their target grades, and report this information to pupils and parents. Teachers use this data to inform their planning to ensure that pupils are supported and challenged in lessons and that they make above expected progress from their starting point. Everyone is a reader. Pupils and staff are encouraged to read for pleasure, which helps to broaden their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of a world beyond their immediate experience. There is dedicated reading time every day, for example Everyone Reading in Class (ERIC). Every pupil to be a respectful and tolerant citizen of the world, upholding fundamental British Values. Lessons such as PSHE and Citizenship, assemblies and extra opportunities ensure that pupils are taught the skills that are required to live in a multicultural and tolerant society. Every pupil to have a vast array of opportunities to excel. We provide this through offering all pupils a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as a range of extra-curricular opportunities. We will also provide opportunities for pupils to visit universities and be exposed to different career paths.
3 KEY STAGE 3 Pupils study 13 subjects in total every 2 weeks. Core subjects: Maths, English and Science. Subject Maths English Science Total hours every 2 weeks weeks 10 10 7 27 All pupils study 10 hours of Maths every 2 weeks. All pupils study 10 hours of English every 2 weeks. All pupils study 7 hours of Science every 2 weeks. Two classes in Year 7 gets 2 x 30 minute targeted intervention of Numeracy a week. Two classes in Year 7 gets 2 x 30 minute targeted intervention of Literacy a week. Non-core subjects: Maths, English and Science. Computer Science French DT PE Art and Design Music Drama Total hours every 2 weeks Subject Geography History RE weeks 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 22 All pupils study 2 hours of Computer Science every 2 weeks to address their limited skills and experience on entry and a general lack of access in the home All pupils study 2 hours of Geography every 2 weeks. All pupils study 3 hours of History every 2 weeks. All pupils study 2 hours of RE every 2 weeks. All pupils study 3 hours of French every 2 weeks. All pupils study 2 hours of DT every 2 weeks.
All pupils study 2 hours of PE every 2 weeks. All pupils study 2 hours of Art and Design every 2 weeks. All pupils study 2 hours of Music every 2 weeks. All pupils study 2 hours of Drama every 2 weeks. 4 KEY STAGE 4 In KS4, we offer a full range of academic and vocational programmes with a particular emphasis on achievement at GCSE and in the English Baccalaureate. The curriculum at KS4 gives each pupil extended time to focus on a relatively small number of courses. This is effective in facilitating achievement in 'all subjects' at KS4. Core subjects: Maths, English and Combined Science / Triple Science. Subject Maths English Combined Science weeks 10 10 7 All pupils study 10 hours of English every 2 weeks. All pupils are working towards GCSE in both English Language and English Literature. All pupils study 10 hours of GCSE Maths every 2 weeks. Some pupils undertake three separate science GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and the rest are working towards the Combined Science Award. Optional Subjects: Pupils are guided to pick four subjects from each of the options below (Option A to D).
Hours every 2 Subjects weeks Core PE 2 Option A GCSE Computer Science 5 GCSE Business Studies 5 GCSE Design and Technology 5 GCSE Religious Studies 5 GCSE PE 5 Sports Studies Level 2 5 GCSE Art and Design 5 GCSE Drama 5 Option B GCSE Business Studies 5 Hospitality and Catering Level 2 5 GCSE Art and Design 5 GCSE Triple Science 5 GCSE Religious Studies 5 Option C I-Media Level 2 5 GCSE Geography 5 GCSE History 5 Option D I- Media Level 2 5 GCSE Geography 5 GCSE History 5 We have exciting and engaging extended schools and enrichment programmes. These include extra-curricular classes, trips and visits and special events.