Curriculum Intent and Implementation

Curriculum Intent

At The Eastbourne Academy, our curriculum is the bedrock of our vision: to craft an exceptional, inclusive and growth-oriented learning community. The intent for our curriculum is for it to unlock and nurture the broad range of skills and talents of our students, recognising and maximising each student’s potential. Underpinned by evidence-informed teaching and learning, our curriculum nurtures our learners to flourish in the ever-evolving world.

Curriculum Implementation

We recognise that our curriculum goes beyond what happens in the classroom, and is a broad term that encompasses our wider offer.

Our Knowledge Curriculum: Ambition in the Classrooms

Central to our curriculum's effectiveness is a well-sequenced structure that identifies essential declarative and procedural knowledge and thoughtfully integrates new knowledge with prior understanding, gradually building complexity over time.
We employ regular retrieval practice in our lessons to activate and consolidate prior knowledge, which not only reduces cognitive load but also allows for more efficient learning.
We utilise formative assessments, such as mini-whiteboard exercises, to gauge students' understanding and inform our teaching strategies. We have engaged in the SSAT Embedding Formative Assessment programme in order to ensure that all staff are able to reflect on and refine their assessment practice in the classroom. By continually adapting our curriculum based on assessment data, we can effectively tailor teaching to meet the individual needs of each student.

In addition to adaptive teaching, we provide scaffolding to support students when necessary, carefully removing it over time to encourage independence and resilience.
We believe literacy is paramount in our educational approach, therefore we prioritise the explicit teaching of tier 2 and 3 vocabulary through the Frayer Model and integrating reading fluency strategies across the curriculum. Students who are identified as working below age related expectations are provided additional reading interventions outside of the classroom in order to gain the skills and knowledge they require to succeed.
We support students with extended writing and independent activities through regular guided practice “I do, We do, You do”, ensuring that students know and understand the criteria of success and can then reflect on their own strengths and areas to improve.

We provide a broad curriculum offer at KS3, compliant with The National Curriculum, with students making choices about where they would like to specialise in KS4. We recognise the importance of the English Baccalaureate and so all students at KS4 specialise in either History or Geography and we have an academic scholars pathway from Year 7.

KS3 Curriculum Offer:

⦁ English
⦁ Maths
⦁ Science
⦁ History
⦁ Geography
⦁ Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
⦁ Art
⦁ Music
⦁ Drama
⦁ Dance
⦁ SPHERE (personal, social, health and employment education)
⦁ Spanish
⦁ Computing
⦁ Food Technology
⦁ Design Technology
⦁ Media Studies

KS4 Options Include:

⦁ Art and Design
⦁ Art 3D Design
⦁ Design Technology
⦁ Computer Science
⦁ Food Preparation and Nutrition
⦁ Performing Arts Btec
⦁ Music Practice BTEC
⦁ Health and Social Care
⦁ Triple Science
⦁ Film Studies
⦁ Sports Studies
⦁ V Cert Health and Fitness
⦁ History
⦁ Geography
⦁ Spanish
⦁ Religious Studies

Our Character Curriculum: Ambitious Individuals

Our character curriculum cultivates and develops the core attributes of our students, empowering them to become curious, ambitious, respectful and engaged individuals. Through a range of carefully crafted experiences and opportunities, our ambition is for all of our students to thrive as positive, happy and responsible individuals who have the skills to actively and respectfully participate in their communities and to appreciate and embrace diverse perspectives.

⦁ Key mapping and implementation of Fundamental British Values across our curriculum
⦁ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development
⦁ Assembly and mentor programme
⦁ Rewards and recognition
⦁ Behaviour curriculum
⦁ Use of external resources/speakers
⦁ Reflective practice
⦁ Character interventions
⦁ Pastoral support

Our Cultural Curriculum: Ambition Beyond our Classrooms

Our cultural curriculum is dedicated to expanding our vibrant and inclusive learning environment beyond the classroom. We aim to cultivate curiosity, ambition, and respect in our students by encouraging them to actively engage with the world around them. Through a range of experiences and opportunities, we seek to broaden our students’ horizons, allowing them to explore new interests and nurture existing passions. By developing talents and skills we aim to increase our students’ confidence and leadership skills so that they can take advantage of the opportunities the world has to offer, to live happy, active and successful lives.

⦁ Scholars programme
⦁ Educational visits
⦁ After school clubs
⦁ Year group events
⦁ Enrichment week
⦁ Votes for Schools
⦁ Charity fundraising
⦁ Bespoke careers advice and opportunities
⦁ Connections to the local community
⦁ Work experience
⦁ Workshops and external speakers/performances
⦁ Alumni activities and events
⦁ Awards and celebration events
⦁ Trust and National competitions
⦁ Student Leadership

More detailed information about the content of these programmes of study is available via the individual subject links on the website.

Once students reach Year 9 they pick their 'options' subjects which must include the full EBACC and are available in more detail under the 'options' section on the website.

Our Academy approach to Teaching and Learning is here: