Curriculum

At Kings Academy we are highly ambitious for every young person. It is our aspiration that all “believe and succeed”. We aim to deliver a broad, innovative, inclusive, continuous and knowledge-rich curriculum that allows all students to fulfil their potential and to be well-equipped for the future.
We strive for all students to:

• maximise their life chances by acquiring and applying powerful knowledge over a broad range of subject disciplines
• be highly aspirational and ambitious with a positive attitude to learning
• be life-long learners with a desire for knowledge
• care about current issues and global challenges, to shape the future of our planet with respect for its fragility
• become confident, literate and independent learners
• be well-prepared for their next steps including education, employment and training
• develop transferable employability skills
• be able to form successful, caring relationships through demonstrating our Kings’ Core Values including positivity, respect, integrity, democracy and equality (PRIDE)
• be able to demonstrate Christian distinctiveness with integrity
• be guided by the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different beliefs, different faiths and no faith
• become active citizens in a rights-respecting Academy, promoting equality and equipped to play a dynamic role in their community and wider society mindful of protected characteristics
• be safe and adopt lifestyles that promote physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing
• to achieve and fulfil their potential in exams to allow progression to further high-quality courses and training
• further develop a sense of responsibility towards themselves, other people and their environment

The Curriculum at Kings

Academic Curriculum

Kings Academy is an Upper School starting from Year 9, where students transition into a new phase of learning with a curriculum that supports high expectations. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum designed to meet the needs and interests of students.

All students in Years 9 to 11 study a Core Curriculum that includes English Language and Literature, Maths, Science, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE), and Physical Education. In Year 9, students also complete the Extended Curriculum Project (ECP), which consists of six projects across subjects like Drama, Music, Art, Textiles, Design Technology, Food Technology, Computer Science, and Modern Foreign Languages. The ECP aims to develop skills such as teamwork, research, creativity, and innovation. Students are rewarded with certificates based on their achievements in each project.

Beyond the Core Curriculum and ECP, Kings Academy offers a range of GCSEs and Vocational Technical Qualifications (VTQs), including BTEC courses, which focus on work-related skills. The school has recently expanded its VTQ offerings to provide meaningful courses tailored to students’ needs. Students typically study ten Level 2 qualifications, with some following guided pathways that involve eight or nine subjects. Students choose two subjects from Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities, or Computer Science, as well as two further subjects. Some students may also take separate Science GCSEs or Further Maths, and additional support is offered to those with learning needs, including additional English and Maths lessons.

The school places particular emphasis on supporting SEND students, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum with differentiation of resources and targeted assistance from Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)  where needed. Extra support is provided in smaller group sessions, particularly for English and Maths, through the ELP ( Enhanced Learning Provision) in Year 9 and English and Maths Booster Programme later on. SEND students are also assigned a designated member of the Learning Support Team who monitors their progress and conducts reviews as necessary.

In the Sixth Form, Kings Academy aims to offer a comprehensive range of courses, including both academic and vocational options. These include Level 3 qualifications in Applied Law, Criminology, and Digital Media, as well as a Work Skills BTEC for students who need additional consolidation before progressing to Level 3 or seeking apprenticeships. Students continue studying GCSE English and Maths if they haven’t achieved a grade 4+, and they are encouraged to take part in enrichment activities like leadership roles, community service, and elective courses such as Core Maths or the Extended Project Qualification.

The ’I Curriculum’

In addition to the academic curriculum all students receive the ‘I Curriculum’ which encapsulates our Christian ethos, tutor time activities, employability skill development and career knowledge.

As a Christian school, Kings Academy promotes a distinctive ethos where Christian values are integrated into all aspects of school life. Religious Education is compulsory for all students, who also participate in worship and attend church at least four times a year. The school’s core values—Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Democracy, and Equality (PRIDE)—are emphasized throughout the curriculum and community activities.

The school’s Extended Friday Tutor Time is an essential component of the curriculum, where students engage in personal, social, moral, spiritual, and cultural education. This time is also used for House Councils to discuss leadership projects, fostering student leadership and collaboration across year groups. The school is working towards achieving the Unicef Rights Respecting Silver Award, with plans to further enhance its efforts toward the Gold level. Students are encouraged to support charity initiatives and participate in community projects.

Career development is also a priority at Kings Academy, with a robust Business Network offering students the chance to meet employers, take part in mock interviews, and gain experience through work placements. All students, including those in the Sixth Form, are encouraged to undertake work experience. Sixth Form students receive tailored advice on UCAS applications, apprenticeships, and career pathways, ensuring they are well-prepared for their next steps.

Extra-Curricular

Extra-curricular activities are an important part of the Kings Academy experience, with opportunities in sports, arts, and various clubs. The Kings’ Sports Academy offers expert coaching for students who want to develop their skills and compete at a higher level. The Expressive Arts Faculty provides opportunities in Dance, Art, Music, Photography, and Textiles. The school also offers extracurricular clubs such as debating, public speaking, and enterprise competitions. “Participation” in additional activities is seen as a key part of the curriculum, helping to develop well-rounded students.

Literacy

Finally, the school places a strong focus on literacy development, aiming to ensure all students are proficient readers and writers. The literacy strategy promotes reading for pleasure and academic success, while also supporting students in developing their writing skills, especially for extended tasks. Speech, language, and communication skills are explicitly taught to ensure students can effectively articulate their learning and engage in social interactions. All students complete NGRT testing on entry to assess their reading levels and support their development.

Kings Academy want everyone to : “Believe and Succeed!”