Key Stage Information

At The Victory Academy our curriculum is designed to be ambitious and inclusive, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, can achieve their full potential.

We emphasise a knowledge-rich approach, providing students with a deep understanding of essential concepts across all subjects. 

Alongside academic knowledge, we focus on developing critical skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Thinking skills are embedded throughout our subject curriculums and enhance metacognition for our students.

Our curriculum also aims to broaden students' cultural capital by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences. We offer a variety of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom to enhance learning and prepare students for future success. Becoming a Victory Citizen is a key focus, with a strong emphasis on our Victory Values of Pride, Respect and Belief.

At The Victory Academy, students participate in a broad Key Stage 3 curriculum sequentially designed to provide students with both the academic depth and breadth to prepare them for their next stage and beyond. Our curriculum not only covers essential knowledge across a wide range of subjects but also emphasises the development of crucial study skills and metacognitive strategies, ensuring students build long-term knowledge and skills.

The curriculum is carefully balanced to ensure students access a broad array of subjects. All students access Mathematics, English, Science, History, Geography, French, Spanish, Religious Studies, PSHE, Physical Education, Computing, Design Technology, Food and Nutrition, Art, Music, Drama, and Dance. They are placed in mixed tutor groups within one of our four houses - Cavalier, Ocelot, Gannet, and Leviathan - named to honour our rich maritime heritage. Students are taught in a both mixed ability and ability groups.

At The Victory Academy, we understand that transitioning from primary to secondary school can be a challenging experience, especially for vulnerable students. That's why we have created The Lighthouse, a dedicated year 7 provision designed to support these students during this important time. The Lighthouse provision offers:

• Tailored Support: The Lighthouse provides a nuturing environment where students can feel safe and supported as they adjust to their new school.
• Adapted Curriculum: Our curriculum is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of our students, helping them build confidence and skills necessary for success in mainstream classes.
• Gradual Transition: By Term 3, students in The Lighthouse will begin transitioning into mainstream classes, equipped with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

We are fully committed to ensuring that every student in The Lighthouse feels valued and empowered. Our goal is to help them develop academically, socially, and emotionally, paving the way for a successful secondary school experience.

At Key Stage 4, we offer a wide range of courses designed to support students to progress and to prepare them for their next stage. All students study the core subjects of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Combined Science to full GCSE level. Additionally, students choose between History and Geography. Further options choices include subjects such as separate Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), French, Spanish, Computing, Health and Social Care, Food and Nutrition, Sport, Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles, Media Studies, Design Technology, Music, Dance, Drama, Digital IT, Business Studies, Engineering, Financial Studies, Sociology, and Values and Ethics. Students also participate in Core PE lessons.

Students complete their GCSE option choices in year 9. Students receive additional guidance to support them making these choices. The Year 9 Options Booklet provides details on all of the subjects available to students when progressing to Key Stage 4. These details include information on how the subjects are assessed, the amount of coursework involved, and what is to be expected of the student.

At Key Stage 5, students can choose from a comprehensive selection of subjects, enabling students to pursue combinations that best support their aspirations for university and employment.

Additionally, APD offers a football scholarship program, allowing post-16 students to participate in a full-time training program structured around their education. This optimizes their performance levels and provides opportunities to compete in regular matches across the South East.