Students at Alconbury Weald Church Academy will follow a curriculum underpinned by the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum is currently being reviewed by the government but we are not expecting to see significant changes to the curriculum model set out below for our cohort entering in Year 7 in September 2027.
The school will operate a 30-period week, with six 50-minute lessons every day.
English - 5 lessons a week
In English lessons students study English Literature, with a range of contemporary and historical texts chosen that builds on the curriculum children study in Grace Schools primary schools. Lessons will focus on reading for pleasure as well as critical analysis. English lessons will naturally play a significant role in developing student's reading fluency, as well as their ability to express themselves in spoken and written word.
Mathematics - 5 lessons a week
Mathematics is, in a quote attributed to Gallileo, the "language with which God wrote the universe". Students will build on their work in primary school to develop mastery over key mathematical concepts and processes.
Sciences - 5 lessons a week
Students study a range of natural sciences at Alconbury Weald, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. In the lower school science lessons are taught by the same teacher, with students having more specialist teaching as they progress up through the school. By Key Stage 4, students will have the option of studying the so-called "triple science" course with separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Computer Science, students learn the basics of coding and how to use a range of tools including Artificial Intelligence.
Modern Foreign Language - 2 lessons a week
We are currently consulting on whether to offer French or Spanish for our Year 7 cohort starting in September 2027.
History - 2 lessons a week
Students will study a broad curriculum of British and wider world history covering the last millennium. The curriculum will be based heavily on an innovative series of books recently published called "Changing Histories".
Geography - 2 lessons a week
Our geography curriculum structures core geographical knowledge from physical and human geography over a place-based model in which students learn about geographical features in the context of case studies from across the world. Fieldwork will be a key component of our curriculum as students work up through the school.
Religious Education - 1 lesson a week
Our Religious Education curriculum involves the study of Christianity and other world religions with a particular focus on the stories and scriptures of these faiths.
Music - 2 lessons a week
Music will be a key specialism of Alconbury Weald Church Academy with two lessons a week dedicated to the art in Year 7 and Year 8, which is around twice what is typically offered in secondary schools. Music lessons will involve singing and instrumental work, alongside learning about the theory and history of music.
Drama - 1 lesson a week
Drama lessons involve learning to express ourselves through the spoken word and physical expression and students will have time each week to focus on their presentation and performance talents.
Physical Education - 3 lessons a week
Making the most of our amazing new sports facilities, students will have three lessons a week, which is well above the government's recommended time for physical education. Two of the lessons will form a double period where students will focus on sports and fitness in keeping with the seasons. Our third PE lesson will see students take on a different challenge each term:
- Dance (Autumn Term)
- Cooking and Healthy Eating (Spring Term)
- Outdoor Education (Summer Term)
Art and Design - 2 lessons a week
Students will have two lessons of Art & Design each week in Years 7 and Year 8, with an emphasis on learning different techniques and approaches encompassing painting, drawing, sculpture, graphical decision, textiles and woodwork.
Citizenship - two 25-minute tutorial sessions a week
Citizenship encompasses personal, social and health education as well as understanding what it means to be a citizen in contemporary British society, which will involve learning about our political system, personal finances and careers.
