Key Stage 3

Key stage 3, (years 7 – 9), is an important transition period between a student’s primary years and their move into secondary education. A number of students that arrive at The New Bridge Academy have failed in a variety of prior educational placements and as a consequence have severe low self-esteem.  Our priority at The New Bridge Academy is engaging young people in a nurturing positive environment by providing a safe secure academy with consistent therapeutic boundaries and additional support around their specific needs to enable the pupils to engage and succeed. The New Bridge Academy follows the national curriculum at KS3 and students work is closely linked to their academic ability. To ensure work of an appropriate level students undertake a computer based baseline assessment on entry which enables us to set realistic but challenging targets for the end of KS3. Students follow the core subjects in maths, English and science together with, Art, Sport, personal social health education and design and technology. All students are given the opportunity to gain external accreditation in these subjects. Students also participate in a variety of outdoor education activities including, kayaking, surfing, climbing and mountain biking. These activities encourage the development of social skills, team building and self-confidence. Students are also given the opportunity to attend our “Forest School” programme. The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through an innovative, long term, educational approach to outdoor play and learning in a woodland environment. The New Bridge Academy also works closely with external agencies as required; e.g. educational psychologists, adolescent mental health teams and occupational therapists. We will work with all these agencies to determine the best individual learning requirements to meet the needs of the pupils.

Key Stage 4

The core subjects, especially English, Maths and Science remain at the heart of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum. However we recognise that many students have skills, aptitudes and commitment to areas of study outside this core area. For this reason we place great emphasis on our option choice provision allocating 6 sessions spread across two full mornings. The emphasis is very much on preparing students for the world of work, progression onto further education or training  and life after they leave New Bridge Academy.

In Year 9 students continue with the broad and balanced curriculum experienced in Years 7 and 8 and begin Entry Level Certificate and BTEC courses in some subjects.

All courses in Year 10 and 11 lead to externally accredited qualifications in the form of GCSE, BTEC, Level 1 + 2 Vocational qualifications, Entry Level Certificate, Functional Skills, and ASDAN awards . Each student is therefore able to follow a pathway which will lead  to accreditation at a level which is appropriate to their ability and skills and which will prepare them for post-16 choices.

All students follow a core curriculum comprising English, mathematics, science, ICT, Design Technology, PSHE and PE . They also choose a number of courses from our Options programme which allows them to specialise in areas in which they have a particular strength eg. art, cookery or performing arts. The number of sessions offered in each subject area depends upon which KS4 pathway the student is following, i.e. traditional or Engagement pathway.

Post-16 careers advice is provided throughout  Key Stage 4 and all students will have the opportunity to complete at least one work experience placement.