Students study a broad, balanced, rich and ambitious curriculum throughout KS3 so that all students including the most disadvantaged and those with SEND have the opportunity to study EBACC at KS4.
Every student at OPA has an equal right to broad and balanced curriculum that they can successfully access to be ready for the next stage of education and employment. Although students select the GCSE subjects they will work towards at the end of Year 9, the preparation for those final exams starts from the moment they enter the academy. In all subjects, students benefit from curriculum planning which builds on learning already secured at primary school and ensuring the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding are progressively developed and consolidated over the five years between Years 7 and 11.
The breakdown of Key Stage 3 lessons per week is shown here. Students are mostly taught in ability groups.
Year 7
Subject | Lessons per week |
PSHE | 1 |
French | 1 |
Science | 3 |
Mathematics | 4 |
Art | 2 |
History | 2 |
RE | 1 |
Geography | 2 |
English | 4 |
Reading | 1 |
PE | 2 |
IT | 1 |
Performing Arts | 1 |
Year 8
Subject | Lessons per week |
PSHE | 1 |
French | 1 |
Science | 3 |
Mathematics | 4 |
Art | 2 |
History | 2 |
RE | 1 |
Geography | 2 |
English | 4 |
Reading | 1 |
PE | 2 |
IT | 1 |
Performing Arts | 1 |
Year 9
Subject | Lessons per week |
PSHE | 1 |
French | 1 |
Science | 3 |
Mathematics | 4 |
Art | 2 |
History | 2 |
RE | 1 |
Geography | 2 |
English | 4 |
Reading | 1 |
PE | 2 |
IT | 1 |
Performing Arts | 1 |
The breakdown of Key Stage 4 lessons per week is shown here.
Year 10
Subject | Lessons per week |
Option 1 | 3 |
Option 2 | 3 |
Option 3 | 3 |
Mathematics | 5 |
English | 5 |
Science | 6 |
PE | 1 |
Year 11
Subject | Lessons per week |
Option 1 | 3 |
Option 2 | 3 |
Option 3 | 3 |
Mathematics | 5 |
English | 5 |
Science | 6 |
PE | 1 |
Our commitment to the holistic personal development and welfare of each student underpins the Academy’s CPRE Curriculum. These weekly lessons develop the spiritual, social, moral and cultural values and experiences of students as well as ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to sustain a healthy and active lifestyle. In short, students are equipped to take their place in the world, participating fully as confident citizens.
The key aspects of the CPRE programme students will experience include: