Our vision to create a 'community of excellence' is driven by the broad and balanced curriculum at New Line Learning Academy. We provide all students with a high-quality, aspirational education to prepare them academically, socially and personally for the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of further or higher education, employment and adult life.
At New Line Learning Academy our curriculum is designed to take into consideration:
Our local community
The expertise of staff
The ethos of the academy
The Academy’s ethos of Believe and Achieve underpins all aspects of our inclusive provision assisting our students to enjoy their education, feel valued and develop both academically and personally. All students are supported in their learning and encouraged to engage in every aspect of school life and our school mantra is 'every lesson counts'.
Our teachers are subject experts who persistently advance their knowledge. They debate its content and pedagogy to ensure that our students are taught the very best, and in doing so, they aim for our students to love their subject. Our teachers make links with other subjects to draw on students’ prior knowledge and enable them to understand new content.
We have high aspirations for our students, whatever their starting point. Our curriculum is 'pitched up' so that our most able learners can accelerate their critical thinking skills and adaptation is provided in the classroom to ensure the curriculum is accessible to all. All subject areas provide 'experiential learning opportunities as part of the learning journey; taking the learning outside of the classroom on trips and experiences.
Should students experience barriers to their learning, academic, physical, emotional or social, we promptly intervene to support their access to the curriculum and enjoyment of school. New Line Learning Academy prides itself on its strong inclusion practices led by our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Miss West. For those pupils with special educational needs and disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to support their needs we ensure access arrangements are in place to support their normal way of working and where required deploy teaching assistant support.
There is a strong focus on pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills and where appropriate we facilitate increased access to English and Maths in Key Stage three. Small group intervention is used to target gaps in understanding in core subjects. For pupils who miss aspects of their learning or require extra help catch up activities and targeted support are readily available.
We are passionate about developing the whole child. Our Personal Development Pathways programme supports pupils in developing resilience to face challenges, providing opportunities for growth and development. Students choose a pathway each year and take part for 90 minutes a week; choices include media production, performing arts, Duke of Edinburgh Award, languages, STEM, Art and design, Farm management, Forest school, elite sports and creative writing.
Our curriculum is developmental
This means it will:
Reinforce prior learning and increase in cognitive complexity.
Widen out as the student moves through the school, revisiting concepts in greater depth.
Our curriculum considers the order in which concepts are taught
This means it will:
Take into account the order of subject content.
Consider where in students development content will be taught.
Reinforces key concepts over time.
Our curriculum takes into account short-, medium- and long-term planning
This means there will be:
A curriculum roadmap for students learning journey from year 7 to year 11.
Yearly and termly planning of subject content.
Lessons that are planned effectively to deliver the curriculum.
KS3 (Year 7, 8 and 9)
All students are taught:
National Curriculum Core subjects: English, Mathematics and Science.
National Curriculum Foundation subjects: Art, Design and Technology, Food and Cookery, Spanish, French, Geography, History, Dance, Drama, Music, Physical Education, Digital Literacy
Students are placed in mixed ability tutor groups across six houses. At Key Stage 3, setting occurs in English, Mathematics and Science. All other subject areas are taught within a mixed ability structure.
All students in Year 7 take part in one 'Literacy Lab' lesson each week. This lesson is designed to develop and enhance the literacy skills of our learners so they can access their studies more successfully and confidently.
In Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 there is a Grammar Stream for students who have been identified as being Upper Prior Attainers or more able. Students in the Grammar Stream are taught the majority of their lessons in this group. We also provide a support group in core subjects for students who may find the transition from primary school to secondary difficult.
Years 7, 8 and 9 Curriculum Tables
Year 7 Curriculum Table
Subject
Lessons per fortnight
English
8
Maths
7
Science
6
History
3
Geography
3
Art
3
Dance
2
Drama
2
Music
2
Modern Language
3
DT
4
PE
3
Litlab
2
Pathway
4
PHSEE
8
Total
60
Year 8 Curriculum Table
Subject
Lessons per fortnight
English
8
Maths
8
Science
6
History
3
Geography
3
Art
3
Dance
2
Drama
2
Music
2
Modern Language
3
DT
4
PE
4
Pathway
4
PHSEE
8
Total
60
Year 9 Curriculum Table
Subject
Lessons per fortnight
English
8
Maths
8
Science
9
History
3
Geography
3
Art
2
Performing arts
5
Modern Language
3
DT
4
PE
3
Pathway
4
PHSEE
8
Total
60
KS4 (Year 10 and 11)
Level 2 courses commence in Year 10. Our Key Stage 4 curriculum offers a range of GCSE and Level 2 Vocational qualifications and students have the option to choose 4 subjects in addition to Core subjects of Maths, English and Science. At KS4 all students will study/follow:
The core subjects of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science to full GCSE level.
Subjects offered in our option structure are: Spanish, History, Geography, Business, Childcare, Animal Care, Food and Cookery, Health and Fitness, Art, 3D Design, Photography, Creative Media, Music, Dance and Drama.
Core PE
At Key Stage 4 mixed ability tutor groups are retained. Setting continues in English, Mathematics and Science.
Years 10 and 11 Curriculum Tables
Year 10 Curriculum Table
Subject
Lessons per fortnight
English
8
Maths
8
Science
9
Option A
5
Option B
5
Option C
5
Option D
5
PE
3
Pathway
4
PHSEE
8
Total
60
Year 11 Curriculum Table
Subject
Lessons per fortnight
English
9
Maths
8
Science
9
Option A
5
Option B
5
Option C
5
Option D
5
PE
2
Pathway
4
PHSEE
8
Total
60
Personal Development Pathways
As part of our dedication to ensuring that all pupils are provided with a rich, varied and ambitious curriculum that contributes to their personal development and growth, New Line Learning Academy offer our pupils the opportunity to partake in enrichment activities, which are timetabled for 1.5 hours of their school week. Pupils have a variety of options to choose from for their Pathway session, ranging from our Maidstone United Football Academy, Art Award, the Performing Arts School of Excellence, Craft Club, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, STEM Crest award, Girls Elite Sport, Forest School, Creative Writing Club and Young Farmers Club.
During their pathway sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to experience a range of activities that challenge, enrich, and enhance their curriculum, with select pathways offering qualifications that can be gained across the year.
At New Line Learning Academy, we recognize the importance of Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education in developing well-rounded, responsible, and informed individuals. PSHE is central to preparing pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of life, supporting their physical and emotional well-being, and promoting their personal development.
The aims of PSHE at New Line Learning Academy are:
• To provide pupils with the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and practical skills to live healthy, safe, productive, and fulfilled lives.
• To foster personal development and well-being, allowing students to reflect on and clarify their values and attitudes.
• To encourage students to make responsible decisions regarding their well-being, relationships, and careers.
• To prepare students for their roles as active, responsible citizens in a diverse and changing world.
The PSHE curriculum at New Line Learning Academy is divided into three core themes:
1. Health and Wellbeing: Including topics such as physical health, mental well-being, puberty, healthy lifestyles, drugs, and alcohol education.
3. Living in the Wider World: Encompassing financial education, employability skills, citizenship, and environmental awareness.
PSHE at New Line Learning also incorporates the Fundamental British Values of Democracy, Rule of Law, Tolerance, Mutual Respect and Individual Liberty. An understanding of the different religious beliefs and values is covered as part of our PSHEE curriculum.
As part of ourNew Line Learning Academy Next Steps programme, we empower students to explore diverse career pathways, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through personalized guidance, real-world experiences, and a strong focus on personal growth, we help each student discover their passion and unlock their potential, preparing them for success in higher education and the workplace.
Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) at New Line Learning is a vital part of the curriculum, designed to foster understanding, respect, and reflection on the diverse faiths and beliefs that shape our world. Our RE programme is delivered through a combination of bespoke lessons and engaging activities, ensuring students develop the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected global society.
Our tailored PSHE programme, also delivered in term 6, and following the Kent County Council agreed framework, incorporates statutory RE strands, providing a structured exploration of major world religions. In Year 7, students focus on Christianity and Islam, examining their core beliefs, practices, and historical impact. Year 8 delves into Buddhism and Sikhism, exploring their philosophies and cultural significance. By Year 9, students engage with Judaism and Hinduism, gaining insight into their rich traditions and contemporary relevance.
Additionally, in Term 6, students benefit from bespoke sessions delivered by external organisations, bringing fresh perspectives and interactive learning opportunities to enhance their understanding of religious and ethical issues.
Learning RE is essential for developing critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness. It empowers students to understand and respect differences while fostering their own moral and spiritual growth, preparing them to be thoughtful, informed, and compassionate members of society.
Beyond the classroom
We have a wide range of clubs for all students to enjoy New Line Learning Academy, including sport, languages, music and performing arts. A homework club also runs each week for every year group to offer additional support to pupils.Click hereto find out more.
EAL Curriculum
The EAL Department supports mainly newly arrived students with no to very limited knowledge of the English language. The schemes of work are sequenced and planned to respond to the individual communication needs of students, as well as addressing the demands of the curriculum by developing confidence in using academic tier two language and structures. There is a focus on culture and British values in each scheme of work, so that students develop an understanding of some British cultural aspects, thus reducing the cultural gap, while valuing their own cultural heritage, contributing to a smoother adaptation process. Click here for the EAL curriculum overview.
If you require further information on our curriculum please contact Mrs Fernandez, Deputy Headteacher at cfernandez@newlinelearning.com
Future Schools Trust
