Curriculum Overview

We believe that every student deserves access to a rich, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that enables them to succeed both academically and personally. As part of the Ormiston Academies Trust, our curriculum is built upon a shared commitment to providing all students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.  

Our Trust wide Common Curriculum is continually reviewed and developed against best practice locally, nationally, across Ormiston Academies Trust and through educational research, ensuring students receive the highest quality educational experience. Curriculum quality is reviewed continuously through: 

  • Department and subject reviews 
  • Self-evaluation processes 
  • Annual curriculum reviews 
  • Trust-wide collaboration 

All curriculum areas are aligned with National Curriculum expectations, with many subjects also benefiting from curriculum resources and expertise developed across Ormiston Academies Trust. 

Our Curriculum Vision 

Our curriculum is designed to: 

  • Inspire a love of learning and intellectual curiosity. 
  • Develop deep knowledge and understanding across a broad range of subjects. 
  • Build confidence, resilience and independence. 
  • Prepare students for further education, employment and adult life. 
  • Ensure all students, regardless of starting point or background, can achieve their full potential.  

Our curriculum follows a five-year journey, comprising: 

  • A three-year Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) 
  • A two-year Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) 

This structure enables students to develop strong foundations before progressing into their chosen GCSE and vocational pathways. 

We maintain a 25-hour teaching week, consisting of five 60-minute lessons per day, allowing students to access a broad and balanced curriculum while ensuring sufficient time is dedicated to core subjects. 

What Makes Our Curriculum Special? 

Ambitious for Every Student 

We believe that all young people are entitled to a challenging and knowledge-rich education. Our curriculum has been carefully planned to broaden horizons, develop cultural understanding and equip students with the knowledge they need to become informed and thoughtful citizens.  

Carefully Sequenced Learning 

Learning is structured so that knowledge and skills build over time. Students revisit important concepts throughout their school journey, helping them develop secure understanding and long-term retention.  

Reading at the Heart of Learning 

Reading is one of the most powerful tools for learning. Across all subjects, students encounter high-quality texts, develop their vocabulary and learn to communicate confidently using subject-specific language.  

Inclusive and Accessible 

We are committed to ensuring that every student can access and succeed in the curriculum. Our teachers carefully scaffold learning, provide appropriate support and create opportunities for all students to achieve success from their starting points.  

What Will Students Study? 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) 

All students follow a broad and balanced curriculum including: 

  • English 
  • Mathematics 
  • Science 
  • History 
  • Geography 
  • Modern Foreign Languages 
  • Art 
  • Music 
  • Drama 
  • Computing 
  • Design Technology and Food Technology 
  • Physical Education 
  • Religious Education 
  • Personal Development, Citizenship and PSHE, including Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)  

This broad curriculum ensures that students develop a wide range of knowledge, skills and interests before making choices about their future studies. 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) 

Students continue to study core subjects: 

  • English Language and English Literature 
  • Mathematics 
  • Science 
  • Religious Education 
  • Physical Education (Core) 

Alongside these, students choose from a range of GCSE and vocational qualifications, allowing them to pursue subjects that reflect their strengths, interests and future aspirations. Opportunities include languages, humanities, creative arts, technology and vocational pathways. Following a review of our curriculum model and in line with best practice across the Trust and high-performing schools nationally, students now select three option subjects rather than four. 

This approach allows: 

  • Increased teaching time within option subjects 
  • Greater depth of learning 
  • Improved mastery of subject content 
  • Stronger academic outcomes 

Key Curriculum Priorities 

  • We place significant value on Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. Weekly PSHE lessons support students’ wellbeing, personal growth and preparation for adult life, including Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RHSE) and Religious Education (RE). 
  • Physical education continues to play a vital role in promoting students’ physical and mental wellbeing. All students in Years 7-11 receive two PE lessons each week. 
  • Students receive two lessons of Modern Foreign Languages each week throughout Key Stage 3. This supports wider language development, broadens students’ understanding of the world around them and builds students’ confidence to select a language at GCSE. 

Literacy, Communication and Oracy 

At Ormiston Denes Academy, we recognise that strong literacy skills underpin success across the curriculum. 

Students are supported to: 

  • Read confidently and fluently. 
  • Develop a rich academic vocabulary. 
  • Write effectively for different purposes. 
  • Speak clearly and confidently in a range of contexts. 
  • Participate in discussion, debate and collaborative learning.  

By embedding reading, writing and oracy across all subjects, we help students become effective communicators and independent learners. 

Enrichment and Careers Education 

We want our students to develop not only academically, but also personally. 

Through our curriculum and wider school programme, students benefit from: 

  • Educational visits and enrichment opportunities. 
  • Leadership and personal development experiences. 
  • Careers education linked to curriculum learning. 
  • Encounters with employers, further education providers and industry professionals. 
  • Guidance to support future education, training and career choices.  

Assessment and Progress 

Assessment is an important part of learning at Ormiston Denes Academy. 

Teachers use a range of approaches to: 

  • Check understanding during lessons. 
  • Provide feedback that supports improvement. 
  • Strengthen students’ long-term memory through retrieval practice. 
  • Monitor progress over time. 
  • Inform parents and carers about achievement and next steps.  

Our assessment approach is designed to support learning whilst helping students develop confidence, resilience and effective study habits. All students will benefit from Trust-wide Common Assessments, enabling greater consistency in assessment and supporting curriculum improvement across the academy. Our assessment and reporting processes will continue to evolve to reflect this approach. 

Our Commitment to Families 

At Ormiston Denes Academy, we are proud to provide a curriculum that is broad, balanced, ambitious and inclusive. Working in partnership with parents and carers, we aim to ensure every student leaves us with the qualifications, knowledge, character and confidence needed to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond. 

Together, we are committed to helping every young person become the very best version of themselves.  

Download the OAT Curriculum Statement below: