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Curriculum

Francis Combe Academy Curriculum is delivered by eight Schools of Learning:

School of Art and Design
School of Communication
School of Humanities
School of ICT and Business
School of Mathematics
School of Performing Arts and Media
School of Science
School of Sport and Health

Each School of Learning contributes to the Academy’s inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum, offering courses and qualifications at all levels, ensuring students have opportunities to specialise in areas where they have particular interests and passion.

The Academy continues to review the learner pathways and opportunities to ensure it meets the learning needs and aspirations of all students.

Curriculum Overview

School of Learning	Key Stage 3	Key Stage 4	Key Stage 5
Art and Design	Art Technology	GCSE Art and Design BTEC Diploma in Art and Design GCSE Graphics GCSE Resistant Materials GCSE Textiles GCSE Food Technology	AS/A2 Art and Design AS/A2 Graphic Products AS/A2 Food Technology
Communication	English French Spanish	GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE French	AS/A2 English
Humanities	History Geography RE PSHCE	GCSE Geography GCSE History GCSE Sociology GCSE RE ASDAN CoPE PSHCE	BTEC First Diploma in Travel and Tourism AS/A2 Geography AS/A2 Ethics AS/A2 General Studies AS/A2 History AS/A2 Accountancy AS/A2 Sociology
ICT and Business	ICT	OCR National in ICT National Award in Business and ICT BTEC First Diploma in Business	BTEC First Diploma in Business AS/A2 Business AS/A2 ICT
Mathematics	Maths	GCSE Maths	AS/A2 Maths
Performing Arts and Media	Performance Studies (Drama, Dance, Music, Media)	GCSE Drama GCSE Dance GCSE Media GCSE Music BTEC First Diploma in Performance	AS/A2 Drama and Theatre Studies AS/A2 Media
Science	Science	GCSE Core Science GCSE Additional Science GCSE Triple Science	Biology
Sport and Health	PE	PE Core GCSE PE BTEC Sport and Leisure GCSE Applied Health and Social Care Child Care (CACHE)	BTEC First Diploma in Performance AS/A2 Sport and Physical Education CACHE – Level 2 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Other Opportun- ities	Learning to Learn	Young Apprenticeship schemes Diplomas	Diplomas

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

All learners follow a broad and balance curriculum consisting of the following National Curriculum Subjects: Maths, English, Science, Information Technology, Modern Languages, Art, Drama, Music, Design Technology, Physical Education, Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE), Geography and History.

In Year 7 learners study a Performance programme, which combines elements of Drama, Media, Dance and Music and a Humanities programme, a themed approach to the study of History, Geography and RE.

In Key stage 3 students also study Learning skills. In Year 7 students work collaboratively on a skills programme which teaches key study skills through a themed approach, looking at community aspects of the Academy. In Year 8 and 9 students are taught key study skills through a ‘Learning to Learn’ programme.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, all students study the core subjects of Maths, English Language and Literature, Core and Additional Science, Information Technology, Physical Education, Religious Education and PSHCE. From Year 10 students select from the wide range of GCSE, Applied GCSE and Vocational courses listed in the table above. Most students will access their curriculum within the Academy, however, for some students, exciting alternative, programmes of vocational and work related courses run in conjunction with West Herts College. Francis Combe Academy enjoys a special working relationship with it’s Sponsor, West Herts College and working in collaboration with the college and some other local schools enables us to offer an even broader curriculum at Key Stage 4 and 5.

Key Stage 5

The Sixth Form at Francis Combe Academy is open to all students. We aim to provide a high quality education within a supportive, friendly environment. A wide range of courses are available which cater for all abilities, as given in the table above. Francis Combe Academy Key Stage 5 students, as in Key Stage 4, benefit from collaboration arrangements with West Herts College and other local Secondary Schools.