The Academy

Curriculum

Our unique curriculum is what distinguishes Dartford Excelsior Academy from any other school. Embodying the DE Teaching Method and the wider ethos of the Academy, the priority of the curriculum is on expanding students’ vision and knowledge, building intellectual curiosity, and honing fundamental life and academic skills.

It is a mature curriculum in that students are assumed to want to master the world around them, with all its knowledge and opportunities. With Arts, Sciences and Global Technologies subject streams, the curriculum combines depth and breadth in order to nurture well-rounded and curiosity-driven young people.

Dartford Excelsior - Black Girl Asian Girl Studying (9) copy

The rigid subject divisions that artificially separate “buckets” of knowledge are removed, and students are supported to explore ideas and hone skills in a more holistic and comprehensive way. By dedicating entire study days to particular subject streams, students are able to immerse themselves into the ideas being considered in a system of learning that more closely resembles what they will encounter later in life in employment or personal projects.

Our programme of study anticipates iGCSE examinations at all times and so exam-style questions are integrated into our course delivery. However, these do not overtake our course delivery – we teach both to, and beyond, the exam, developing young people able to engage confidently with, and have an impact on, the world around them.

Differentiated Curriculum

Our Foundation Curriculum caters for students aged 11 – 14 (years 7 – 9). The expected intellectual output is set at the British Key Stage 3 level. This is an important time in a student’s academic career and we take seriously our responsibility to lay strong foundations for future study.

Our Higher Curriculum caters for children aged 14 – 16 (years 9 – 11) working towards their iGCSEs. Students will transfer to the Higher Curriculum either in year 9 or in year 10 depending on their ability. Through the Higher Curriculum, they are given all the tools they need to perform to the best of their abilities in exams. They are also given the tools to develop independent and creative thinking skills beyond the syllabus.

Structured Learning

Students follow a broad curriculum that aims to introduce them to the world through the ideas, peoples, sciences and technologies that underpin it. Our curriculum looks to see beyond arbitrary and restrictive subject divisions to nurture young people that appreciate the complexities and opportunities of the world around them.

The curriculum is delivered through the Study Days system. There are two types of Study Days at the Academy: Arts and Sciences.

Each Study Day comprises 2-3 Guided Lessons and Assignments..

A typical full-time week of study could look as follows:

Monday: Arts Study Day
Tuesday: Arts Study Day + Tutorial
Wednesday: Sciences Study Day
Thursday: Sciences Study Day + Tutorial
Friday: Consolidation and Assignment Completion

Below is an outline of the subjects covered within each Study Day:

Arts Study Day

Guided Lessons and Assignments in:

Language and Literature
Human Sciences
Human Geographies

Sciences Study Day