The Curriculum

The curriculum at the Bedford Academy will be designed to:

• be rich, varied and stretch and motivate all students;
• put the needs and interests of students first;
• provide smooth transitions between phases, integrating academic and vocational pathways;
• make the most of the expertise of sponsors and partners;
• be enriched through partnership, offering a full programme of extension activities;
• develop literacy, numeracy and ICT skills through all subjects;
• integrate Science and Technology into the curriculum at every level;
• offer periods of uninterrupted learning, i.e. longer learning sessions;
• help sixth-form learners with a range of ambitions to succeed;
• provide 21st-century resources and learning materials to support independent learning in and out of school;
• meet statutory requirements.

In terms of curriculum planning, area leaders will work with the senior leadership team to plan the curriculum and monitor students' progress, being focused on raising standards, fulfilling the aims of Every Child Matters and supporting students' choices. SEN students and those with English as an Additional Language will be offered extra tutoring.

A range of compulsory enrichment activities will be provided at the beginning and end of the day. These will include philosophy, languages, practical skills such as cooking and sewing, games such as chess and card games, black and Asian history, dance, design and a range of fitness, sporting and leisure activities. Some activities will be differentiated for the gifted and talented and for students who may need catch-up classes and facilities for completion of homework, extra tuition and pastoral support.

The Academy will work closely with its feeder schools to ensure a smooth transition for all. This will include making sure that the correct information is available to staff and parents. The transition programme will begin early in the year before entry, and will help students study at the right pace to meet their needs, which may include a two-year Key Stage 3 programme for those who are able.

We believe that students will benefit from spending part of their learning day in single gender classes. During Key Stage 3, English, Maths and Science might be studied in single-sex groups.