At Longsands Academy, our curriculum is designed to fulfil our core purpose which aims to secure the best possible experience, learning and outcomes for each young person for whom we have responsibility. As such, we believe that scholars are entitled to be immersed in ‘the best that has been thought and said’ to induct them into the ‘conversations of mankind’. We believe this is best achieved through a broad and balanced, knowledge-rich curriculum and a strong personal development programme. The subject curriculum is designed to help scholars understand and make meaning of the world around them, and to take them beyond their everyday knowledge and experiences. Intellectual curiosity and resilience is developed through a curriculum taught by subject-specialists who impart the powerful knowledge and cultural capital that places scholars in a strong position to question and debate the world around them. Our provision is tailored so that all scholars, whatever their background and ability, can follow suitable pathways, from Year 7 through to Year 13, which maximise their chances to achieve academic excellence and success in public examinations, as well as promoting positive emotional wellbeing and mental health, enabling them to successfully access the next chapter of their lives.
Our commitment to promoting an ethos of learning for life and work throughout all aspects of the Academy, as well as our provision of a wide range of extra-curricular and personal development opportunities, aims to instil our core values in scholars: to work hard, to be kind and to achieve more. We value care and respect for self and others, honesty, creativity, clear and open communication, high aspirations and the determination to fulfil them, strong relationships, and shared goals achieved through teamwork.
Years 7, 8 and 9
For the first three years at the school, scholars follow a broad and challenging academic programme that closely follows the National Curriculum. Alongside English, Maths, Science, History, Geography and Religious Education, all scholars study French. All scholars will have the opportunity to develop their creative flair in art, music and design and technology, learn to code in computer science, and enjoy a healthy competitiveness in physical education.
In personal development lessons, scholars learn about relationships, health and wellbeing, and living in the wider world, including careers and citizenship, allowing them to participate in democratic society and be responsible citizens.
Years 10 and 11
Scholars in Year 10 and 11 study a core set of subjects, including English language and literature, mathematics, science (which is worth either two or three GCSEs, depending on the depth of study), personal development and physical education. Most scholars will also study at least French or Spanish, plus history or geography. Further GCSE subjects include:
- Business
- Computer Science
- Design & Technology: Food Preparation and Nutrition
- Design & Technology: Product Design/Textiles
- Fine Art
- Health & Social Care
- Media Studies
- Music
- Photography
- Physical Education and Sport
- Religious Education
Years 12 and 13
We provide a range of academic A Level courses to suit all interests, as well as a small number of Level 3 BTEC qualifications. All scholars participate in a programme of personal development, alongside opportunities for enrichment and extra-curricular activities.
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