At John Port Spencer Academy we challenge and motivate students to ensure that they reach their full potential. While there is a strong emphasis on academic achievement, students are given the support and guidance to develop as individuals, and we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities outside the classroom.
Our approach to the curriculum is holistic, coherent and provides equity for learners. The curriculum is logically sequenced and ensures our students have regular opportunities to practice what they know, constantly building and deepening their knowledge and skills.
Our curriculum intent is driven by a strong moral purpose to ensure what we offer is personalised, ambitious and reflective of opportunities that exist globally, nationally and locally.
We strive for our students to be responsible, safe and healthy citizens in the real and digital world with an acute awareness of their role in positively shaping the future.
We intend a student to have a memorable experience in and outside of the classroom through providing outstanding teaching and enrichment opportunities and as a large academy we are able to offer a broad curriculum which gives students access to a range of academic disciplines.
Alongside our academic curriculum, our curriculum prioritises the value of PSHE, Citizenship and careers education. These form an integral part of our education, offered through our curriculum, PSHE and personal development programme.
Students at John Port Spencer Academy are encouraged to take part in extra curricular activities and are expected to make a positive contribution to wider school life and the community.
Progress Checks
Students will receive Progress Checks three times during the academic year. These will include information about student attainment, attitude to learning, behaviour and homework. Up to date information on attendance and behaviour is always available in the Arbor Parent Portal and Arbor Parent App. If you need any help to access this, please contact arbor@johnportspencer.org.uk
Students’ attitude to learning, their behaviour and homework have a direct impact on their attainment. Students are expected to put maximum effort into their studies. Therefore, John Port Spencer Academy use the descriptors as detailed below:
For Years 7, 8 and 9, academic attainment rating descriptors are used to detail what we expect your child will know and be able to do in each subject area. Further details can be found here.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
At Key Stage 3, all students follow the National Curriculum by studying English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Geography, History, ICT, Languages (French, German and/or Spanish), Performing Arts (Art, Music and Drama), Physical Education, Religious Education and Technology. Students also have a designated period of Personal Development. The Key Stage 3 curriculum develops a strong foundation for these subject areas, strengthening skills and building knowledge required for further study, whilst striving to develop a passion and enthusiasm for learning.
A breakdown our of curriculum for Key Stage 3 – Key Stage 3 Curriculum
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Key Stage 4 is introduced in Year 10. Our Pathways process is based on the interests, abilities and aptitude of pupils and they are supported at an individual level to help them choose the subjects that are right for them. We offer a range of GCSE and Vocational qualifications. All students study English, Mathematics and Science In addition, all students take part in timetabled Physical Education and Personal Development.
A breakdown our of curriculum for Key Stage 4 – Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Key Stage 3 & 4 Personal Development Curriculum
The Personal Development curriculum is a crucial part of every students’ education where they will learn about life skills. Personal Development aims to advance a person’s capabilities and potential, facilitate employability, and enhance quality of life and the realisation of dreams and aspirations.
Full details about the Key Stage 3 & 4 Personal Development Curriculum can be found here.
Key Stage 5 Curriculum
Students are offered a varied diet of academic A Levels and Vocational qualifications that cater for Level 3 needs, challenging and spurring pupils to compete for places at Russell Group Universities and for Apprenticeships. Courses are available in a wide range of subjects and guidance is given in helping students to choose the subjects that are right for them and their future plans.
A breakdown our of curriculum for Key Stage 5 – Key Stage 5 Curriculum
Homework
At JPSA, we are dedicated to helping every student achieve their best. Our homework policy supports academic growth, reinforces classroom learning, and builds independent study skills. With structured and purposeful homework, we ensure students are equipped for success, both in their studies and beyond.
To support students with homework, every subject has a knowledge organiser.
Documents and Useful Links
Enrichment
John Port Spencer Academy engage with many experiences outside the Academy including the following experiences.
- The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme
- The National Citizenship Service
- Royal Society of Chemistry’s National Schools’ Analyst Competition being held at Keele University
- Royal Society of Chemistry’s top of the bench competition
- The Young Engineers and Scientists of Derbyshire (YESD) competition at Derby University
- Jaguar Maths in Motion
- Rolls Royce STEM event
- Ingestre Hall Art and performing arts residential
- Camps International
- Whole school productions
- Peer Mentoring Training
- UK Maths Challenge, Leeds University
- Sports Leaders UK
- Derbyshire County Cup
- English Schools Cup
- Student Leadership throughout the academy is strong with opportunities for students to be prefects, subject ambassadors and peer mentors in all Year Groups.
- Student Leadership throughout the academy is strong with opportunities for students to be prefects, subject ambassadors and peer mentors in all Year Groups.
