At The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, we aim to provide all students with a curriculum that is tailored to the needs of each individual and which leads to a range of possibilities post 16. Some subjects will continue to be compulsory (core) as identified by the Government in the National Curriculum. The Curriculum guides most students to follow the English Baccalaureate, for some students this may not be suitable, students will be advised as to which pathway is most suitable for them.

Making the right choice of subjects within the pathway is vital, and I would encourage you to take time to ask questions and ensure you have all the help and guidance you require.

Below you’ll find video overviews for all option subjects or take a look at our in-depth Options Booklet which will guide you through the process.

Mrs St John

BUSINESS STUDIES

The BTEC Tech award in Enterprise prepares students for the fast-changing business world after their study. Enterprise is a key Government focus and is set to be an important part of the UK’s global economic status. Students will be provided with the opportunity to learn new skills that will be transferable into all businesses or further study.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

In Computer Science, students will learn about the fundamental computing principles and concepts, such as logic and algorithm design. They will learn to analyse problems in computational terms by solving real life problems and will design, code and debug their own computer programs using Python. Students will do this by learning how computer systems work such as computers and smart phones and how they communicate with each other. Students will also learn how technology has an impact on individuals and the wider society.

CONSTRUCTION

The WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Constructing the Built Environment gives students the opportunity to learn a wide range of practical skills and techniques that are used within the Construction industry, such as plastering, decorating, tiling and joinery. Students study safety and security in Construction and learn about how to plan a construction project.

This course provides a route into a global industry with a diverse range of career options, including trades such as plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying as well as surveying and construction management.

CREATIVE IMEDIA

Creative and digital media plays an important part in many areas of our everyday lives and is also an important part of the UK economy. Creative iMedia gives students the opportunity to express their digital artistic side, encouraging creativity and teaching skills and tools associated with powerful industry standard programs such as Adobe Flash Animation. The Creative iMedia qualification will allow pupils to explore and experiment using digital media. They will be able to express their ideas visually through the moving image or by using sound. The Creative iMedia qualification will teach students about the products and job roles that form the media industry.

DIGITAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

In BTEC Digital Information Technology, students will develop skills and knowledge which build upon the ICT Key Stage 3 curriculum.

This qualification gives students an insight into the modern fundamentals of IT.

Students will receive high quality, industry relevant knowledge and skills that provide valuable opportunities to develop skills and gain underpinning knowledge which will support entry into the world of work or Further Education.

DRAMA

At Key Stage 3, our students are given a comprehensive tour of the history of drama, from the ancient Greeks to contemporary theatre. They work on their performance skills, and are encouraged to experiment with technical skills, like lighting, set design and costume/ make up.

At Key Stage 4, we delve more deeply into a number of styles, watch professional repertoire and create drama based on these styles. Our students work with industry professionals who give them an insight into the world of theatre. We also study scripted drama and the students create their own original pieces, in response to a brief.

We offer a rich extra-curricular timetable across all year groups, and our Drama Club has performed in the Everyman, the Epstein and the Playhouse.

FOOD & NUTRITION

Studying GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition will offer students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and be able to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life. This course also gives students an insight into one of the biggest industries and employers in the world, which offers a range of careers, including chefs, nutritionists, food scientists, product developers, social care and hospitality and catering.

The course encompasses the study of five key topics – food, nutrition and health, food science, food safety, food choice and food provenance (where food comes from). However, the main focus is the development of a wide range of cookery skills. Practical and investigative work supports the theory work and allows students to consolidate their learning.

FRENCH

The intention of the French curriculum is, to ensure all students are not limited by the language they speak, but are empowered with the tools that will turn them into tomorrow’s citizens of the world!
We want to broaden students’ horizons in a way that they haven’t yet imagined. Through a broad and in depth well drawn curriculum, students will be taught the structure of a new language whilst comparing it and learning more about their own language. They will become confident and articulate young adults with the courage to face the world and all it has got to offer in terms of opportunities and cultural wealth.

GEOGRAPHY

Studying geography gives students the opportunity to travel the world through the classroom, learning about both natural and social sciences along the way. They will understand how geography impacts everyday life and discover the key opportunities and challenges facing the world.

How our students experience the world, where they are from and their relationship with our global community and the environment around them is essential to their learning in the geography classroom.

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

his is a Vocational Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 course for students interested in learning about the health sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of FE courses in care. Students will study the essential values of care, communicating and working with individuals in the health sector, understanding body systems and understanding basic first aid.

There are many different careers a qualification in this sector could lead to: nurse, social worker, midwife, care worker, nursery nurse, health care assistant, child minder.

HISTORY

History is a popular and successful department at the Academy.  In 2019, when students last sat formal exams, 51.4% of pupils in England got Grade 5 or above: ASFA’s figure was 79%. 63.4% of pupils in England gained Grade 4 or above in History GCSE while ASFA students achieved 95%.

The GCSE History course builds on student’s prior learning from years 7-9.  A high-quality history education will help students gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Students will be inspired to ask questions about the world, to critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement, all of which are valuable life skills.

MUSIC

Studying a GCSE in Music leads on from the work you have done at Key Stage 3, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills to a deeper level. The course is mainly practical and is split into 3 components;
Performance (30%) ,Composition (30%) & Listening & Appraising (40%).
If you have a love of music and want to develop your creativity, confidence and character, we look forward to welcoming you onto this fun and diverse GCSE course and into the worldwide community of music.

SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is designed to foster in learners an understanding and critical awareness of society and the social world around them. This subject focuses on the importance of social structure in explaining social issues.

Learners will be encouraged to explore and debate contemporary social issues to enable them to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions and to question their everyday understanding of social phenomena. By following this course, learners will develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

This subject will develop learners’ ability to think sociologically in relation to their experience of the social world around them so that they are able to play a positive, active and informed role in society.

SPANISH

The intention of the Spanish curriculum is, to ensure all students are not limited by the language they speak, but are empowered with the tools that will turn them into tomorrow’s citizens of the world! We want to broaden students’ horizons in a way that they haven’t yet imagined! Through a broad and in depth curriculum, students will be taught the structure of a new language whilst comparing it and learning more about their own language. They will become confident and articulate young adults with the courage to face the world and all it has got to offer in terms of opportunities and cultural wealth.

SPORTS SCIENCE

This is a Vocational Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 course for students interested in learning about the sports sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of FE courses in sport. Students will study the risk of sports injuries, applying principles of training, the body’s response to physical activity and sports nutrition.

There are many different careers a qualification in this sector could lead to: Personal Trainer/ Fitness Instructor, Nutritionist, Psychologist, Sports Analyst, Sports Media, Leisure Manager, Sports Coach, Outdoor Activities Instructor and PE teacher.

SPORTS STUDIES

This is a Vocational Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 course for students interested in learning about the sports sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of FE courses in sport. Students will study contemporary issues, developing practical sport, developing knowledge and skills in outdoor activities and sports leadership.

Sport is a high-profile and expanding industry and there is a growing need for qualified professionals and capable volunteers. There is a wide range of job roles to progress into such as Activity Leader, Sports Coach, Fitness Instructor and Leisure Assistant.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

The Travel and Tourism BTEC qualification that our Academy offers provides an engaging and stimulating introduction to the world of travel and tourism, giving you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. You will explore some of the key areas within the sector, including accommodation, tourism development and promotion, transport and visitor attractions.

ART

This Art department is committed to making the arts accessible, inclusive, and meaningful to all. We create a world where art is used to help young people learn, achieve and thrive.
By training the hand, eye and mind, we nurture creative expression and importantly, build fearless, resilient, problem solvers who think critically and interpret the world.
We encourage young people to experiment, stay curious, discover, source solutions, seek connections, refine skill, imagine and innovate.