CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
The primary focus areas of learning and experiences at Moonstone Academy.
IN THIS SECTION
Our goal is for every student to fully explore and develop their talents and interests while engaging in a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum from Years 7 to 11. In Years 12 and 13, the curriculum naturally becomes more focused as it prepares students for higher education. However, students continue to study four subjects at AS level and three subjects at A2 level.
In all subjects, we aim to help students enhance their ability to analyze, think critically, and move beyond memorization.
Our curriculum in Years 7 to 11 meets the standards set by the National Curriculum and is reviewed annually. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the Curriculum policy or contact us at office@moonstone.education.”
KEY STAGE 3
The curriculum is structured around a two-week timetable. Lessons are taught in 45-minute periods which may be single or double periods. In Years 7 and 8, students have 76 teaching periods.
Students in Years 7 and 8 follow the same courses, with variations based on language choices. In Year 7, students study either French or German. In Year 8, they begin learning a second language, which may be German, French, Latin, or Russian. Science is taught as an integrated subject in Years 7 and 8, with separate disciplines introduced in Year 9. Year 9 students also have 76 teaching periods.
The Personal Development and Citizenship curriculum is taught by a mix of form tutors and specialists in Years 7 and 8. In Year 9, this part of the curriculum is taught by a specialized team and is organized in a rotating format alongside Drama and ICT.
The allocation of lessons to each subject is detailed in the table below.
Number of lessons per fortnight
 1.  Mathematics
 2.  English
 3.  Science
 4.  Biology
 5.  Chemistry
 6.  Physics
 7.  Technology
 8.  Art
 9.  History
 10. Geography
 11.  Drama
 12. Religious education
 13. ICT
14. 1st Foreign Language (half of each year group take French, the other half German)
15.  2nd Foreign Language (chosen from French, German, Russian and Latin)
16. Personal Development and Citizenship
 17. Music
 18. Physical education
YEAR 7
8
9
10
–
–
–
7
2
4
4
3
5
1
6
–
2
4
5
YEAR 8
8
8
9
–
–
–
4
4
5
4
2
5
2
6
7
1
5
2
YEAR 9
8
9
 –
5
5
5
4
  3 *
5
4
PECT
5
PECT
6
9
PECT
4 *
5
* During one double lesson in the schedule, a rotating system is applied for the Music and Art classes.
KEY STAGE 4
The Key Stage 4 curriculum includes a small optional component. There are 76 lessons in the teaching cycle, and all students will follow the curriculum outlined below :
- English Language and Literature (counts as 2 GCSE subjects).
- Mathematics.
- Triple Science (3 separate GCSE subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)Â (3 separate GCSE subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
- A modern foreign language (chosen from French, German, or Russian).
- A Humanities subject (chosen from Geography, History, or Religious Education).
- Non-examination Physical Education and Religious Education.
- ICT, integrated across all subjects.
Pupils select two additional subjects to complete a 10-subject curriculum. The subjects currently available are Art & Design, Business Studies, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Media Studies, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies, and Russian. Starting from September 2022, Computer Science will also be offered.
Careers Education is included within the pastoral curriculum, and students have the opportunity to shadow an adult relative or friend as a way to gain early insight into the world of work, which prepares them for the formal work experience in Year 11.
KEY STAGE 5 - SIXTH FORM
Many students move on to our expansive Sixth Form, where admission is based on good behavior and academic performance. A diverse selection of courses is offered. In Year 12, most students choose four subjects and advance to study three or four subjects at A Level in Year 13. For more details about the subjects available in the Sixth Form, see further information.
Sixth Form students are central to the planning and coordination of various School and House events
EDUCATION ON RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY
Relationships and Sex Education is incorporated across Key Stages 3 to 5 through form time sessions, assemblies, Personal Development classes, and dedicated days. Parents have the option to withdraw their child from any part of sex education, as outlined in the 2020 RSE curriculum, up until the term before their child’s sixteenth birthday. If you wish to exercise this right, please contact office@moonstone.education.
REMOTE EDUCATION
Relationships and Sex Education is incorporated across Key Stages 3 to 5 through form time sessions, assemblies, Personal Development classes, and dedicated days. Parents have the option to withdraw their child from any part of sex education, as outlined in the 2020 RSE curriculum, up until the term before their child’s sixteenth birthday. If you wish to exercise this right, please contact office@moonstone.education.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education is delivered in line with the Enfield Education Authority’s Agreed Specification. We encourage all students to engage in lessons, though parents can request, in writing to the Headteacher, for their child to be excused from participation.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is a key component of every student’s curriculum, offering numerous opportunities to develop a wide range of skills while enjoying sports and games. We aim to help students understand the significance of physical activity for long-term health and fitness, encouraging them to embrace an active lifestyle.
In Years 7-9, students participate in various sports, including athletics, gymnastics, tennis, cricket, football, and netball. From Year 10 onwards, a broader selection of activities is available, with the chance to specialize in certain sports. Sixth Form students can engage in sports such as squash, golf, outdoor activities, swimming, orienteering, and dry-slope skiing.
EXTERNAL QUALIFICATIONS
- The tables below display the specification numbers for GCSE, AS, and Advanced Levels across the four Awarding Bodies: AQA, EDEXCEL, OCR, and WJEC.
- STEP examinations are available for Year 13 students studying Mathematics.
- Many Year 13 students are now taking University Entrance Examinations during the Autumn Term, such as BMAT and HAT.
- Students who wish to sit a GCSE, AS, or Advanced Level exam at another centre must inform the school by 31st October in the academic year the exam is to be taken, in order to request permission for any necessary absence.
GCSE Courses at Key Stage 4
Subject
Biology
ART
Business studies
Computer science
Chemistry
Design and Technology
Drama & Theatre Arts
English
English Literature
French
Geography
German
History
Latin
Mathematics
Russian
Religious Studies
Physics
Physical education
Music
Media Studies
Examining Authority
AQA
AQA
EDEXCEL
AQA
AQA
EDEXCEL
AQA
AQA
AQA
AQA
AQA
AQA
EDEXCEL
OCR
EDEXCEL
EDEXCEL
AQA
AQA
OCR
EDEXCEL
WJEC/CBAC
Syllabus Code
8461H
8201
1BS0
8525
8462H
1DT0
8261
8700
8702
8658H
8035
8668H
1HIO
J282
1MA1
1RU0H
8062LA
8463H
J587
1MU0
C680QS
AS and A-Level courses for Students in Years 12 and 13
Subject
Biology
Art, Craft & Design
Chemistry
Design and Technology
Government & Politics
Econimics
English Literature
French
Geography
German
History
Mathematics
Russian
Religious Studies
Physics
Music
Media Studies
Examining Authority
AQA
AQA
EDEXCEL
OCR
EDEXCEL
EDEXCEL
WjEC/CBAC
AQA
AQA
AQA
AQA
EDEXCEL
EDEXCEL
OCR
AQA
EDEXCEL
OCR
Syllabus Code
7401/7402
7241/7201
8CH0/9CH0
H404/H405/H406
8PL0/9PL0
8EC0/9EC0
B720QS/A720QS
7651V/7652V
7036/7037
7661V/7662V
7041HE/7042HE
8MA0/9MA0/8FM0/9FM0
9RU0
H173A/H573A
8463H
9MU0
H009/H409
For more details, kindly reach out to Mr. Walkson, Deputy Head (Curriculum), at office@moonstone.education
“At Moonstone Academy, we are dedicated to providing exceptional support to ensure our students have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential, both academically and in the broader community.”