Curriculum Offer
We operate a two-week timetable throughout the academy.
The academy is open for all Year groups from 8.40am until 2.50pm each school day. In addition to these times Years 10-13 have an additional hour, until 3.50pm on Tuesdays. This equates to an average of 32 compulsory hours per week for students.
Each week, there are 25 one-hour lessons for Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3), ie. Monday to Friday 5 x 1 hour lessons
Each week, there are 26 one-hour lessons for Years 10-13 (Key Stages 4 & 5), ie. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 5 x 1 hour lessons and Tuesday 6 x 1 hour lessons
Collective Time is from 8.45am-9.00am every morning for all year groups. The attendance register is taken electronically at 8.45am and attendance at Collective Time is compulsory for all students.
Year 11 students have an additional lesson on Wednesday – lesson 6
In Years 7-11 there are 6 mixed ability tutor groups, each with 30 students (180 students per year).
In the Sixth Form there are 8 tutor groups in Year 12 and 7 in Year 13 (approximately 300 students in total)
Our PSHCE curriculum for all students will be delivered through one PSHCE lesson a fortnight and 3 focus days over the course of the year.
Every year the academy timetable for all year groups is promoted in the last week of June.
Key Stage 3
CLICK button to find out more about our KS3 curriculum*
*As we continue to review and improve our curriculum, there may be some changes to topics taught since the publication of this document.
All students follow a three-year Key Stage 3 programme and a two year Key Stage 4 GCSE programme.
Students choose their GCSE option subjects in February of Year 9.
Key Stage 4 Guided Preferences
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In Years 10 and 11, Key Stage 4 students study their examination courses leading to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or BTEC (full title for BTEC, as per GCSE).
Students study a range of different courses which meet the needs of those who prefer to learn in different ways.
In Years 10 and 11, all students study a ‘Core’ curriculum (17 lessons a week) plus 3 ‘Option’ subjects (9 lessons a week).
Key Stage 5
CLICK button to see the courses we offer in our Sixth Form
At KS5 almost all students study a Level 3 course. This is either comprised of: 3 x A-level course or 1 x BTEC Level 3 course (equivalent to 3 x A-levels)
Students with high prior attainment have the opportunity to study 4 A-level courses. A very small number of students follow a Level 2 bridging course for one year.
In year 13
Students have an additional hour of independent study time.
In year 12
All students participate in an enrichment programme for one hour every Wednesday afternoon.
How do we meet the requirements of the 16–19 study programme - Academic Year 2023- 2024
(updated 15 May 2024)
CGA Sixth Form 16-19 study offer is designed to provide students with a structured learning programme that supports their individual development and personal progression in line with their future career plans. Our study programmes are individually tailored but combine both qualification and non-qualification activities and are based on student's aspirations, interests and career goals.
Essentially our study programmes will combine the key elements below:
Substantial Level 3 qualifications (both Academic and Vocational) that aim to stretch students while preparing them for Higher Education, University, Apprenticeships or Employment. These could either be Academic (A levels) or Vocational (BTEC's) or a mixture of academic and vocational.
Students will also take GCSE Maths or English where students have not yet achieved a grade 4 or above.
Our Sixth Form students can opt to study an EPQ, LAMDA or a Core Maths programme enabling them to gain extra qualifications alongside their core study programme.
Relevant and meaningful work experience is provided to our students with the opportunity to develop their career choices while allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge in real life work environments. Students are supported in actively seeking work experience placements relating to their interest and potential career path. In addition to this, all students partake in work experience in year 12, visit university open days or apprenticeship providers relating to their future aspirations. Some vocational courses, such as BTEC Health and Social Care and Business have work placements running throughout the year as a key part of the course.
Other Non-Qualification activities, such as our enrichment programme develop Leadership and Innovation through a wide range of activities, volunteering and enterprise. These activities and opportunities are designed to develop our students’ character, broader interpersonal and communication skills and positive attitudes. All non-qualification activities complement other elements of the programme and are designed to develop our students, alongside their self-esteem and confidence in order to support their future career and educational progression. This includes tutorials, study skills and support for students to progress to employment or Higher Education. For example, students at CGA attend a University fair as well as our school Careers Fair, while we also support all of our students with UCAS using Unifrog and My Supercurricular.
A comprehensive enrichment programme is delivered through daily Collective Time, weekly assemblies and PSHE lessons. Daily notices give all our students access to opportunities for super curricular and extra curricular activities.
