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Curriculum

The curriculum at Francis Combe Academy is delivered by eight Faculties:

 

RED
Communication Faculty

Performing Arts and Media Faculty

Blue

Humanities Faculty

Art and Design Faculty

 

Green
ICT and Business Faculty
Mathematics Faculty

 

Yellow
Science Faculty
Sport and Health Faculty

 

Additional Educational Needs (AEN)

 

SpLD Base

 

Each Faculty contributes to the Academy’s inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum, offering courses and qualifications at all levels and ensuring that students have opportunities to specialise in areas where they have particular interests and passion.
The Academy continues to review the learner pathways and opportunities available each year in order to ensure they meets the learning needs and aspirations of all learners.

 

Curriculum Overview

Faculty of Learning	Key Stage 3	Key Stage 4	Key Stage 5
English Faculty	English	GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE English	AS/A2 English Literature
Art and Design Faculty	Art Technology	GCSE Art and Design BTEC Diploma in Art and Design GCSE Food Technology GCSE Graphics GCSE Resistant Materials GCSE Textiles GCSE Food Technology	AS/A2 Art and Design AS/A2 Graphic Products
MFL/Media Performance Faculty	Drama Music French Spanish	GCSE French GCSE Drama GCSE Media Studies GCSE Music BTEC First Diploma in Performance	AS/A2 Media Studies BTEC First Diploma in Creative Media Production
Humanities Faculty	History Geography RSE	GCSE Geography GCSE History RSE	AS/A2 Geography AS/A2 History AS/A2 RS – Ethics & Philosophy AS/A2 Sociology
ICT and Business Faculty	ICT	GCSE ICT OCR National in ICT BTEC First Diploma in Business	AS/A2 Applied  Business AS/A2 Applied ICT BTEC National Diploma in Business OCR National Diploma in ICT
Mathematics Faculty	Maths	GCSE Maths GCSE Statistics AS Maths	AS/A2 Maths AS/A2 Accountancy
Performing Arts and Media Faculty	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 Faculty	Science	GCSE Core Science GCSE Additional Science GCSE Additional Applied Science GCSE Triple Science GCSE Environmental and Land-Based Science	AS/A2 Biology AS/A2 Chemistry AS/A2 Psychology
Sport and Health Faculty	PE	Sport GCSE PE BTEC First Extended Certificate in Sport GCSE Applied Health and Social Care Childcare (CACHE)	AS/A2 Physical Education BTEC First Diploma in Sport
Other Opportun- ities	Learning to Learn	Duke of Edinburgh Additional vocational qualifications BTEC Work Skills	Duke of Edinburgh

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

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

 

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, all students study the core subjects of Maths, English or English Language and English Literature, Science, Physical Education, RSE. 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 its Sponsor, West Herts College and working in collaboration with the college an even broader curriculum at Key Stage 4.
In Science, there are a variety of pathways, including GCSEs in Core Science with Additional or Additional Applied Science, Triple Science and Environmental and Land-Based Science. Students may also be selected to study the BTEC in Applied Science.
In Physical Education, all students study towards a full qualification at Key Stage 4, either GCSE PE or the BTEC Extended Certificate in Sport.

 

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 outlined in the table above. Further details about our Sixth Form can be found on our Sixth Form pages or by contacting Mr Harley, Post 16 Leader: p.harley@franciscombeacademy.org.uk