Lower School

From the very start of their Academy journey, our students are asked to work on explicit projects and challenges to support deep and broad knowledge, and to connect and reflect on the big ideas they have been learning about. Our curriculum is designed to develop interdisciplinary thinking by staff and students from day one. 

Outlined below is the list of subjects offered to students during the first phase of their Academy career before they go on to choose GCSE and A Levels.

Subjects Offered

Year 7 (Ages 11-12)

In Year 7, students adapt to the unique learning environment of the Academy and prepare themselves to take responsibility for developing their programme of study in the years ahead. All students develop their literacy and numeracy skills, and there is emphasis on the Academy STEAM specialism (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) as well as Spanish and German. 

Please note, Mandarin is only available for current Year 8-11 students and those who join one of these years mid-year. These students will study the language until they have completed their GCSE exam. However, students joining the Academy in Year 7 this year can study Mandarin as part of the SDL (Self Directed Learning) programme.

Year 8 (Ages 12-13)

After successful completion of Year 7, Year 8 students experience an even more challenging curriculum with increased emphasis on independence and learner choice and increased languages teaching. The use of our Learning Platform (uclacademylearningplatform.co.uk), encourages students to access a broader range of online learning opportunities.

Year 9 (Ages 13-14)

Following the successful completion of Year 8, students move into Year 9. A real focus on GCSE readiness runs throughout the year, with students beginning to make their Year 10 options by December and starting some courses during the Summer Term.

 

STEAM

  Combined
Science		 Engineering Food and
Nutrition		 Computer
Science
Art and Design Mathematics

 

Languages

English Mandarin German Spanish

 

Humanities and Culture

History Geography RE and
Ethics/Philosophy

 

Performance

Music Drama Physical
Education