CURRICULUM

Our curriculum is designed to foster thought, curiosity and a desire for learning in all students, regardless of their backgrounds, strengths and needs. It should be a gateway to opportunity and to a fulfilling and prosperous life in modern Britain and beyond.

Our curriculum is broad and balanced, with an emphasis on academic success. We prioritise learning in Literacy, Numeracy, Languages, Humanities and Science. Our curriculum is both coherent and cumulative, with an emphasis on the critical importance of knowledge acquisition.

Our curriculum aims to:

• Cultivate well-rounded, intelligent and socially-aware students
• Mould students into good citizens, with a sense of responsibility for their actions
• Encourage civic and social participation within the community
• Promote the development of young leaders
• Allow students to develop their individuality
• Empower students with the necessary skills and abilities to play a full and inclusive role within society
• Provide a solid foundation for future learning at every stage
• Deliver excellent exam results

At the core of the Academy’s curriculum will be a specialist and obligatory menu at Key Stages 3 and 4 for all students of academic subjects leading to the English Baccalaureate including English, Mathematics, Sciences, Languages and Humanities. We also offer Arts, Technology, Computer Studies, ICT and Physical Education.

In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement.

We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance.

If you would like further information about our Curriculum, please contact Miss Manzoor (Assistant Principal responsible for Curriculum), Email: yasmin.manzoor@smallheath.staracademies.org, Tel: 0121 464 7997.

Key Stage 3

All students will follow a traditional model of study, which involves core and foundation subjects following the national curriculum. Students are offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary.

Subjects Available at Key Stage 3
  • English Language 
  • English Literature 
  • Mathematics
  • Science 
  • Geography
  • History
  • Languages
  • Personal, Social, Health, Relationship and Citizenship Education 
  • Art
  • Music
  • Computer Studies
  • Design Technology
  • Physical Education 
  • Religious Studies 
Key Stage 4

Most students will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate. The primary focus is to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to make above expected progress across all subject areas. 

Courses Available at Key Stage 4
Subject Course Title Exam Board
English English Language GCSE AQA
English English Literature GCSE AQA
Mathematics Maths GCSE Edexcel
Combined Science Combined Science GCSE Edexcel
Single Science Biology GCSE Edexcel
Single Science Chemistry GCSE Edexcel
Single Science Physics GCSE Edexcel
Religious Studies Religious Studies GCSE AQA
Art and Design Art and Design GCSE Edexcel
Computer Science Computer  Science GCSE OCR
Creative I Media Creative I Media (Level 1/2 Qualification) OCR Cambridge National
Geography Geography GCSE AQA
Health & Social Care Health & Social Care (Level 1/2 Qualification) OCR Cambridge National
History History GCSE Edexcel
Textiles Textiles GCSE AQA
Languages French GCSE AQA
Languages Spanish GCSE AQA
Languages Urdu GCSE Edexcel
Statistics Statistics GCSE Edexcel
Sports  Studies Sports Studies (Level 1/2 Qualification) OCR Cambridge National

 

  • We aim to secure exceptional standards of educational achievement and prepare pupils well for their next stage in education, employment or training.
  • We aim to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation – from all backgrounds – to help them succeed at the highest levels of education and employment.
  • We deliver a knowledge-based rich and academically rigorous curriculum that has the highest ambition for all. We want our pupils to be able to access top universities such as Oxford, Harvard and Yale. We want our pupils to be able to access high level apprenticeships and pursue any career of their choice.
  • We place a strong emphasis on the English Baccalaureate. We recognise that studying a language enables our pupils to compete for the top jobs on a global platform.
  • We aim to promote challenge for our pupils by including GCSE Computer Science and Single Sciences for our most able.
  • We aim to promote equality by encouraging pupils to take up STEM subjects and provide extra-curricular provision to promote a love of learning.
  • Academic GCSEs don’t preclude out pupils from studying a whole host of creative and vocational subjects Post-16 and or pursuing any career of their choice.
  • We aim to ensure fantastic outcomes and progress to FE/HE.
  • Our improved curriculum with a focus on EBacc led to the highest outcomes in the history of the Academy which promotes better life chances and opportunities for our students.