Key Stage 3

The school provides a curriculum that is balanced and meets the needs of Rushden Academy pupils. All pupils study English, Maths, Science, Information Technology, Physical Education, Humanities (Geography, History and Religious Education), Creative Arts (Art, Photography and Graphics), Performing Arts (Drama, Dance and Music) and Languages (French or German). All pupils in year 7, 8 and 9 have a timetabled PSHE lesson each week.

For pupils who have not reached the expected levels for Maths and English at primary school we have introduced an extra Literacy and Numeracy strand to the curriculum. Identified pupils will receive 2 hours per week of catch-up lessons instead of studying a language, to allow them to close the gap with their peers.

Pupils follow a one week timetable and the allocation of hours per week is below:

Key Stage 4

Pupils at Rushden Academy complete a two year Key Stage 4, starting their GCSE/BTEC examination subjects in year 10. Pupils will build upon their knowledge and skills from Key Stage 3 when they enter Key Stage 4.

The Options process starts in March of year 9. Pupils are given guidance on the choices available and the appropriateness of courses for them through Parent’s Evening, the year 9 ‘taster Options’ lessons and the Options Evening.

Some pupils and their parents are given the option to only complete 3 Options subjects and to instead have extra Maths and English. We feel that this allows these selected pupils to access the rest of the curriculum in greater depth and will improve their progress across all of their subjects.

All pupils are given the opportunity to study EBacc subjects through to GCSE level. We offer French and German in both lower school and in Key Stage 4. Our languages department visit primary schools to provide support and teach lessons to pupils before they join us.

Pupils follow a two week timetable and the allocation of hours per fortnight is below: