Curriculum
‘Excellence for All: A community of hope and aspiration; enabling all to flourish’
Our ethos of ‘Excellence for All’ is embedded in our school curriculum. We have designed and sequenced our broad and balanced Key Stage 3 curriculum carefully, so as to best meet the needs of students and with student learning at the centre. Ongoing close liaison with our feeder schools ensures that learning at Whitburn CofE Academy builds upon on their primary education.
We have a three-year Key Stage 3 curriculum with option choices being made at the end of Year 9. This allows students to master key skills and knowledge and be empowered by an in-depth understanding of a wide range of exciting subjects. We aspire for our students to become well rounded, independent thinkers and there is a strong emphasis on reading throughout the curriculum. Enjoyment of learning is key and we aim to equip students with skills, such as problem-solving and oracy, to maximise success in school and facilitate lifelong learning
Our exciting extra-curricular programme ensures all students have access to clubs and enrichment activities. These include competitive and participation sports, as well as domestic and international trips. Our extensive offer is designed to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem. Students also have access to targeted intervention sessions and master classes.
Subjects studied and time allocation at KS3
| Fortnightly lesson allocation (60 minute lessons) | |||
| Subject | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
| English | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Maths | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Science | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| MFL | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| History | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Geography | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| PE | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| RE | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Computing | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Art | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Music | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Drama | 1 | 1 | – |
| Technology | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Personal Development (PSHE/RSE/Citizenship) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Specific 1:1 and small group intervention with the SEND and Inclusion team provides extra support for those students who need it.
Key Stage 4
We continue to offer a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4, helping everyone to discover their strengths and experience success. Students are supported to make informed choices about the options subjects they wish to study. As a CofE Academy, all students study Religious Education up to GCSE. This develops understanding, acceptance and appreciation of the values, cultures and diversity represented within our school community, local area and beyond. Students then have free choice in terms of their additional 3 subjects. Students are required to choose at least one EBACC subject. In addition to this, they can choose more from the EBACC suite or from a range of interesting, high-value and carefully considered foundation subjects.
The full list of options subjects that can be chosen at the end of Year 9 are as follows:
| Fine Art or Graphic Design | Food Preparation and Nutrition | Music |
| Mandarin | French | Spanish |
| Physical Education or Sport Studies | Computer Science | Creative Media |
| Child Development | Geography | History |
| Business Studies | Sociology | Information Technology |
We believe that 9 qualifications is the optimum number to be studied by our students. This is to help ensure that, in addition to exam success, our students are given the time and opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the subjects studied, and engage in our extra-curricular and Personal Development (PSHE/RSE/Citizenship) offer, to help them take their place in society as informed, confident and responsible citizens.
Subjects studied and time allocation at KS4
| Fortnightly lesson allocation (60 minute lessons) | ||
| Subject | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| English | 8 | 8 |
| Maths | 7 | 7 |
| Science | 10 | 10 |
| PE | 2 | 2 |
| RE | 4 | 4 |
| Option X | 6 | 6 |
| Option Y | 6 | 6 |
| Option Z | 6 | 6 |
| Personal Development (PSHE/RSE/Citizenship) | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 50 | 50 |
In Year 10 and Year 11, students will have the opportunity to engage in our after-school targeted intervention programme across all subject areas. They can also utilise the library or ‘Food for Thought’ dining hall before and after school, to facilitate independent study and practise effective revision strategies.
In line with government guidance, all students will receive Sex and Relationship Education (SRE). Students can expect to receive lessons within Science on this important area, as well as broader lessons covering additional elements within specific PSHE lessons.
Key Stage 5
Our Key Stage 5 curriculum offer is outlined in further detail in our Sixth Form Prospectus and on the subject curriculum overviews linked here. Subjects studied are shown below, with 10 hours per fortnight dedicated to each.
| English Language | Maths | Further Maths |
| English literature | Geography | History |
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
| Physical Education | RE (Philosophy and Ethics) | Computing Science |
| Media Studies | Art | Sociology |
| Psychology | Economics | Health and Social Care |
| Politics | Mandarin Chinese | Business Studies |
| Spanish or French | EPQ (reduced hours) | Core Maths (reduced hours) |
Supplementing our curriculum is our vast enrichment programme. This offers opportunities for all students to benefit from new experiences and build a portfolio of skills in readiness for their ‘next steps’. We offer a weekly ‘menu’ of 30+ activities both on and off site, allowing students to develop skills and interests, support their health and wellbeing or to contribute to the school or local community. Activities include various sports, cooking, placements and debate. Students can also seek external accreditation in courses such as Gold DoE, BSL and HSK Mandarin. We also offer a large number of international trips such as Poland, Iceland, China and participation in ‘World Challenge’. Our Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance programme and access to a dedicated Career’s Co-ordinator throughout, ensures outstanding information, advice and guidance is given.
