Curriculum
A RICH AND AMBITIOUS CURRICULUM
River Academy offers a varied curriculum across all Key Stages that is carefully designed to meet the needs of our students and prepare them for future education, employment and adulthood. We provide a challenging, stimulating and enjoyable framework which ensures robust knowledge acquisition, deep understanding and sophisticated skills application. This taught curriculum is enriched by a range of activities beyond the classroom. The core skills of literacy, numeracy and critical thinking permeate the whole curriculum, and where necessary, we devote extra time to helping students acquire and develop these essential skills if there are gaps in their learning.
To support personal development, students follow a full programme of physical education and personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural education (PSMSC). This is provided through specialist taught lessons, the tutor programme, visiting speakers and productions, research projects and assemblies. There are also opportunities to focus on individual areas of interest (or take up new ones) through many clubs, teams, trips and residentials.
Careers and employability skills are developed through the curriculum, from communication and presentation skills, collaborative and independent working and functional skills. In addition, there is a raft of opportunities to develop “soft” skills (eg: leadership, team-working, hosting) and experience the world of work. All students will complete a period of work experience in Year 10 and receive independent careers advice and guidance by the end of Year 11. River Academy will have achieved all 8 Gatsby Benchmarks by the time it is fully open.
Withdrawal from RE
Parents have the right to choose whether or not to withdraw their child from RE without influence from the school, although a school should ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the RE syllabus. In this way, parents can make an informed decision. Where parents have requested that their child is withdrawn, their right must be respected, and where RE is integrated in the curriculum, the school will need to discuss the arrangements with the parents or carers to explore how the child’s withdrawal can be best accommodated. If students are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Students will usually remain on school premises.
Should you wish to withdraw your son or daughter from RE, please contact the Headteacher in writing.
If you require further information regarding the curriculum, please contact Mrs Billingham, Deputy Headteacher, via the School Office.