Curriculum Statement
The fundamental purpose of The Ebbsfleet Academy is to challenge and defy the barriers that constrain the educational progress of our students. The curriculum is the conduit through which that purpose becomes a reality. Out academic curriculum is rooted in the principles of being:
- rich in powerful knowledge
- academically demanding
- building cultural capital
Our academic curriculum is a vehicle for success. It challenges the mind, nurtures the heart and guides the hand. Each subject area has a curriculum document which identifies the knowledge and skills covered. The curriculum document for each subject is sequenced so that over the course of KS3 students will know more and be able to demonstrate an increasing number of skills. By the end of KS3 a students will be prepared to transition to KS4 with an understanding of any threshold knowledge necessary to access the GCSE specification.
In practice that means:
- All students master the basics of literacy and numeracy in Key Stage 3
- All students are entitled to study an academic core of English, Maths, Science, Humanities and a Modern Foreign Language
- Vocational courses are offered where appropriate
- Year 7, 8 and 9 students have a discreet PPE+ lesson each week which covers SRE and Citizenship education
- All students have the opportunity to participate in a wide-ranging and character building Enrichment programme, which includes community service, international trips, cultural visits, guest speakers and outdoor activities
Further information about the national curriculum can be found here
Please see below to view our curriculum plans.
Key Stage Three Curriculum Assessment
Assessment is an all-encompassing word describing activities which range from high frequency low stakes activities like 1 – 10 tests, single mark questions and closed questions designed to test the retention of specific information or the application of a single skill, to low frequency high stakes summative assessments like formal written exams, final performance pieces or practical work. All assessment activities will be designed to utilise spacing and interleaving. At the Academy Students will be assessed against the descriptors below.
Descriptor |
Explanation |
Mastering |
A pupil working at this level in a subject has a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and skills in the sequence of learning as shown in the subject curriculum document. They can apply their skills and understanding across the subject. They demonstrate fluency in the concepts, methods and skills covered and are able to make links between information covered at the beginning of the course and that which is being studied now. A pupil working at this level consistently scores very highly in their low stakes tests and has high scores in more substantial assessments. |
Secure |
A pupil working at this level has a sound understanding of key concepts and skills in the sequence of learning as shown in the subject curriculum document. They are confident in their understanding and use of the concepts, methods and skills covered but may need to refer back to guidance occasionally as these are not yet second nature to them. A pupil working at this level usually scores highly in their low stakes tests and has relatively high scores in more substantial assessments. |
Developing |
A pupil working at this level is developing an understanding of key concepts and is grasping some of the main ideas and skills in a sequence of learning; some aspects of the curriculum require further development. They are familiar with concepts, methods and skills covered but struggle to use all of them without guidance or support. A pupil working at this level is inconsistent in their scores in their low stakes tests and has relatively low scores in more substantial assessments. |
Emerging |
A pupil working at this level has an emerging understanding of key concepts and is beginning to grasp some of the main ideas and skills in a sequence of learning. They are starting to develop the concepts, methods and skills covered but require guidance and support to remember how to apply them or where to find key information previously covered. A pupil working at this level consistently achieves low scores in their low stakes tests and has consistently low scores in more substantial assessments. A pupil working at this level may require more support in lessons and at home to build their memory of the key ideas and skills for this subject. |
Insufficient attendance |
Low attendance to lessons has severely impacted curriculum coverage. There is insufficient evidence of learning over time to be able to report a level of curriculum understanding. Additional support is required to catch up on missed curriculum content. There are very few examples of low stakes testing and assessments for this pupil.
|
At KS3
- English, Maths, Science, History and Geography and MFL will set two formal written papers to coincide with the dates for reporting cards. Information from the assessment will appear on the report card as well as a curriculum progress statement (emerging, developing, secure or mastery).
- For all other subjects in KS3 high stakes testing will be carried out at different points in the year. The outcome of these assessments will be used to inform the decision about which curriculum progress statement (emerging, developing, secure or mastery) will be recorded on the report card.
Year 7 Curriculum and Plans
Our Year 7 students are taught in five groups. Our Year 7 students are set in English and Maths based on prior attainment at KS2, the sets are continually reviewed throughout the year. The average point score students obtain at KS2 also determines the set students are in for their remaining subjects.
CORE |
English
Mathematics
Science |
8 Lessons/Fortnight |
FOUNDATION
|
Geography
History
Spanish / Literacy
|
4 Lessons/Fortnight
|
PHSE |
3 Lessons/Fortnight |
ICT
Technologies
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Art |
2 Lessons/Fortnight |
YEAR 7 |
Autumn Term |
Winter Term |
Summer Term |
Subject |
Term 1a |
Term 1b |
Term 2a |
Term 2b |
Term 3a |
Term 3b |
Art |
Contrast: On rotation with DT & Food |
English |
Greek Myths |
Poetry |
The Lord of the Flies |
The Lord of the Flies |
Roman Rhetoric |
Introduction to Shakespeare: Julius Caesar |
Computer Science
Y7 Resources
|
E-Safety & Introduction to Scratch |
Computer Hardware |
My Digital World |
Computer Scientists |
Dino Project |
Geography |
What is Geography? |
What is the UK? |
Fantastic Places |
Rivers |
Europe |
Urban Regeneration |
History |
England before 1066 & The Norman Conquest |
Mediaeval England |
The Tudors: Henry VII - Elizabeth I |
The New World: Exploration & Empire |
Mathematics |
Numbers, Calculations, Patterns, Arithmetic, Shapes |
Measures, Equivalence, Fractions, Problems, Statistics |
Shapes, Change, Proportional Reasoning, Positions, Measuring |
PE |
Conditioned Games |
Handball & HRF |
Basketball, Trampolining |
Badminton , Netball |
Athletics, Tennis |
Athletics, Striking, Fielding |
PPE |
Finance & Money |
Music |
Politics |
Art |
Economics & Careers |
Identity |
RS |
Hinduism |
Sikhism |
Buddhism |
Science |
Biology |
Cells |
Digestion |
DNA |
Cells |
Enzymes |
Chemistry |
Mixtures Atoms |
Periodic Table |
Reactions |
The Earth |
Rocks |
Reactions |
Physics |
Motion |
Newton |
Pressure |
Energy |
Solar System |
Seasons
The Universe
|
Spanish |
Greetings, Numbers, Questions, Instructions |
Nationalities, Languages, Families, Pet |
School, Opinions, Likes, Transport |
House, Furniture |
Towns, Cities, Descriptions, Weather |
Sports, Household Chores |
Food Tech |
Health & Safety, Nutrition: On rotation with Art & DT |
Design Technology |
Structures & Linkages, 3D Jigsaw, Door Sign & Torch: On rotation with Art & Food |
Year 8 Curriculum and Plans
Our Year 8 students are taught in five groups. Our Year 8 students are set in English and Maths based on prior attainment at KS2 and in Year 7. The sets are continually reviewed throughout the year.
CORE |
English
Mathematics
Science |
8 Lessons/Fortnight |
FOUNDATION
|
Geography
History
Spanish / Literacy
|
4 Lessons/Fortnight
|
PHSE |
3 Lessons/Fortnight |
ICT
Technologies
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Art |
2 Lessons/Fortnight |
YEAR 8 |
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
Subject |
Term 1a |
Term 1b |
Term 2a |
Term 2b |
Term 3a |
Term 3b |
Art |
Aboriginal Art, Decoration - On rotation with DT & Food |
Science |
Biology |
Cells |
Sexual & Asexual Reproduction |
Reproduction |
Evolution |
Chemistry |
Mixtures & Atoms |
The Periodic Table |
Rocks |
Ionics |
Covalence |
Periodicity |
Physics |
Motion |
Newton |
Energy |
Sound |
Waves |
Universe |
Computer Science
Y8 Resources
|
HTML |
Scratch |
Flowol 4 |
Back to the Future |
Design Technology |
Structures & Linkages, Graphics CAD Card, Mood Light, Pewter Casting - On rotation with Art & Food |
English |
A Christmas Carol |
War Poetry |
She Wolves |
Anthony & Cleopatra |
Food Technology |
Food Provenance on rotation with Art & DT |
Geography |
Natural Hazards |
Coasts |
Energy |
Weather & Climate |
Biomes |
Economy & Development |
History |
English Civil War |
British America: Slavery & Revolution |
Industrial Revolution & Public Health |
Gaining Equality: the Suffragettes, Civil Rights Movement |
Maths |
Investigating Numbers, Pattern Sniffing |
Calculation Problems, Arithmetic, Shape |
Reasoning with Measures & Fractions, Equivalences |
Number Problems, Investigating Statistics |
Shape, Exploring Change, Proportional Reasoning |
Describing Positions, Measuring & Estimating |
PE/Anatomy, Physiology |
HRF & Netball |
Basketball & Rugby |
Badminton & Handball |
Trampolining & Volleyball |
Athletics & Tennis |
Athletics, Striking & Fielding |
PPE |
Global Art |
Racism & Society |
Philosophical Ideas |
Corporate Responsibility |
Careers, Relationships |
Enterprise Activity |
RS |
Judaism |
Christianity |
Islam |
Spanish |
Sports, Hobbies, Meeting, Chores |
Countries, Activities, Exclamations, Time |
Mobile Phones, TV Programmes Music, |
Food, Meals |
Arrangements, Clothes, Daily Routines, Problems |
Directions, Summer Camp |
Year 9 Curriculum and Plans
Our Year 9 students are taught in five groups. Year 9 students are set in English, Maths & Science based on prior attainment. The sets are continually reviewed throughout the year.
CORE |
English
Mathematics
Science |
8 Lessons/Fortnight |
FOUNDATION
|
Geography
History
Spanish / Literacy
|
4 Lessons/Fortnight
|
PHSE |
3 Lessons/Fortnight |
ICT
Technologies
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Art |
2 Lessons/Fortnight |
YEAR 9 |
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
Subject |
Term 1a |
Term 1b |
Term 2a |
Term 2b |
Term 3a |
Term 3b |
Art |
POP Art & Black Lives Matter: Cubism - On rotation with DT, Food & Textiles |
Science |
Biology |
Cells |
DNA |
Immune System |
Heart |
Organisms, Enzymes |
Ecosystems |
Chemistry |
Atoms |
Ionic Bonding |
Solubility |
Reactions |
Catalysts |
Acids |
Physics |
Motion |
Newton |
Electromagnetic Waves |
Radiation |
EM Waves |
Radiation |
Computer Science
Y9 Resources
|
Bits, Binary, Data, Programming, Hexadecimal |
Binary, Strings & Numbers, Functions & Methods |
Storage, IF statements, Boolean conditions |
Case Statements, Generating, Images, Sound |
Loops, Social Engineering, Cyber Security |
Loops, Cyber Security |
Design Technology |
Structures & Linkages. Amplifier/Speakers. Shut the Box & Packaging - On rotation with Art, Food & Textiles |
English |
Civil Rights |
Othello |
Language Papers |
Romantic Poetry |
The Gothic: Jekyll & Hyde Extracts |
The Gothic: I'm the King of the Castle |
Food Technology |
Food Science: on rotation with Art, DT & Textiles |
Geography |
Climate |
World Studies |
Energy |
Tectonics |
Energy |
Geopolitics |
History |
The First World War & Medicine in the Trenches |
Depth Study: Weimar & Nazi Germany |
Maths: Core |
Number Calculation, Geometry: Shape |
Algebra, Ratio, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages |
Number & Algebra Sequences |
Geometry Measuring, Ratio & Proportion |
Algebra Graphing, Geometry Visualising |
Statistics, Probability |
Maths: Higher |
Number Calculation, Geometry: Shape, Algebra: Simplifying |
Algebra: Simplifying, Ratio & Proportion |
Number & Algebra: Sequences, Geometry |
Geometry, Geometry Proving |
Algebra Graphing & Solving |
Statistics, Probability |
PE/Anatomy, Physiology |
Badminton |
Handball |
Trampolining |
Rugby Union 7s |
Striking & Fielding |
Athletics |
PPE |
Film & TV |
Religion & Culture |
Employment & Careers |
Debating & Oracy |
Volunteerism |
Rights & Responsibilities |
RS |
What is Religion? |
The Existence of God (Christianity) |
Religion & Life (Sikhism) |
Religion & Life |
Crime & Punishment (Islam) |
Religion, Peace & Conflict (Buddhism) |
Spanish |
Holidays, Weather, Accommodation |
Holidays, Weather, Accommodation, Listening, Reading, Speaking & Writing Skills |
School, Facilities, Uniform, Teachers, Subjects, School Rules, Extra-Curricular Activities |
Modern Technology, Advantages & Disadvantages, Frequency, Family Relationships |
Textiles |
Introduction to Textiles, Basics, Sewing Machines, Design, Batik, Plastic Bonding & Sewing - On rotation with Art, DT & Food |
Key Stage Four Curriculum Assessment
Our Key Stage Four students follow the new ‘reformed GCSEs. The key features of reformed GCSEs are that they…
- will be more demanding and contain more challenging content
- will be ‘linear’, so students will take all of their exams at the end of the course
- will be assessed much more through exams than coursework
- will have a new grading scale from 9 to 1, instead of A* to G.
Although the old and new grades do not convert perfectly with each other, the table below will give you a rough indication of the value of the new 9 – 1 grades:

Under the old A* - G grading system, a grade C or above was considered to be a ‘good pass’. Under the new 9 – 1 grading system, a grade 5 or above will be considered to be a ‘good pass’.
Further guidance about the subject content for each GCSE subject can be found here
Subjects will be expected to complete regular low stakes assessments in lessons and PPEs, the outcomes of which will communicated to students and their parents about how well a student is progressing through the curriculum via report cards.
Our students are taught in four groups for most subjects. All students will study Science, Mathematics, English and English Literature at GCSE level.
Most students have selected a further 3 GCSEs or BTECs from a number of option blocks. Students choose between the following optional subjects:
Year 10 Curriculum and Plans
CORE |
English
Mathematics
Science |
8 Lessons/Fortnight |
Option A |
Option B |
Option C |
History
Geography
Computer Science
Spanish
|
History
Spanish
Geography
Art & Textiles
BTEC Sport
Food Technology
|
Computer Science
BTEC Sport
PE
Design & Technology
Food Technology
Art & Textiles
|
All options have five lessons per week |
YEAR 10 |
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
Subject |
Term 1a |
Term 1b |
Term 2a |
Term 2b |
Term 3a |
Term 3b |
Citizenship |
Rights & Responsibilities / The Law |
The Legal System |
Democracy, Elections & Voting in the UK |
Science |
Biology |
Cells |
Organisms & Diseases |
Diseases |
Respiration |
Photosynthesis |
Ecosystems |
Chemistry |
Atoms |
Acids |
Metals |
Reactions |
Electrolysis |
Combustion |
Physics |
Newton |
Waves |
EM Waves |
Radiation |
Currents |
Electricity |
Art |
Mock Exam Theme |
Exam Board Set Theme |
Computer Science |
Programming, Input, Output, Algorithms, Strings & numbers, Functions & methods |
Strings & numbers, Selection, Random numbers, Programming basics, Iteration, Arrays & tuples |
Programming techniques, Arrays & tuples, Boolean logics, Revision, Assessment, Application & system software |
Programming language, Validating user input, Searching & sorting, Systems architecture, Procedures & functions, Reading & writing to a file. |
Networks, Cyber security, Databases & SQL, SQLite |
Relational databases & SQL, Ethical, legal & environmental impacts of digital technology, Revision, Assessment |
Design Technology |
CAD (computer-aided design) of a flat pack shelf project |
Develop the ability to use jigs, moulds and templates in the manufacture of the flat-pack design. |
Jewellery project using casting methods to produce a high quality piece of jewellery using molten Pewter. |
Develop your understanding of ergonomics and anthropometrics |
Energy sources and their impact on the planet. Electronics |
Start your major design project which will form the focus of activity in Year 11 |
English |
Language Paper 1: Power & Conflict Poetry |
Language Paper 2: Power & Conflict Poetry |
Language Paper 1: An Inspector Calls |
Language Paper 2: Jekyll & Hyde |
Romeo & Juliet |
Romeo & Juliet |
Food Technology |
Food, Nutrition & Health |
Food Safety |
Food Choice |
Food Provenance & Science |
Geography |
Hazardous Earth |
Hazardous Earth, Development Dynamics |
Development Dynamics (India) |
UK Physical Landscapes |
UK Physical Landscape. UK Human Landscape |
Urban FW, Coast FW |
History |
Anglo-Saxon England & the Norman Conquest |
Medicine Through Time |
Revision & Recap |
Maths: Foundation |
Number, Fractions, Percentages, Table & Charts, Mensuration |
Geometry Area & Perimeter, Algebra, Probability |
Probability, Number |
Percentages, Ratio & Proportion |
Powers & Roots, Algebra |
Statistics Averaging and Interpreting & Representing data |
Maths: Higher |
Number, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry |
Geometry, Transformations, Algebra Quadratics |
Algebra Equations, Probability |
Rates of change, Similarity |
Geometry Trigonometry, Statistics |
Algebra Graphing, Circle Geometry |
PE Core: Route 1 |
Yoga and Pilates |
HRF |
Body Combat |
Aerobics |
Softball/Rounders |
Athletics |
PE Core: Route 2 |
Frisbee |
Basketball |
Handball |
Futsal |
Lacrosse |
Cricket |
PE Core: Route 3 |
Table Tennis |
Trampolining |
Badminton |
Amateur Boxing |
Athletics |
Tennis |
PE GCSE |
Health fitness and well being. Practical Focus: Football |
Applied anatomy and physiology: Practical Focus Handball |
Movement Analysis: Practical Focus Trampolining |
Applied anatomy and physiology: Practical Focus Trampolining |
Sports Psychology: Practical Focus Rock Climbing |
RS |
Sikh beliefs, teachings & practices |
Christian beliefs, teachings & practices |
Crime & punishment |
Religion revelations |
Spanish |
Pocket Money, Television, Music, Films, Role Models |
Key landmarks, Describing your town, Tourist office, Shops & Shopping, Complaints |
Food and meals, Quantities, Illnesses and remedies, Festivals, Eating in a restaurant, |
Jobs & Work, part time jobs, work experience, learning a language, buying tickets, applying for a job, discussing plans for the future. |
The Environment, Global issues & solutions, healthy eating, drugs & alcohol, international events, |
Exam Skills |
BTEC Sport |
Unit 2: Practical Sports Performance |
Unit 1: Fitness for Sport & Exercise |
Unit 3: Applying the Principles of Personal Training |
Textiles |
Recap basic skills & Principles. Design & make a bag, cushion or wall-hanging |
Decades of design. Skirt/waistcoat project. |
Year 11 Curriculum and Plans
CORE |
English
Mathematics
Science |
9 Lessons/Fortnight |
RS/Citizenship
PE
|
4 Lessons/Fortnight
|
|
Option A |
Option B |
Option C |
History
Geography
Computer Science
Spanish
Food Technology
Business Studies
|
History
Art
Design and Technology
Sports Studies
|
Textiles
Design and Technology
Computer Science
Food Technology
Sports Studies
|
All options have 5 lessons per fortnight |
YEAR 11 |
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
Subject |
Term 1a |
Term 1b |
Term 2a |
Term 2b |
Term 3a |
Term 3b |
Art |
Create a project from a set theme |
Exam Board supplies themes for the two non exam assessments |
Citizenship |
Connecting global topics together; making useful links in the exam; analysis of a citizenship action; evaluation of a citizen action & tackling all sources relating to all topic areas
|
Revision all course content and exam techniques |
Science |
Biology |
Hormones |
Ecosystems |
Evolution |
Microscopes & Enzymes |
Osmosis |
Revision & Exams |
Chemistry |
Acids & Mass |
Metals & EM |
Electrolysis |
Reactions |
Combustion & The Atmosphere |
Physics |
Resistance |
Electricity |
Transformers |
Density |
Graphs |
Computer Science |
Binary, Data, Storage, Images, Sound, Cyber Security, Algorithms Pseudocode & Flowcharts |
Algorithms, Programming, Pseudocode, Applications & System Software |
Binary, Hexadecimal, Storage, Embedded Systems, Sound, Images & Cyber Security |
Pseudocode, Binary, Algorithms, Programming, Software, Operating Systems & CPUs |
Revision |
Exams |
Design Technology |
Non-exam assessment (topic supplied by exam board) |
Revision |
Exams |
English |
Language Papers An Inspector Calls, Poetry Chants: Power & Identity |
Unseen Poetry Poetry/Chants: Nature/Relationships |
Revision: All exam papers |
Intervention Groups Walk, Tall Mocks |
Revision |
Exams |
Food Technology |
Non-exam assessment (topic supplied by exam board) |
Exam board supplies second non exam assessment |
Food Preparation & Revision |
Exams |
Geography |
Challenges of an Urbanising World |
People and the Biosphere Forests under threat |
Forests under fire Consuming energy resources |
Quick Fire Revision |
Revision |
Exams |
History |
Weimar & Nazi Germany |
Weimar & Nazi Germany / Revision |
Revision |
Exams |
Maths: Foundation |
Numbers |
Ratio & Proportion |
Algebra |
Geometry |
Statistics |
Exams |
Maths: Higher |
Calculations, Indices, Factors, Algebra, Quadratics |
Inequalities, Sequences, Graphs, Fractions, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion |
Multiplicative Reasoning, Direct & inverse proportion, Angles, Pythagoras' Theorem, Trigonometry |
Perimeters, areas & circles, Transformations, Similarity & congruence in 2D/3D, Averages, Data & graphs |
Cumulative frequency, Probability & Data |
Exams |
PE Core: Route 1 |
Kick-boxing workouts |
Yoga Pilates |
Health Related Fitness |
Aerobics |
Revision |
Exams |
PE Core: Route 2 |
Futsal |
Basketball |
Handball |
Volleyball |
Revision |
Exams |
PE Core: Route 3 |
Table Tennis |
Trampolining |
Badminton |
Cricket |
Revision |
Exams |
RS |
Religion & Life |
Religion, Peace & Conflict |
Religion, Crime & Punishment |
Religion & Revelations |
Revision |
Exams |
Spanish |
School, Family & Friends Revision / Exam Skills |
Hobbies, Local Area Revision / Exam Skills |
Daily Routine, Future Aspirations, Study & Work Revision / Exam Skills |
International & Global Dimensions, Holidays Revision / Exam Skills |
Revision |
Exams |
BTEC Sport |
Unit 3: Applying the Principles of Personal Training |
Unit 3: Applying the Principles of Personal Training Unit 6: Know the attributes associated with successful sports leadership |
Unit 6: Undertake the planning and leading of sports activities |
Unit 6: Review the planning and leading of sports activities |
|
|
Textiles |
Decades of Design |
Non-exam asseesment (topic provided by exam board) |
Key Stage Five Curriculum
We have redesigned our sixth form curriculum to better match what our current Y11 students were asking for, so students learning with us from September 2020 will follow an A-level and vocational based curriculum..
Students are expected to study 3 subjects as well as the EPQ. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is equivalent to 50% of an A Level. Students are challenged to develop a research project in an area off their interest. This project develops students’ critical thinking, research and independent study skills.
A Levels: 9 Lessons/Fortnight
|
Vocational: 9 Lessons/Fortnight
|
Biology
Maths
Chemistry
Psychology
History
English Literature
Law
Business
|
IFS Finance (Level 3)
Sport (BTEC Level 3)
Art (BTEC Level 3)
|
Extra Curriculum Provision
We offer a variety of enrichment activities for students to participate in during lunchtimes and after school. These activities have been designed to give students the opportunity to broaden their personal, social, moral, cultural and spiritual development and to undertake extra sport. Examples of activities include archery, sports clubs, art club and mindfulness.
Our Year 11 GCSE students are also asked to attend additional targeted booster sessions from Monday - Thursday.