Our Curriculum
PA High is unique. It operates on a Middle, Upper and High(er) School model. Our aim is to gradually transition our students from KS2-KS3 and then subsequently to upper school through KS3- KS4 and in High school from KS4- KS5. Our KS4 and KS5 follow a traditional secondary school set up where students are taught by subject teachers, but our KS3 is different. Our Middle School is what makes us unique.
Middle School Model
Our KS3 is delivered using year teachers. Unlike other secondaries, where KS3 is taught by subject specialists who only see their students once or twice a week, our year teacher approach means that the teacher teaches, sees and therefore gets to know their class exceptionally well. Being based in one classroom and being taught by one teacher for 70% of their curriculum (in Y7) enables students to transfer knowledge from one subject discipline to another more readily. This approach also means that the incoming cohorts of children experience a secure pastoral set up with a teacher and connect with their secondary setting quickly.
Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 | |
En, M, |
70% taught by one teacher |
50% | 30% | Traditional KS4 and 5 model - students being taught by a suite of subject teachers |
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
In years 7 to 9, we offer a rich and varied curriculum, designed to prepare students fully for GCSEs, A Levels and university.
Subject |
Hours per week |
English |
5 (7 if on RR programme) |
Maths |
5 |
Science |
5 |
RE |
1 |
History |
2 |
Geography |
2 |
Mandarin/MFL |
1 |
Art |
1 |
Music |
1 |
Design and Technology |
1 |
Computing |
1 |
Physical Education |
2 |
Personal Development/Citizenship |
1 |
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Our students will study the following English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects at Key Stage 4.
Subject |
Hours per week |
English |
5 |
Maths |
4 |
Science |
5 |
RE |
2 |
History/Geography |
3 |
Modern Foreign Language |
3 |
Art |
3 |
Physical Education |
2 (all students) |
Personal Development/Citizenship |
1 |