Curriculum
Our Departments and Subjects
The Curriculum
Creating a first class learning experience for all students is the most important part of what we do. Providing a curriculum that inspires you, motivates you and meets your needs is our aim here at the Academy.
Key stage 3
The Academy offers a comprehensive, three year Key Stage 3 curriculum for all students. A large part of your week will be spent studying English, maths, science, PE, humanities and Spanish. The Academy sets challenging targets for students based on information received from the primary school as well as baseline tests carried out at the Academy. A personalised curriculum is devised to match the needs of all students and particular attention is paid to the development of Literacy skills throughout the Key Stage to help bridge the gap between primary and secondary education. In KS3, a stimulating enrichment programme called ‘The Edge’ runs on a rolling termly cycle and provides you with the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of exciting activities such as horse care, that complement the subjects in the rest of the timetable.
Maths and English are taught most days in Year 7 to ensure all students quickly become ‘High School ready’ and are provided with a sound foundation for success in these crucial subjects. Less academic students in Year 7 receive 5 lessons of support over each 2 week period which also provides an element of nurture, to ensure that they have the best possibility of academic success. KS3 students also receive PSHE and Character Education lessons where important traits such as health, British values, leadership, confidence and resilience are explored.
Key stage 4
Students are able to choose from a wide range of academic and vocational courses. The courses are designed to develop the skills that you need to in today’s competitive world. Students will be expected to achieve a minimum of five GCSE’s at grades 9 -4, including English and maths or equivalent (e.g. BTEC qualifications), by the end of Year 11 and reach their set targets. The options process in Year 9 gives students the opportunity to study the EBacc subjects of English, maths, science, a MFL and either geography or history at KS4. This is explained to both parent/carer and student during their Options Evening.
During Year 10 students have the opportunity to participate in both college experience and work experience days. These activities help to prepare students for their Post 16 education, whether that is at a college of Further Education, a work based provider or an apprenticeship.
Every student will be expected to work to the best of their ability at all times and our staff will encourage you to have high aspirations for the future.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Heads of Year are continually studying the performance data of students in each year and opportunities are provided at the end of, or before the start of the academy day for students who require extra support to be successful. Year 11 students also have the opportunity to revise at the Academy on special evenings, weekends and holiday periods as a response to a request made by their Student Voice. In addition to academic opportunities students are able to take part in other activities such as music, drama and PE.
Sports and Recreation
We encourage all students to take part in sporting activities at the Academy, either in the form of competitive team or individual sports, or simply to improve their fitness.
Our dedicated PE staff work with each student to ensure they have the opportunity to take part in the sport or recreational activity that suits them best.
Find out more…
To find out more about our Curriculum you can contact the Academy requesting to speak to a Head of Department or email Mrs Ali (Deputy Headteacher) on Zali@failsworth.coop