Bishop of Rochester Academy

At the Academy there is an exciting, innovative curriculum. It combines the very best of a traditional curriculum with the latest technologies and the most up to date techniques to help students learn.

There are an extensive range of GCSE and vocational subjects on offer with a primary focus on cultivating excellence in English and Mathematics. It is our belief that all students should aim for at least a Grade C at GCSE. The Academy is currently developing its own Diplomas with Mathematics and English at their heart to ensure that everyone is engaged with literacy and numeracy and is able to master these skills to a high standard.

The aim is that there is something for everyone - the student is at the heart of the curriculum and the timetable is fitted around their choices. The Academy is focused on making sure that all students are happy with their option subjects. The specialisms of Mathematics with ICT and Music will provide many opportunities to broaden learning and enhance the education experience of students.

Project based learning allows students to cultivate new learning skills and gives them the ability to work both independently and part of a team. We insist that:

• All lessons have a “buzz” of learning, with students enjoying their learning, working together and pursuing excellence

• There is exceptional behaviour and outstanding teaching and learning

• There is the flexibility to assess students and then re- group students to tailor the teaching to their needs.

The Key Stage 3 Curriculum

The curriculum offered at Key Stage 3 aims to provide a rich diet of opportunities for the student to develop as an independent, critical and creative learner. Special projects allow students to become skilled learners, able to learn independently and work towards a goal.

Learners are in Key Stage 3 for three years and are provided with a varied, full range of subjects including English, Mathematics, and Science, plus the foundation subjects of Creative and Performing Arts, Humanities, Information Technology, Languages, Physical Education, Religion and Personal Studies and Technology.

Project Based Learning

During Year 7 each student has the opportunity to work on a two week Project Based Learning (PBL) unit each term. Each project involves six cross – curricular activities which encourages deeper knowledge of curriculum subjects and crucial skills in personal learning and critical, strategic thinking. These Personal Learning and Thinking skills (PLT’s) are the foundation for successful learners, providing the basis upon which the more specialised studies in Years 10 and 11 can build. For this year, Year 8 will join in with two of the projects and Year 9 with one. Using the knowledge and understanding gained in the specialist teaching sessions, the PBL course develops students’ natural curiosity and encourages them to explore concepts and express their ideas confidently and creatively. Each pupil has the opportunity to develop special enthusiasm in those areas which seize his or her interest.

The approach to learning by the projects, emphasising as they do active participation and team membership, is designed to give equality of opportunity to ensure that every pupil achieves their full potential in their time at Bishop of Rochester Academy.

Key Stage 4

The Academy offers a wide range of 14-16 options, including GCSE’s, BTECS, Diplomas and other vocational qualifications to engage all learners. All students study core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Religion, Physical Education and Personal Studies.

At this crucial stage, monitoring and assessment takes place to make sure everyone is progressing well in Mathematics and English and assessment information is analysed every term so that any student falling behind can be assisted by a comprehensive support strategy. Support is also provided outside of learning hours and includes the provision of computer access.

Sixth Form

The Bishop of Rochester Academy Sixth Form encourages students to aspire to the highest standards in terms of mature, professional behaviour and academic attainment. The Sixth Form offers many tried and tested BTECs and a growing number of A-levels. All students follow a course in Religious and Personal Studies and have the opportunity to improve their grades in Mathematics and English GCSE. The Academy also works with a consortium of local schools to further broaden the choice of qualifications on offer.