A RICH AND AMBITIOUS CURRICULUM

River Academy will offer 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 will provide a a challenging, stimulating and enjoyable framework which ensures robust knowledge acquisition, deep understanding and sophisticated skills application. This taught curriculum will be enriched by a range of activities beyond the classroom. The core skills of literacy, numeracy and critical thinking will permeate the whole curriculum, and where necessary, we will devote extra time to helping students acquire and develop these essential skills if there are gaps in their learning.

To support personal development, students will 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 will also be opportunities to focus on individual areas of interest (or take up new ones) through many clubs, teams, trips and residentials.

Careers and employability skills will also be developed through the curriculum, from communication and presentation skills, collaborative and independent working and functional skills. In addition, there will be 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.