Curriculum and Subjects

Curriculum

The academy curriculum (in the wider sense) reflects the culture of our society; changing children’s lives through learning; having equality of access to, and acquiring, ever-deepening knowledge and ever-broadening skills that inform who they are now and who they can become in adult life.

The academy has an established transition process with well-developed links with primary schools.  A two year Key Stage 3 curriculum includes a broad based curriculum which focuses on developing competencies such as communication skills, ICT skills, interpersonal skills etc. that can be used in all aspects of learning as well as subject based knowledge, skills and understanding.

The curriculum is designed to improve transition from primary education to secondary education, to increase engagement, enjoyment and motivation and accelerate progress.  The curriculum at Key Stage 3 aims to raise students’ aspirations, develop knowledge, skills and understanding, and promote self-belief and self-confidence.  Here at West Lakes Academy we promote learning and as a consequence develop ‘powerful learners’.  We work to develop students’ learning skills and equip young people with the skills they need to be successful in the 21^st century.

Teaching Groups, Class Sizes and Grouping by Ability

In Year 7, students are placed in tutor groups of up to 30 and work in tutor groups or are grouped by ability to allow for appropriate support and challenge.

In Years 8-11 class sizes tend to be up to 30 for higher ability students but are considerably smaller for those students for whom more support is required.

The academy day starts at 8.30 am and ends at 3.30 pm and consists of six 55 minute lessons split by two breaks one at 10.30 am (20 minutes) and one at either 12.40 pm or 1.10 pm (30 minutes).

Key Stage 4

At the end of the two year Key Stage 3, students then begin a 13-19 programme of study.  The academy’s programme of study is developing and is moving to become highly ‘personalised’ to meet students’ individual needs and aspirations. At the end of Year 8, students choose from a number of different pathways, including a vocational one which leads to the world of work.

A range of GCSE and BTEC subjects are offered at Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 5

Our Sixth Form courses are also clearly established, with detail in a separate course guide