An ambitious and bold curriculum, carefully planned and sequenced, forms the foundation for excellence at Airedale Academy. It equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed both in school and beyond, encouraging them to Care by looking after themselves, each other, and their community with kindness, respect, and integrity; to Aspire by believing anything is possible and showing determination and ambition; and to Succeed by striving for excellence and taking pride in all they achieve
This is what we are studying this half term – Newsletter HT5 (1)
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
At Key Stage 3, pupils begin to develop the strong foundations needed for future success. They follow a broad and balanced 25-hour curriculum, studying a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, French, Geography, History, Life and Society (including Religious Studies), Art, Drama, Music, Design Technology, Computing, and Physical Education.
Throughout this stage, pupils encounter a rich variety of ideas, subjects, and opportunities designed to extend their knowledge and build essential skills. They are encouraged to explore new interests, think critically, and deepen their understanding, while strengthening the core literacy skills that underpin success across the curriculum.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)
Key Stage 4 marks a step change in pupils’ academic studies. Having made their option choices in Year 9, pupils begin their GCSE and vocational courses, building on the knowledge, skills and experiences developed throughout Key Stage 3.
The curriculum offers both challenge and choice, combining academic rigour with opportunities for creativity and practical learning. Alongside core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, pupils can choose from a range of GCSE and vocational options including History, Geography, French, Music, Art, Drama, Vocational PE, Business Studies and more.
This stage is designed to deepen knowledge, refine skills and ensure pupils achieve success in their Key Stage 4 outcomes at the end of Year 11. It also prepares them to move confidently into post-16 study, employment or training, equipped with the ambition and resilience to succeed.
GCSE Courses
In Key Stage 4, pupils study a range of GCSE and vocational qualifications.
Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) is delivered across all year groups as part of our Life and Society lessons and is further supported through our wider personal development programme. This includes assemblies, key celebration days and Wellbeing Wednesdays during form time.
Through RE, pupils develop an understanding of different beliefs and cultures, learn to show respect and tolerance, and grow in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness.
Our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Policy can also be viewed on our policies page.
Parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from RE lessons if they wish. For more information, please see our RSE Policy and guidance on the withdrawal process.
Further Information
To explore individual subjects in more detail, including what pupils study at each stage, please visit our Curriculum Subject Pages.
Parents, carers, or members of the public who would like more information about the curriculum can contact us at info@aa.castlefordtrust.co.uk