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09/07/25

Huge thank you to everyone who made our Performing Arts Showcase & Awards Evening such an unforgettable success! Congratulations to all our performers and award winners — you inspired us all with your passion and dedication! pic.twitter.com/nLYrDhWsQj

06/07/25

With high temperatures expected again this week, we’ve made some temporary changes to help keep students comfortable: Mon–Wed: Full school uniform without blazers and ties. Thurs & Fri: Students may wear their school-branded PE kit for the full day. Stay cool and hydrated! 💧😎

04/07/25

🚨 New Video Alert! 🚨 We just dropped our latest newsletter video, and it’s packed with updates, tips, and exciting news you won’t want to miss! 🎉 🎬 Watch it now and stay in the loop ➡️https://t.co/38quq8ifgC

03/07/25

Thank you to all the Yr 6 families who joined us for our Secondary Transfer Information Evening. This is where it begins — new friendships, big dreams, and unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to welcome you in September . 💙 pic.twitter.com/endyi8uAGJ

03/07/25

Thank you to all the Yr 6 families who joined us for our Transition Information Evening. This is where it begins — new friendships, big dreams, and unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to welcome you in September . 💙 pic.twitter.com/N0FnxNJNzu

01/07/25

Hot off the Hob🔥🔥 Student Masterchef Competition was back this evening and this year it was hotter than ever! We were thrilled to welcome back ⁦⁩ – MasterChef star, bestselling author, and our very own ex-student – as special guest judge! pic.twitter.com/EaXH8a0ddm

30/06/25

Yr 9s turned up the heat with some epic DJing and beatbxing in today’s Year 9 Immersion Day pic.twitter.com/3B52AHXIE2

30/06/25

From coastal erosion to sea defences, Yr 10s got hands-on with real-world geography at Walton-on-the-Naze! pic.twitter.com/7g6HB5Lfrk

30/06/25

Thank you so much to for allowing the RBA JLT to be part of your lovely school for a day! pic.twitter.com/d4RfOyjXER

28/06/25

Due to the warm weather this week we want everyone to be as comfortable as possible. pic.twitter.com/XsKSXtpgBT

27/06/25

RBA Video Newsletter from the Headteacher! Catch up on all the latest school news, updates, and upcoming events—straight from our Headteacher. pic.twitter.com/M2F9rn8YV0

26/06/25

There’s still time to apply for our Sixth Form. Click this link: https://t.co/8Gf7hMCQ1O

26/06/25

We're back for Day 2 of our 6th Form Taster Days and it's been full of energy, inspiration, and ambition! Just imagine your future here with us – a school on the rise. Still thinking about your next step? If so, there’s still time to apply for our Sixth Form. pic.twitter.com/poctCyniBe

25/06/25

RBA Transition Day, Day 1 pic.twitter.com/i9hykqD6BX

24/06/25

Great working today as the SET RE Team! Thank you everybody . pic.twitter.com/9OHvrkbqGU

22/06/25

Due to warm weather, students do not need to wear ties or blazers this week. We want everyone to stay as comfortable as possible during the heat. Please ensure students bring a refillable water bottle each day to stay hydrated. pic.twitter.com/yfoLAA0cIZ

21/06/25

Year 13 prom — the last chapter of a story we’ve written together. Laughter, memories, and one final night before we go our separate ways…but you will always be part of the pic.twitter.com/Eh0EIyMRH7

21/06/25

The night we laughed a little louder, and smiled a little wider. We danced through the memories we’ve made and stepped into the beginning of everything that comes next. A night we won’t forget, with people we’ll always remember. pic.twitter.com/ZFgHQVpqnt

20/06/25

Like the beat of “Freed from desire” our energy as one family is unstoppable https://t.co/Q24qu3Sv7b

20/06/25

It came and it went. House Sports Day 2025 From the adrenaline of the first race to the final cheer of the relays, it’s about the memories we make, the friendships we strengthen, and the moments that will stay with us long after the day is over. pic.twitter.com/0A6hbSpuSq

20/06/25

📷📷 RBA Weekly Round-Up! 📷📷 What a week it's been at RBA! From exciting classroom activities to fantastic events across the school, there’s been so much happening—and who better to give you the inside scoop than our very own Headteacher!https://t.co/LHKmZJ16bc

19/06/25

Good Day Sunshine - Yr 12 Progression Week pic.twitter.com/AnRDkMhBFL

19/06/25

Pentathlon in Action Today at Wodson Park! 5 events; 1 goal: domination pic.twitter.com/BsrJnyuWL9

19/06/25

Notice: Parent/Carer's - Please read the email sent today regarding an update on our Sports Day 20.06.25 pic.twitter.com/X0qH7HYgpG

17/06/25

Our young chefs got a real treat today! Ex-MasterChef semi-finalist+ex student Theo delivered an inspiring masterclass to prep them for the RBA MasterChef comp! Big thanks to for the expert tips & fun! pic.twitter.com/nuX16r6yQg

Curriculum

Robert Barclay Academy offers a curriculum that is both broad and balanced. It is tailored to meet the needs of all our students and underpinned by the desire ensure students enjoy learning whilst ensuring they maximise their achievement. In addition to providing enrichment and excitement, our curriculum also allows us to provide extra support for those who need it.

The curriculum model at Robert Barclay Academy has been devised and shaped to ensure that we fully meet the needs of our students. Our intent is to provide an ambitious and inclusive learning environment for our students and to develop three areas of focus in response to the needs of our students:

1. Aspirations

Enabling students to achieve their personal best to meet these aspirations

2. Cultural Capital

Broadening students’ views and experiences

3. Literacy

To promote key terminology, reading, extended writing, speaking and listening

 

Underpinning this we have a common approach to school life:

Achievement through an ambitious curriculum.

Care through being respectful.

Excellence through taking pride.

 

To ensure the curriculum continues to be ambitious and inclusive for all year groups, we have developed a wide and rich variety of experiences: Learning Enrichment Activity Days, Focus Weeks (for example, ‘Wellbeing Week’) and extra-curricular clubs. All students have the opportunity to participate in sports and the vast majority choose an expressive or creative subject. These are further enhanced by our extra-curricular offer.

 

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

We operate a two-year Key Stage 3 curriculum (Year 7 and Year 8), which is where the foundations are laid for success at GCSE and A Level. As such, our curriculum includes a wide variety of subjects as well as the core building blocks. Subjects include: English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Languages, Arts, Technology, PE and Social Studies. The curriculum is designed with the intention of developing their skills and interests, in addition to the wider curriculum which includes staying safe, personal development, wellbeing and citizenship. Students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of clubs in order to promote healthy lifestyles, social skills and specific interests. 

In Years 7 and 8, the curriculum is designed and assessed without reference to levels. This is to foster a love of the subject, and to deepen understanding of the knowledge and skills required in each area.

All students in Year 9 have access to the national curriculum through our Immersion Days, which are cross-curricular drop down days, allowing our students to still experience a wide variety of subjects. 

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

The Key Stage 4 is taught over three years in order to fulfil the increasing demands for content and skills development at GCSE level. The intention behind this is that it responds to our students’ needs by making the curriculum relevant and future focussed, enabling strong engagement through allowing students to select study paths whilst consolidating knowledge, skills and understanding in each subject. In year 9 students are introduced to the key concepts, skills and knowledge in each subject to give solid foundations for the rigours of the examination focus in Years 10 and 11.

All students follow a core offer which consists of:

  • English Literature and Language
  • Mathematics
  • Science (Double or Separate Sciences – Biology, Physics, Chemistry)
  • PE
  • RE
  • Social Studies

We guide students through the options process so that they can personalise their curriculum by choosing a number of academic, applied and vocational courses. For a complete list of subjects on offer visit our Options Process section to download the latest Year 9 Options booklet.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

We offer a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects for year 12 and 13. This is supported by CORE skills lessons, which focuses on preparing students for a happy and successful life in an ever changing world, these include RE, PE, further education and social skills lessons). Our sixth form students are expected to support the school community through volunteering initiatives such as; paired readers, department ambassadors. Students go on to successfully study a range of courses at University (including the very best ‘Russell Group’ universities), Apprenticeships and employment, using the knowledge and skills they have gained through their years at RBA.

We offer a wide range of both academic A Levels and BTEC/Vocational courses in the Sixth Form according to the demands each year with a great deal of success.

 

Should you wish for more information on the curriculum please email admin@robertbarclayacademy.co.uk

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