Our Curriculum Model Rationale and Entitlement

The architecture of our curriculum model designs the structure and allocation of our subject and wider curriculum delivery across each year group and key stage. Our curriculum model is designed to ensure we effectively deliver our Trust’s shared curriculum intent by providing a broad and balanced curriculum and rich educational experience. We also design our academy’s curriculum model to best meet the needs of our students and locality reflecting upon courses that support the local and national job market and those that have been positive destination subjects for our students. 

At Outwood Grange Academy we want all students to leave our academy as well rounded individuals prepared for the world of work and their personal futures. We believe a broad and balanced curriculum for all supports this ambition; an ambition that underpins our vision to put students first, raise standards and transform lives. 

Our curriculum reflects the ambitious intent of the National Curriculum.  Students begin their secondary experience studying a rich programme of English, maths, science, geography, history, two modern foreign languages, physical education, computer science, religious education and citizenship studied through our RE/Life programme as well as a range of expressive arts including art, music, drama, dance and technology subjects such as food, textiles, resistant materials etc.

Our students study a broad range of subjects and learning opportunities to deepen their educational experience and build a solid foundation of subject knowledge and skills. Academic & technical study at Level 1 / Level 2 (including GCSE) are studied across two years offering a wide entitlement to subjects including those which make up the Full English Baccalaureate, i.e. GCSE in one English (Literature or English Language), mathematics, two sciences (including computer science), one humanities subject (geography or history) and a modern foreign language. To achieve the Full English Baccalaureate students must achieve a Grade 5 in each of these subjects. There is an opportunity to study triple or combined sciences and a wide selection of open element subjects is offered including a range of expressive arts  and design technology subjects, physical education, and social sciences etc. 

Our curriculum rationale reflects the value we place on developing our students’ personal growth and understanding of themselves, others and the world they inhabit. Our academy is committed to promoting positive mental health and physical well being. We believe the study of performance, enterprise and creative and expressive arts subjects supports this agenda developing our students’ health, wellbeing and self-confidence. By studying subjects that require them to think creatively, problem solve, develop healthy lifestyles and be part of a team, our students will grow as individuals and enhance their employability skills in readiness for the world of work. 

W ensure a strong entitlement to the full EBacc subjects through our Year 10 and 11 Guided Pathway. As part of this commitment we require all students to study History, geography and a modern foreign language across years 7 to 9 with all students selecting to study either geography or history at GCSE across year 10 and 11. Across Year 10 and 11 our Guided Pathways provide a broad offer to all students. This could facilitate one or more languages, a second humanities subject or a personal choice from a wide range of open element GCSE or technical qualifications. 

The educational offer at Outwood Grange Academy  promotes a broad and balanced curriculum throughout all years that enables every student to fulfill their potential with the aspiration to move forward with their educational experience into our own excellent sixth form at Outwood Grange Academy or other local further education providers and then onto higher education.