Our aim is simply that we want every student at JKHS; irrespective of ability or background can access an ambitious, carefully sequenced, knowledge rich curriculum that best prepares them for the next phase of their life.

The curriculum in all subjects is planned and sequenced so that new skills and knowledge build on prior learning. Our curriculum addresses cultural capital: we want our students to have access to the best that has been done, written, spoken, painted, designed and composed.

We believe that the curriculum at our school should be:

• Broad
• Balanced
• Inclusive
• Relevant

We want our students to have experiences and opportunities that they enjoy, are life-affirming, relevant and useful. JKHS students should leave us well-prepared for further study or employment in the 21st Century Global marketplace. British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, underpin our curriculum, teaching and community.

As an Academy, we do not have to follow the National Curriculum in Years 7 to 9 but we have chosen to base our provision largely on it. Students study the core subjects of English and Maths for three hours per week in Years 7 to 9. They have three and a half hours of Science, increasing to four and a half in Year 9. In addition, students in Years 7 to 9 study:

• History
• Geography
• Technology
• RE
• ICT
• Music
• Art
• Drama
• PE
• Modern Foreign Languages.
• Students study all three languages of French, German and Spanish at Year 7, choosing to specialist in on of these languages in Year 8.

At Key Stage 4, students follow a core provision of:

• English (Language and Literature)
• Maths
• Science (includes teaching from specialists in Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
• PE
• RE

At both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 we set students on ability in the core (English, Maths, Science) so that learning can be effectively tailored. This setting is flexible and reviewed regularly to ensure that students are most appropriately placed. They are also able to opt for a wide variety of Option subjects at GCSE or BTEC. We provide full access to the English Baccaluareate subjects and strongly encourage students to consider this route. One Ebacc element is mandatory. 

We believe in raising aspiration and opportunity via a challenging academic provision. All GCSE subjects at JKHS are now the reformed courses. Students will receive grades under the new 9-1 grading system. The curriculum at KS4 remains broad, balanced and ready to meet the needs of our students and fulfil the requirements of the Progress-8 and Attainment-8 accountability measures. Amongst the examination subjects on offer are:

• French, German, Spanish
• History
• Geography
• Technology – choose from: Product Design (Metal or Wood focus), Graphics, Food, Textiles or Construction
• Computer Science and ICT
• Business Studies
• Music (GCSE) as well as BTEC Music Technology
• Art and 3D Art
• Physical Education GCSE
• RE (full course GCSE)
• ASDAN
• Functional skills

Our curriculum caters for individual needs at all levels. Some students benefit from additional English and Maths support and alternative qualifications in some instances. We are proud of our flexibility. Our curriculum at KS3 prepares students for study in Years 10 and 11 and our KS4 provision opens doors for students into the Sixth Form, Colleges or employment with training. All years have time built in to work with their Tutor during the tutor time sessions each morning. They follow a RESPECT programme of Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Education via Tutors, assemblies, subjects and via visitors and “one-off” events. We also have an independent careers advisor who works with students. Please visit our Careers page for more information.

This rich provision allows students to follow their interests, pursue areas via deep learning if they wish or develop a broad portfolio of skills. Enrichment activities are a key part of our curriculum, to help develop the “whole person”. We do this via Duke of Edinburgh, concerts, music events, talent shows, opportunities to travel all over the world, exhibitions of art, technology and other work both here at school and in the community, and a fantastic provision of sports teams and fixtures. We believe we prepare the adults of tomorrow, for the world of work and for life beyond the formal classroom.