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

Foundation (Ages 11-12)

In the Foundation year students adapt to the unique learning environment of the Academy and prepare themselves to take responsibility for developing their own 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 Mandarin, Spanish and German.

Level 1 (Ages 12-13)

After successful completion of the Foundation year, students enter into Level 1, where they experience an even more challenging curriculum with increased emphasis upon 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.

Level 1+ (Ages 13-14)

Following the successful completion of Level 1, students move into Level 1+. A real focus on GCSE L2 readiness runs throughout L1+ with students beginning to make their L2 options by December and starting some L2 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