Curriculum

The curriculum at Vale of York is key to the development of the whole child. Whilst each child covers subjects as listed below, the essential thread throughout each lesson every day is to stretch, challenge and enthuse each child so as to give their very best and develop a passion for future life.

As a small school, each child is truly known and often individually tailored programmes are developed to maximise a child’s individual potential.

Beyond the classroom pupils experience wider opportunities through taking part in numerous extra-curricular activities, enrichment days, community events, school performances and trips both at home and abroad.

“Always giving the best”

Semper ad optimum

Curriculum Aims:

To offer all students a broad, balanced and rich experience which will equip them to succeed in a rapidly changing world
To create the conditions in which all students can grow and develop resilience and creativity
To develop thoughtful, responsible, informed members of the local, national and international community
To maximise outcomes for students so they are well placed for the next stage in their education, employment or training

Promoting British Values:

Since 2014, the Department for Education (DfE) has required schools to promote British Values and to ensure they are taught in schools.

Vale of York Academy is committed to serving its community and recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.

Vale of York Academy is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British Values to all its students.

The five key British Values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Examples of how these values are modelled and delivered Vale of York Academy include:

• PSHE programme

• Religious Education curriculum

• Enrichment events

• Discussion within curriculum subjects

• Extra curricular clubs

• Assemblies

• Charity work

• Sporting events

• Participation in competitions

• Educational visits

• School Council

Key Stage 3 – Year 7, 8 & 9

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed to build on the learning experiences that children had in their primary schools. It is also structured to offer a broad and balanced range of learning experiences for our pupils. In addition to learning the specialised subject knowledge required to progress through secondary education, students have the chance to develop essential learning and thinking skills and subject specific skills. Beyond the formal curriculum pupils will receive regular enrichment activities that build their understanding and appreciation of the world around them enabling them to grow as responsible global citizens.

We ensure our Key Stage 3 curriculum allows time for creativity both in individual subjects and across the curriculum while providing a broad and balanced education.

Key Stage 4 – Year 10-11

Pathways are introduced at Key Stage 4 to ensure that students continue to follow a broad and balanced curriculum that is suited to their individual needs. We want every student to finish Year 11 with a complete set of Level 2 qualifications to take them on to their next stage whether this is employment, training or Post-16 study. To give all students the greatest chance of success, we offer three pathways and students can opt for the traditional academic route or a more applied or vocational course. In addition to this, pupils get the opportunity to study alongside pupils at Manor CE Academy as part of the shared curriculum offer at Key Stage 4.

Throughout Key Stage 4, all pupils will receive the necessary support and guidance to ensure that they are best positioned to have a range of choices on how best to continue with their education.

To view the Vale of York subjects and hours, please click the links below;

Link: Curriculum Model – Subjects and hours

Link: Curriculum Model – Curriculum Allocation

Link: Subject Learning Journeys