A broad and balanced curriculum

The curriculum at key stage 3 is neither narrowed nor curtailed with every student studying a broad and balanced curriculum until the end of year 9.

The key stage 3 curriculum includes English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, languages, Design technology and Food and Nutrition, Art, Music, Drama, PE, Computing, Religious Education, PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education. Students in key stage 3 also study 'prep' which provides them with independence in learning, public speaking and healthy lifestyles. 

In Key Stage 4, all students (other than very rare instances) study the core subjects of English, Maths and Science as well as History or Geography, a language and PE. All also study Relationships and Sex Education. Students are then offered with equal access Computing, RE and Citizenship as well as many other options. 

Students commence GCSE subjects in year 10. Options offered in Key Stage 4 take account of the local context and provide the opportunity to study a wide range of academic, vocational, expressive, creative and technology subjects including Art, Design and Technology, Psychology, Business, Health and Social Care, Sport, Drama, Music, French, Spanish and Mandarin.

For subject allocations click here.

For a list of subjects available at Key Stage 4 and exam boards please click here. 

The academy’s first GCSE cohort took their exams in 2022. 97% of this cohort studied the full EBacc suite of subjects. Examinations results can be found here

In KS5, the academy offer forms part of a coherent offer provided jointly by three sixth forms in the area. The academy specialises in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths ‘A’ levels. Economics and Psychology A levels are also offered to provide a full choice combination. 

To download our curriculum policy which shows how much time is allocated to each subject, please click here

Our educational experience consists of our 4 Riverside Curricula which work together to provide The Harris Academy Riverside education:

• The traditional curriculum - the subject lessons
• The scholarship curriculum - which substantially supports the traditional curriculum
• The wider curriculum - which provides valuable experiences and activities in order to contribute to a student's wider development
• The pastoral curriculum - which teaches students behaviours for success