Curriculum

Isaac Newton Academy will follow the national curriculum in English, mathematics, science and ICT and it will further deliver a full range of subjects including humanities, modern languages, music, creative arts and sport.

The ARK Schools curriculum places considerable emphasis, particularly in the early years of secondary school, on achieving proficiency in english and mathematics. ARK believes that mastering these skills are essential to gain meaningful access to the rest of the curriculum. If pupils fall behind in either subject, they will receive intensive support and coaching so that they can reach year level quickly. This may involve teaching in smaller nuture groups or additional help after school. This approach is of particular benefit to children with special educational needs or for whom English is an additional language.

In the sixth form, the academy will offer primarily AS and A-level qualifications, but it will also deliver the new 14-19 diplomas, working in partnership with other schools to ensure that pupils have access to whatever teaching provision and specialist facilities they need.

Specialisms 

All academies have specialist status in a particular subject. This academy will specialise in mathematics, a specialism shared with all the schools in the ARK network. High standards of numeracy are important in every walk of life. ARK believes that a strong grounding in mathematics is essential to opening up young people’s choices in moving on to further education or into employment.

We have agreed with Redbridge Council a second specialism in music. ARK Schools has developed a network-wide programme of specialist music  teaching and events  which has been very successful at increasing pupil participation in musical ensembles and developing musical skills and awareness. ARK's aim is to develop and deliver an innovative music specialism that inspires and involves pupils at the academy and offers opportunities to the wider Redbridge community. The academy facilities will be available to other schools and the local community, outside school hours.

 

School day

ARK places a great deal of emphasis on the promotion of aspiration and the development of excellent behaviour and social skills, as well as on the academic content of the curriculum. To enable our pupils to gain as much as they can from their school career all ARK schools run a school day that is longer than is typical at secondary school.

We are committed to developing extended school activities and building strong links with external organisations. And because our academy is open for longer, we can host community and adult education, too.

Students at sixth form level may attend courses in other schools or colleges or may use the extended school day for independent study time.