Knowledge-Based

Evidence from cognitive science and studies of different schools show that a knowledge-based curriculum is the most effective. There is also strong evidence to suggest it is particularly important for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

By a ‘knowledge-based curriculum’ we mean two things:  The curriculum should have strong, formal foundations in traditional subjects.  The curriculum should be structured carefully so that students are building on what they already know.

At King’s Bolton, we firmly believe that a knowledge-based curriculum is best for producing well-educated, creative people who can thrive in the 21st century,

By a ‘knowledge-based curriculum’ we mean two things:  The curriculum should have strong, formal foundations in traditional subjects.  The curriculum should be structured carefully so that students are building on what they already know.

At King’s Bolton, we firmly believe that a knowledge-based curriculum is best for producing well-educated, creative people who can thrive in the 21st century,

Vocabulary Rich

Building our students' vocabulary is central to the King’s curriculum. Each lesson/series of lessons is based around a ‘key’ subject-specific word, designed to increase the child’s Tier 2 and 3 language proficiency. Time is spent exploring the etymology of these keywords and breaking them down to their Latin/Greek roots. This enables students to further build their vocabulary and decode words.

Academic skills/Independent Learners

The King’s curriculum seeks to create students who understand their strengths, abilities and interests and are capable of utilising and applying critical and creative thinking to reason through and solve complex problems.

Intellectual Habits

The King’s curriculum seeks to embed within our students' habits such as fierce concentration, thoroughness, accuracy, reflection, strategic thinking and intellectual volition in all that they undertake.

Diverse

Diversity of thought, experience and knowledge is a crucial competency to becoming a successful citizen. Therefore the King’s curriculum will seek to offer students different perspectives, alongside common schools of thought and the English Canon.

Inclusive

The academy is committed to equal access to opportunities for all students, regardless of background or additional needs. We also recognise that SEND is not synonymous with low attainment and therefore believe that all students should have the same access to a stretching and challenging curriculum. SEND at our academy is a whole school responsibility and teaching and learning adapted for all students is the first port of call.

Remote Learning

All King’s lessons are uploaded to Google Classroom so can be accessed by students inside and out of school. In the event of full remote learning for whole classes, students will follow their normal timetable on Zoom, with the same high standards of attendance and effort required from all students.

Implementation of the Curriculum

The structure of the King’s Curriculum allows all students to access a broad and balanced academic experience. By increasing the school day we have created enough time to cater fully for the academic, creative and character development necessary for our students to achieve their ‘Legacy’ and become successful citizens. Therefore each student has 28 hours of taught curriculum time each week, alongside this students also complete the Lesson 0 programme (see below) which adds an extra 3 ¾  hours of contact time to a student’s weekly timetable.

Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 & 9

We consider the Foundation programme as the important years to instill the necessary intellectual skills for success and give students access to a broad and balanced curriculum. To promote this, the academy has a strong focus on ensuring that each of our students have the appropriate standards in literacy, numeracy and oracy prior to graduating onto the senior programme. The curriculum at KS3 also includes the development of study habits, learning strategies, personal organisation and time management to help students master their learning

In Year 9, using the time gained through our extended school day, students will get a chance to spend more time studying subjects they are passionate about. During this year no subjects are ‘dropped’ instead students ‘Major’ and ‘Minor’ in the subjects they will be continuing studying to GCSE level, therefore allowing full coverage of the National Curriculum. The curriculum content will not merely begin the GCSE course, but instead will focus on preparing students for further study in that subject by providing broader contextual knowledge, as well as allowing the study of diverse and often overlooked topics in that subject area.

Due to the school currently being situated on a temporary site we are taking steps to broaden our curriculum further offering Drama at KS3 from 2021 (KS4 from 2023) and Food Technology from 2023.

Key Stage 4 - Year 10 & 11

During Years 10 & 11 students will focus their studies on the subjects they will be examined at the end of KS4. The King’s Curriculum allows all students to complete the English Baccalaureate (English, Mathematics, Science, History/Geography, MFL-Spanish) alongside this all students will study an IT qualification (either Computer Science or iMedia) as well as Religious Studies GCSE. Students will also study one ‘Creative’ subject from either PE, Art or Music.

Our Curriculum

At King’s Leadership Academy Bolton, our curriculum is designed to provide pupils with a broad, ambitious and knowledge-rich education that prepares them for success at school and beyond.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that pupils build knowledge, skills and understanding over time. We aim to develop academic excellence alongside responsibility, character, leadership and friendship.

Parents and carers can find more detailed information about what pupils study by viewing the curriculum information for each subject and year group.

Key Stage 3 – Years 7 to 9

During Years 7–9, pupils follow a broad curriculum which provides strong foundations for future study at Key Stage 4.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum includes:

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

• Spanish

• History

• Geography

• Religious Education

• Computing

• Art and Design

• Design and Technology

• Drama

• Music

• Physical Education

• ASPIRE / Personal Development

Detailed curriculum information for each subject, including the content taught in Years 7, 8 and 9, can be accessed through the individual subject curriculum pages.

Key Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11

At Key Stage 4, pupils study a compulsory core curriculum alongside a selection of focus subjects.

Compulsory Curriculum

All pupils study:

• GCSE English Language

• GCSE English Literature

• GCSE Mathematics

• GCSE Combined Science

• Core Physical Education

• ASPIRE – PSHE, Character Curriculum and Leadership

Most pupils also study:

• GCSE Spanish

For some pupils, Spanish may be offered as an optional subject following discussion with the pupil and their family.

EBacc Humanities

Pupils select a humanities subject from:

• GCSE Geography

• GCSE History

Key Stage 4 Option Subjects

The Academy's current 2026–28 option offer includes:

• GCSE Art

• GCSE Business Studies

• GCSE Citizenship

• GCSE Computer Science

• GCSE Drama

• GCSE Geography

• GCSE History

• GCSE Music

• GCSE Religious Studies

• GCSE Triple Science

• Hospitality & Catering – WJEC Level 1/2 Award

• Creative iMedia – Cambridge National

• Sports Studies – Cambridge National

Pupils normally study two focus subjects from the Academy's optional curriculum alongside their compulsory subjects.

Every effort is made to provide pupils with their preferred choices. Pupils are also asked to identify reserve choices to enable the Academy to construct an appropriate and balanced curriculum.

Senior and pastoral staff support pupils and families throughout the options process to ensure choices are fully informed and appropriate for the pupil's interests, abilities and future aspirations.

View our GCSE Curriculum & Options Booklet 2026–28

Religious Education

Religious Education forms part of the curriculum at King’s Leadership Academy Bolton.

At Key Stage 4, pupils may choose GCSE Religious Studies (AQA Specification A).

The GCSE course includes an in-depth study of Muslim and Christian beliefs and practices, alongside thematic study covering:

• Relationships and families

• Religion and life

• Crime and punishment

• War, peace and conflict

The course explores the impact of religious beliefs and practices on individuals and communities and considers the place and relevance of religion within modern British society.

Parents and carers have the right to request that their child is withdrawn from all or part of Religious Education. Parents wishing to discuss this should contact the Academy.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education

Relationships, Sex and Health Education forms part of our wider ASPIRE and Personal Development curriculum.

Parents and carers who would like to know:

• what RSE content is being taught;

• when particular topics will be delivered;

• which year groups receive particular content; or

• what resources are used

are encouraged to contact the Academy.

Please email info@kingsbolton.com or telephone 01204 937130 and your enquiry will be directed to the appropriate member of staff.

Parents and carers may also request to view the resources used to deliver RSE.

Further information, including parental rights regarding withdrawal from the sex education elements of RSE, can be found in our published RSE Policy.

View our RSE Policy

Find Out More About Our Curriculum

We want parents and carers to understand what their child is learning throughout their time at King’s Leadership Academy Bolton.

Our individual subject curriculum pages provide further information about the knowledge and skills taught in each academic year.

If you would like further information about:

• the curriculum for a particular year group;

• a particular subject;

• GCSE or Key Stage 4 options;

• Religious Education; or

• Relationships and Sex Education

Please contact us:

Telephone: 01204 937130
Email: info@kingsbolton.com

Your enquiry will be directed to the appropriate subject or curriculum leader.

Academic Arc