Curriculum Overview
Cornwallis Academy offers a rich and diverse curriculum to harness the talents of every student. In line with our ‘Successful Motivated Inspired Learning Excited and Engaged’ ethos, our curriculum aims to motivate, inspire, excite and engage all students so that they can be successful in their learning. We take pride in our ability to meet the individual needs of every student, providing them with flexibility and choice, within an inclusive environment. Our ambitious curriculum provides all students with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to secure their future employability. We are proud to have ‘ambitions for all’ of our students.
To find out more about the curriculum, please view the subject documents, alternatively, contact Miss Farhall, PA to the Co-Heads of School, via office@cornwallisacademy.com.
Key Stage Three (Years 7-9)
The Key Stage 3 curriculum follows the national curriculum, with students studying:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Citizenship
- Religious Education (RE)
- Computing
- Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish)
- Design and Technology (Textiles, Resistant Materials, Graphics and Food Preparation & Nutrition)
- Art and Design
- Music
- Physical Education
- PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) & RSE (relationships, sex and health education)
In addition to these subjects, we also offer:
- Drama
- Dance
- Scholarships in Football, Art and Dance
- Literacy and reading intervention programmes
- Reading for Pleasure
Key Stage Four (Years 10-11)
At the end of Year 9, our students select the subjects they will continue to study in Years 10 and 11 from a range of GCSE and Level 2 BTEC courses.
All of our students study the core subjects:
- GCSE Mathematics
- GCSE English Language
- GCSE English Literature
- Either GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (double award); or GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics.
All of our students choose to study one of the humanities:
- GCSE Geography
- GCSE History
All of our students then choose another two subjects from the following options. We encourage students to choose a language as one of their options:
- GCSE French
- GCSE Spanish
- GCSE Citizenship
- GCSE Religious Education
- GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art
- GCSE Media Studies
- GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition
- GCSE Design & Technology
- GCSE Physical Education or BTEC Sport
- GCSE Business Studies or BTEC Enterprise
- BTEC ICT
- BTEC Health & Social Care
- BTEC Travel & Tourism
- BTEC Performing Arts – Drama
- BTEC Performing Arts – Dance
- BTEC Performing Arts – Music
In addition to the above, all of our students study:
- PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) & RSE (relationships, sex and health education)
- PE
- World Views: Religious Education & Citizenship
Key Stage Five (Years 12-13)
Students in Key Stage Five study a range of A Level, Level 3 BTEC and Level 2 courses. All students are enrolled onto a study programme that meets the minimum 600 guided learning hours, with timetabled Maths and English GCSE classes for those who do not yet have a Grade 4 pass. Study programmes are tailored to suit students’ career or further education aspirations, and all students have a dedicated Careers and Guidance meeting with a Careers Adviser. All students complete meaningful work experience during Year 12 and are also given the opportunity to complete the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as well as non-qualification activities that complement the programme and support their progression and development in line with their career plans.
The qualifications that we offer in Key Stage Five include:
- A Level English Literature
- A Level English Literature & Language
- A Level Mathematics
- Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
- A Level Biology
- A Level Chemistry
- A Level Physics
- A Level History
- A Level Politics
- A Level Geography
- A Level Art & Design: Fine Art
- A Level Psychology
- A Level Sociology
- A Level Design & Technology: Product Design
- A Level Media Studies
- A Level Physical Education
- A Level Spanish
- BTEC Level 2 Beauty Therapy
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Children’s Play, Learning & Development
- Level 3 Applied Certificate & Diploma in Criminology
- Level 3 Extended Certificate in Digital Media
- Level 3 Tech Level in Creative and Performing Arts
- Level 3 Certificate in Financial Education
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health & Social Care
- RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners (Performing)
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Travel & Tourism
In addition to the above, all of our students study:
- PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) & RSE (relationships, sex and health education)


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