“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Malcolm X
Aims
The Academy’s curriculum is broad and balanced and promotes the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, and physical development of students, preparing them fully for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. We want all our young people to access higher education or a career of their choice, and to contribute wholeheartedly to our society both locally and nationally. The curriculum is delivered in an environment where students are shown unconditional positive regard in inclusive, supportive and empathetic learning environments.
“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the plant.” Carl Jung
Intent
Beacon Academy’s curriculum strives to provide opportunities where learners are known and understood, supported to achieve and given all possible opportunities to excel.
- Our curriculum will prepare young people for their next steps in aspirational careers and further/higher education.
- Our curriculum will equip young people with the knowledge and understanding they need to succeed in education and future employment.
- Our curriculum will develop the personal skills that young people need to thrive, in respect of healthy lifestyles and the interpersonal skills needed for life and work.
- Our curriculum will develop a passion for life-long learning.
- Our curriculum will broaden student’s horizons by promoting greater understanding of life in modern Britain and the wider world.
Parents’ Rights RE and RSE Withdrawal (2025-2026)
We are deeply invested in delivering a strong curriculum intent in arts and performing arts. Our Head of Music, alongside peripatetic staff have developed a music development plan to ensure we’re maximising our curriculum and extracurricular offer:
Beacon School Music Development Plan (2025-2026)
Implementation
The curriculum will meet the requirements of the National Curriculum; it will be:
- broad – so that it provides a wide range of knowledge, skills and learning opportunities;
- balanced – so that each element is given sufficient time to contribute effectively;
- coherent – so that each element is linked to make the learning experience more meaningful;
- relevant – so that it is related to the learner’s interests, needs and experience wherever possible;
- differentiated – so that what is taught and how it is taught is matched to the students’ needs, aptitudes, abilities and achievements;
- inclusive – allowing, as far as is possible, all students access to the full curriculum;
- flexible – allow opportunities for extracurricular and enrichment activities.
Key Stage 3
The curriculum for Key Stage 3 is as follows. There are six, 55-minute lessons per day. All pupils follow a programme of study which consists of English, mathematics, science, IT, physical education, DT, French, art (fine art, graphics, photography) and performing arts (music and drama). Pupils will follow a full humanities curriculum that includes geography, history and RS.
In KS3 pupils have 3 coaching groups a week. Within these times pupils will have some sessions in the year that may be dedicated to specific citizenship and PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic education). SRE (sex and relationships education) is delivered through programmes in Science and in age-appropriate sessions with support from the Local Authority’s YPSS staff and visiting guest speakers.
Year 7
English, Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), IT, PE, Engineering, MFL (French), Geography, History, RS, Topic, Art, Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama), Intervention (Maths), PE.
Year 7 Curriculum Year Overview 25-26
Year 8
English, Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), IT, PE, Engineering, MFL (Spanish), Geography, History, RS, Topic, Art, Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama), Intervention (English), PE.
Year 8 Curriculum Year Overview 25-26
Year 9
English, Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), IT, PE, Engineering, MFL (Spanish), Geography, History, RS, Topic, Art, Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama), Intervention (Science), PE.
Year 9 Curriculum Year Overview 25-26
Key Stage 4
The DfE believes that schools should offer students a broad range of academic subjects to age 16, and we are confident that our KS4 curriculum meets that expectation.
Year 10 and Year 11
Students study a core programme that includes: GCSE English language (AQA), GCSE English literature (Pearson Edexcel), GCSE maths (Pearson Edexcel); GCSE science trilogy (AQA) and PE (non-accredited).
Year 10 Curriculum Year Overview 25-26
Year 11 Curriculum Year Overview 25-26
Options Subjects at Beacon Academy
In addition students are able to choose from a number options subjects from a range of traditional GCSE and vocational subjects including:
History (AQA GCSE), Geography (AQA GCSE), Dance (Pearson BTEC), Acting (Pearson BTEC), Music (Pearson BTEC), French (AQA GCSE), Sports Science (OCR Cambridge Nationals), Art (AQA GCSE), Photography (AQA GCSE), Graphics (AQA GCSE), Digital IT (Pearson BTEC), 3D Design (AQA GCSE), Religious Studies (AQA GCSE), and Health & Social Care (OCR Cambridge Nationals).
All KS4 subjects with the exception of core PE, lead to formal accreditation. All qualifications that are offered at KS4 are included in our options booklet for 2025-2026.
For further information about the curriculum at Beacon Academy please contact Mrs R Pickles, Vice Principal on office@beaconacademy.co.uk.