Curriculum Plans

The best for everyone, the best from everyone

At Cedar Mount Academy  we ensure our curriculum is ambitious, academically demanding and a fulfilling programme of learning that is adapted to individual needs.

We aim to deliver a curriculum that is broad and balanced and offers opportunities for all pupils to excel.

We aim for pupils to value learning, curious and diligent in their studies. We will encourage this by delivering dynamic and exciting lessons and creating opportunities for discussion and independent thought.

 In years 7, 8 and 9 we follow the National Curriculum and pupils will study; English, maths, science, religious education, art, citizenship, computing, dance, design technology, drama, French and Spanish, geography, history, music, PE and Ethics and Politics which encompasses  RSE (relationship and sex education). We follow a 2-week timetable with a total of 50 lessons. The allocation for the lessons is as follows:

Subject	Hours per Fortnight
	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
English	9	9	9
Maths	9	9	9
Science	8	8	8
RE	2	2	2
Art	1	1	1
Computing	2	2	2
Dance	1	1	1
DT	1	1	1
Food	1	1	1
Drama	1	1	1
French	2	2	2
Geography	3	3	3
History	3	3	3
Music	1	1	1
PE	2	2	2
Ethics and Politics	2	2	2
Spanish	2	2	2

Key Stage 4

At Cedar Mount Academy we continue to provide a broad and balanced curriculum at KS4, aiming to provide our pupils with the best possible GCSE and Level 2 qualifications, preparing them to take the next steps into Post 16 study, employment or training.  

The majority of pupils will take GCSE’s in the following subjects:  

English Language (AQA) 

English Literature (AQA)  

Maths (Exam Board?)  

Science Trilogy (accounts for 2 GCSE’s)   (AQA)  

All KS4 pupils will study Core Physical Education (non – examination) and Ethics and Politics (non – examination) 

Pupils will all select two English Baccalaureate subjects and choose one from History or Geography and one from Spanish or French.  

Pupils also have two free choice subjects You can then choose two specialist subjects from the following: 

• Art  (AQA)  
• Business (Edexcel) 
• Citizenship (Edexcel) 
• Computer Science (OCR)  
• Design technology – Resistant Materials (Eduqas)  
• Drama (OCR)  
• Food Preparation and Nutrition (AQA)  
• French (AQA)  
• Geography (AQA)  
• History (AQA)  
• Music (AQA)  
• Photography (AQA) – has this gone? 
• Physical Education (AQA) 
• Religious Education (Edexcel) 
• Separate Science (AQA)  
• Spanish (AQA)  

Other KS4 courses offered at Cedar Mount Academy:  

• OCR Cambridge National Heath and Social Care   
• OCR Cambridge National Sports Studies   
• BTEC Performing Arts 

In addition, we have alternative pathways where they are better suited to our pupils needs such as Entry Level programmes in English, maths and science and the AQA Unit Awards. 

EAL pupils who are new to English also can opt to study for the Access to English programme in option A reducing the number of GCSEs they study and giving them additional support.

Please see these curriculum guides for each year group: 2024-25 coming soon – watch this space!

In addition to our curriculum content, this section demonstrates some of the work we have done on an anti-discrimination curriculum

Relationships & Sex Education

Sex Education is presented within a moral framework, which not only provides information, but also encourages responsible behaviour. Parents/Carers are welcome to discuss the programme and the materials used with staff at The Academy.

Details of the knowledge students at Cedar Mount have by the end of their secondary career can be found by clicking on the links below.

As a parent/carer you have the right to withdraw your child from RE lessons. If you wish to withdraw your child from RE please put your request in writing to the Principal, Mr Hodgson

Physical Health & Mental Wellbeing

It is important to focus on health and wellbeing so pupils can make well-informed, positive choices for themselves. The document below explains how this is taught, the topics it is placed within and when it is introduced.