Learning - Curriculum
At Oasis Academy John Williams we offer a flexible and relevant curriculum which is designed to enable every student to achieve their personal best. We believe that, when given the right conditions to succeed, all of our students are capable of achieving remarkable success. We expect every student to make positive progress throughout their time at the Academy regardless of their individual challenges or their starting point on entry. The Academy monitors every student's progress closely. Each year there are five assessment points, including formal examinations from Year 7. Parents receive a summary of their child's progress after every assessment point, and there are regular opportunities for discussion with Learning mentors and Subject teachers.
We know that today's young people need to leave the Academy equipped with knowledge and skills, but also the resilience and perspective to respond to the challenges of life in the 21st century. Our formal and extended curriculum is designed around the Bristol 5, which shapes wider experiential outcomes for our students:
Years 7 and 8
Students follow discrete programmes in the traditional subjects of Maths, English, Science, Humanities, Technology, Visual and Performing Arts and Physical Education. Some students also access Modern Foreign Languages, whilst others initially benefit from additional Literacy support.
Learning is organised in classes according to attainment in the Core subjects of Maths, English and Science, and also in History, Geography and Religious Education. This arrangement enables teachers to support all of our students to achieve their personal best.
In Year 8 students build upon their learning in Year 7, to develop a secure platform from which to make choices about the subjects they intend to follow during Years 9, 10 and 11.
Year 9, 10 and 11
Students make Options choices at the end of Year 8, and move into a three year Key Stage 4 at the beginning of Year 9. Some students may complete aspects of their chosen pathway by the end of year 10 and then follow an extended curriculum in preparation for Post 16 study. Other students may use the full three years in order to achieve their entitlement.
The core subjects of Maths, English, and Science receive four hours of contact time every week. In addition students will follow courses in Physical Education and Ethics and Philosophy.
We offer a wide range of Options subjects from Entry Level through to Level 2 which enables students to follow subjects and courses which are appropriate to their needs and interests.
The curriculum offer is varied and includes Traditional GCSEs, such as Single Sciences, History, Spanish and Business Studies; alongside Applied provision which can be accessed through a range of BTEC choices, including Art, Sport, Health and Social Care, and Performing Arts. Other students will access their curriculum through Foundation Learning to support the development of employability skills.
Our Sixth Form opened in September 2010. We offer a range of Level 2 and 3 courses including A Levels and BTEC National Diplomas. Our specialism of the Visual and Performing Arts features strongly across our provision, maximising access to our industry standard facilities to students from across South Bristol. An emerging strength of the Academy is our Dance Academy, established in partnership with The Angels Dance Academy.
With all students now entering Secondary education being expected to remain in education or training until the age of 18, our Post 16 offer is constantly evolving in response to student needs, interests, and also the local employment context. For full details please see our sixth form prospectus which can be obtained from the website or directly from the Academy.
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