Our aim is to deliver an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum that equips young people with the skills, qualifications, and characteristics necessary for success in the world. Our subject curriculum is designed to broaden students’ understanding of the world, taking them beyond their everyday experiences. We offer a wide range of additional opportunities for learning and personal development, enriching the curriculum. We emphasise the importance of our ethos of working hard, being kind and striving for excellence.
Curriculum Principles:
- Ambitious, powerful knowledge is effectively sequenced.
- Ideas and knowledge are interconnected to build deeper understanding.
- Students will know and remember more over time.
- Reading is prioritised as the foundation to unlock our curriculum.
- Our curriculum is accessible to all, including those with special educational needs.
- Our curriculum is diverse, inclusive, and representative of different perspectives and experiences.
We are in the exciting process of reviewing, planning, and carefully sequencing our Key Stage 3 core curriculum. Each subject’s curriculum is thoughtfully mapped to ensure that new knowledge and skills build progressively on what has been previously taught.
Key stage 3
St Ivo students experience a rich and varied curriculum throughout Years 7, 8, and 9, aligned with the national curriculum and enhanced by a wide range of additional opportunities. Each subject has carefully identified and mapped the key skills, knowledge, and understanding required to ensure progression across the curriculum. We employ evidence-informed teaching and learning strategies to develop every student to a high level of competence. Our goal is for students to enjoy learning and develop the attitudes, understanding, skills, and confidence to thrive.
The table below shows subjects taught at key stage 3, and the number of lessons per fortnight:
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | |
| English | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Maths | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Science | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Art | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Computing | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Dance | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Design Technology including food | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Drama | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| French | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Geography | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| History | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Music | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Physical Education | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Personal Development (PSHE) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Religious Education | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key stage 4
Our goal is for every student to complete Year 11 with the best possible set of qualifications, preparing them for the next stage of learning. We offer a traditional curriculum centred around core subjects. Key Stage 4 study is built on a traditional program of qualifications, ensuring that students follow a broad and balanced curriculum. This approach challenges all students and keeps future opportunities open.
The majority of students will study the following subjects at GCSE:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Science (Triple or Combined)
- French
- Geography or History
- Plus two additional subjects
We take pride in the high percentage of students who study the EBacc suite of GCSEs. Additionally, we offer a range of further GCSEs and vocational subjects, ensuring a broad curriculum offer for all students.
Alongside these qualifications, all key stage 4 students have lessons in Personal Development, Core Physical Education, and Core Religious Education (non-examined).
The table below shows subjects taught at key stage 4, and the number of lessons per fortnight:
| Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| English (Language and Literature) | 9 | 9 |
| Maths | 8 | 8 |
| Science Combined (students taking Triple have one less option subject) | 9 | 9 |
| Core PE | 2 | 2 |
| Core RE | 1 | 1 |
| Personal Development | 1 | 1 |
| 4 option subjects | 5 each | 5 each |
Key stage 5
St Ivo Academy offers a wide range of A Level and Level 3 qualifications, typically with ten lessons teaching per subject each fortnight. Full details of the Key Stage 5 curriculum can be found in the Sixth Form prospectus, available on the school website. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive package of extracurricular activities, including subject-related trips, visits to higher education institutions, community projects, support for younger students, and charity work.
As part of the timetable, all Sixth Form students participate in personal development lessons, which we believe are essential for fostering the development of the whole person. These lessons offer students the chance to gain broader experiences beyond their academic studies. We also provide the opportunity to pursue the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Sixth Form students benefit from a dedicated form tutor, strong pastoral care, and supervised study sessions, with access to our Learning Resource Centre and computers.