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Curriculum Intent

A Curriculum that CARES​

The curriculum at Queensbury Academy is rooted in our CARE (Cooperation, Aspiration, Respect and Endeavour) values. We aim to ensure that all students achieve their potential by obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully move through the next stages of their education and their lives having developed the character and confidence to make the most of their opportunities. ​

Confident characters - We develop students' character so they become confident individuals who will flourish in all areas of life. We provide opportunities for experiences beyond the classroom developing their understanding of their community and the world they live in.​

Ambitious for all - We instil aspirational outcomes for all students, at all key benchmarks in their education. The curriculum at Queensbury is at least as good as the National Curriculum and empowers students as lifelong learners, who know enough about a subject to want to know more.​

Readers - We are a school that reads. Students have access to academically and culturally rich literature that complements and is critical to their curriculum.  Students also enjoy reading for pleasure and this is promoted at all key stages.​

Equipped - We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that allows students to explore a wide range of subjects throughout their learning journey. Students review and revisit core knowledge and key concepts in order to secure their understanding​

Sequenced - The curriculum is well sequenced to ensure that students learn the right knowledge at the right time, which further enables them to learn core knowledge well.​

Content and structure of our curriculum

  • We offer a 1 week timetable. 
  • The curriculum is differentiated fully for all pupils.
  • We guarantee equality of access to the whole curriculum for all students regardless of their protected characteristics, as defined by the Equality Act.

 

The Academic Day

The school day is from 08.35 to 15.05, it consists of 6 teaching periods of 50 minutes, a twenty-minute tutor period, a twenty-minute break and a half an hour lunch break each day. From 15.05 - 16.10, there are extracurricular activities and detentions.

Time Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 6th Form
08:35 - 08.55 Arrive and Line Up / Tutor and Registration
09:00 - 09:50 Period 1
09:55 - 10:45 Period 2
10:45 - 11:05 Break 
11:05 - 11:55 Period 3
11:55 - 12:25 Lunch       Lunch  
12:25  - 13:15 Period 4       Period 4  
12:00 - 12:50   Period 4 Period 4 Period 4   Period 4
12:50 - 13:20   Lunch Lunch Lunch   Lunch
13:20 - 14:10 Period 5
14:15 - 15:05 Period 6 / End of the school day
15.10 - 16:10 Extra Curricular/Detentions/Revision/Booster sessions

Curriculum design

  • The National Curriculum is the minimum expectation.

  • The curriculum is a balance between knowledge and skills.

  • The curriculum is sequenced with the acquisition of knowledge forefront in KS3, KS4 and KS5.

KS3 curriculum 2023/24

KS3 curriculum 23/24 9 (Years 7-9)

All students study Textiles, Design Technology and Food Technology at KS3. These are taught on a rotation.

Year 7 study Spanish and French. Years 8 & 9 currently study German and French.

English

Maths

Science

History 

Geography

Ethics

Performing Arts

Music

Computer science

Languages

Art

Technology

PE

Life Skills

5

5

4

2

2

1

1

1

1

2

1

2

2

1

 

KS4 Curriculum 2023/24

KS4 curriculum 23/24 (Years 10-11)

It is compulsory for students to study English Language, English Literature, Maths, and Combined Science.  At the end of Year 9, students select from a range of options: (Some students will choose single sciences instead of combined, all three single sciences must be selected)

Year 10

English

Maths

Science

Option 1 

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

PE

6

5

5

3

3

3

3

2

 

Year 11

English

Maths

Science

Option 1 

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

PE

6

6

5

3

3

3

3

2

KS5 Curriculum 2023/24

KS4 Curriculum 2023/24 (Years 12 - 13)

Our sixth form offers a broad range of subjects with a mix of traditional A-Levels and vocational qualifications, alongside fantastic facilities. We believe in academic achievements but also know that becoming a well-rounded sixth-form student is equally important in helping students progress as they make important decisions about their futures. We ensure all learners are aware of the options available to them and work with students to guide them in the right direction as they take the next steps as young adults.

 

Students will study

  • Three subjects chosen from either or a combination of an academic or vocational pathway
  • Character and culture - Personal, social and health education (PSHE)
  • Dedicated study periods
  • Leadership opportunities and our Sixth Form Service.
  • Careers

 

Students select 3 options at KS5

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

5

5

5

Throughout each key stage

  • There are a variety of co-curricular activities available for all students, including STEM, physical education, arts, and technology, which provide cultural capital throughout all years.
  • We have planned a variety of external visits to enhance our educational offerings both within and outside of the curriculum.
  • Work-related learning and work experience are offered to students in year 10 and year 12.

Quick link to our Equality Objectives

Equality Objectives

Our school is committed to promoting equality and when carrying out our functions, in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty, we will have due regard to the need to:

  • eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
  • advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those without
  • foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

For more information about our Equality objectives and Public Sector Equality Duty Statement, please click on the link below -

Equality Objectives page

Quick link to our SEND and Inclusion

SEND and Inclusion

Queensbury Academy is situated at the base of the Chiltern Hills and takes students from Year 7 through to Year 13. We support all students to enable them to make the best possible progress and achieve this by offering a broad and balanced curriculum with high-quality teaching throughout the Academy.

We provide effective support to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, starting from our first contact with parents and carers when the students join our Academy. We make sure that additional needs are identified early and offer a range of provisions to meet the identified needs. To achieve this we work with a wide range of professionals to make sure all young people receive the support they need to make progress at Queensbury Academy.

For more information please go to our SEND and Inclusion page -

Queensbury SEND and Inclusion

 

Concerns And Questions Regarding Special Educational Need And Disability Should Be Directed To:

Mrs R Willis - SENCo

R Mason -  Senior Vice Principal Inclusion

Please call 01582 601241 to speak to Mrs R Willis or Mrs R Mason.

Alternatively, you can email:

 

Curriculum Enquiries

For more information regarding our curriculum please email