Our Curriculum
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Please complete the transition tasks for the subjects you will be studying in September.
At Rushden Academy, all students follow a study programme that is tailored to their individual needs and aspirations. As part of our consortium arrangements with Huxlow Academy, we provide students with a unique opportunity to study a combination of A Levels and vocational courses to meet the needs and aspirations of the students we serve. The consortium arrangement means that we are able to offer a wide range of applied and academic courses to our students.
Our general entry requirements specify that students should have a grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English. In the event that a student does not have a grade 4 but is allowed to enrol, they are required to continue these subjects as part of their study programme. Students have timetabled lessons during the week with subject specialists to support them to achieve a grade 4 in their GCSE. Further details of our entry requirements can be found in the Curriculum Intent Documents here.
Sixth Form study programmes also include a substantial amount of non-qualification activity, including tutor sessions, a weekly briefing, and supervised study. Students are also supported to complete a minimum of 10 hours of work experience and employability skills. Alongside this, students are encouraged to take part in a range of activities which complement the qualification elements of their study programme and supports applications for higher education, apprenticeships, or employment. Students can undertake a wide range of accredited and non-accredited enrichment activities, including the Level 3 EPQ, DofE Award, online Future Learn courses, debating, charity and volunteer work.
We provide an ongoing programme of work-related opportunities designed to support students in planning their next steps post-18. This includes our Future Week, industry-specific career talks, Higher Education briefings and university masterclasses. Students also have careers discussions throughout Years 12 and 13. All students take part in a three day work experience placement in Year 12 in order to help better prepare them for the world of work.
As a school, we are constantly reviewing and evaluating our programme of study to ensure that it meets the needs of our students. Our goal is to ensure that all students leave Sixth Form with not only the qualifications that they need progress to the next stage, but also the information they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Studying for your A levels will keep you busy, so why spend time on enrichment? The answer is simple: it’s an essential part of Sixth Form life. This is how you widen your horizons and take the opportunity to learn more about your individual strengths and skill sets, as well as pushing yourself by trying something new and contributing to society.
Everybody in our Sixth Form can get involved as there’s something for everyone - let us tell you about some of the different options available to you.
At Huxlow and Rushden Academy Sixth Form, all students follow a study programme that is tailored to their individual needs and aspirations. We provide students with a unique opportunity to study a combination of A Levels and vocational courses to meet the needs and aspirations of the students we serve. Any students who have not achieved the required level in English and Maths GCSE are expected to attend timetabled lessons to help them to work towards the achievement of these qualifications.
The Sixth Form study programmes also include a substantial amount of non-qualification activity, including weekly tutorials, work experience, study skills, and study support. Students are also offered the opportunity to access a wide range of accredited and non-accredited enrichment activities, including the Level 3 EPQ, Core Maths, DofE, charity and volunteer work.
All students are expected to achieve the goal of a minimum of ten hours work experience during their time in the Sixth Form. There are also a number of 'next-step' career and work-related opportunities such as the annual Futures Week, industry-specific career talks, HE briefings and university masterclasses. The Sixth Form has a close working partnership with Prospects who provide bespoke careers, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) to all students. To ensure that we are meeting the needs of each individual, all students will have a meeting with a career advisor.
All students at TENC are expected to strive for 100% attendance. Any student whose attendance falls below 90% will be subject to appropriate disciplinary proceedings which will be decided by the Director of Sixth Form. This may result in a student losing their place in the Sixth Form.
Courses may be delivered across multiple sites, or may be split by year group at different sites.
Course Name |
Fine Art |
Chemistry |
Dance |
English Literature |
Psychology |
Sociology |
Performing Arts |
Health and Social Care |
Sport |
History |
Maths |
Maths/Further Maths |
Biology |
Business |
Computer Science |
Drama |
Design Technology |
Applied Science |
English Lit/Lang |
Geography |
Photography |
Physics |
Production Arts Practice |
Core Maths |
English and Maths Resits |
Talk to our Director of KS5, Mrs A Owen
Sixth Form Application Form:
Blocking Patten for 2025-2026:
Sixth Form Dress Code:
Student Learner Contract:
Sixth Form Admission Policy:
Sixth Form Attendance Policy:
Mrs A Owen: Director of Sixth Form
Our sixth form combines the strengths of the two schools; Rushden and Huxlow who work together post-16 to offer a wide range of courses and opportunities to all students in the East Northamptonshire area.
We have an excellent tradition of examination success in A-Level, BTEC and Applied courses. We are proud of our students outstanding achievements. We feature in The Independent’s Top 100 Comprehensive Schools at A Level and are listed in The Northamptonshire Telegraph as one of the county’s top providers at A Level.
However, we strongly believe that being in the Sixth Form is not just about gaining academic qualifications. All our students follow a wide-ranging PSHE, careers, general studies, and enrichment programme, with an option to study core maths and EPQ as additional qualifications. This enables all our Year 12 students to play an active role in the community. Social activities, residentials, public speaking, peer mentoring, work experience, university visits, art and photography trips, theatre trips and sporting competitions are a few examples of the things our students have taken part in this year.
Whether you choose to join us for two or three years, we aim to provide you with a high-quality education to suit your needs. We firmly believe that students who choose to study here will enjoy their time with us, and will feel valued, challenged, and supported in their ambition to achieve the best they can. We offer all the advantages of being in a supportive school sixth form coupled with the challenges of a large and vibrant Academy community.
Rushden Academy
Hayway,
Rushden,
Northamptonshire.
NN10 6AG
01933 350391