Academic Curriculum Overview

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, we believe that every young person deserves access to a high-quality education that enables them to achieve their potential and build a positive future. 

Our academic curriculum is designed to re-engage learners with education, develop confidence in learning, and provide the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed for their next steps. We recognise that many of our pupils have experienced disruption to their education and may require additional support to rebuild positive learning habits, relationships and aspirations. 

Through a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, we provide opportunities for pupils to achieve academically while developing the personal and social skills needed to succeed in education, employment and adult life. 

Our Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum is designed to: 

• Develop secure knowledge and understanding across a range of subjects. 

• Enable pupils to make strong academic progress from their individual starting points. 

• Build confidence, resilience and independence as learners. 

• Strengthen literacy, communication and numeracy skills across the curriculum. 

• Support pupils to apply their learning in real-life, local and global contexts. 

• Prepare pupils for successful transitions into mainstream education, specialist provision, further education, training or employment. 

We encourage pupils to reflect on their learning, articulate their ideas and make meaningful connections between new knowledge, previous experiences and future aspirations. 

The curriculum at River Tyne Academy is underpinned by our three core themes: Character, Currency and Community. 

Character

We support pupils to develop self-awareness, resilience, responsibility and confidence. Through positive relationships and high expectations, we help young people understand their strengths, overcome barriers and develop the skills needed to thrive. 

Currency

We equip pupils with the knowledge, qualifications and practical skills they need for life beyond school. By developing literacy, numeracy, digital skills and employability skills, we prepare learners for future education, training and employment opportunities. 

Community

We help pupils understand their role within school, their local community and wider society. Through meaningful experiences and opportunities for collaboration, we encourage respect, belonging and positive contributions to the communities around them. 

Preparing Pupils for Success

By weaving Character, Currency and Community throughout our curriculum, we ensure that learning extends beyond academic achievement. Our aim is for every pupil to leave River Tyne Academy with the qualifications, confidence, skills and aspirations needed to make a successful transition into adulthood and become active, valued members of their communities. 

Each subject area demonstrates how it contributes to the development of these themes, creating a cohesive and purposeful curriculum that supports both academic achievement and personal growth.