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.
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.
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.
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
| Subject | Exam Information |
|---|---|
| English including Drama | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Mathematics | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Science | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Personal Social, Health and Citizenship Education | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Creative Arts including Art and Music | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Design Technology including Textiles, Food and Nutrition Studies | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Computer Studies | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Geography | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| History | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Languages | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Physical Education | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
| Religious Education | Non-examinable course at Key Stage 3 |
Key Stage 4
Most students will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate, where they are also offered extra time for English and Mathematics where necessary. The primary focus is to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to make above expected progress in English and Mathematics.
Courses Available at Key Stage 4
| Subject | Course Title | Core / Option | Exam Board |
| English | English Language 9-1 | Core GCSE | AQA |
| English | English Literature 9-1 | Core GCSE | AQA |
| Mathematics | Maths 9-1 | Core GCSE | Edexcel |
| Combined Science | Combined Science 9-1 | Core GCSE | Edexcel |
| Single Science | Biology 9-1 | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Single Science | Chemistry 9-1 | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Single Science | Physics 9-1 | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Religious Studies | Religious Studies 9-1 | Core GCSE | AQA |
| Art and Design | Art and Design 9-1 | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Computer Science 9-1 | Computer Science 9-1 | Option GCSE | OCR |
| Geography | Geography 9-1 | Option GCSE | AQA |
| Health & Social Care | Health & Social Care | Option Level 1/2 | OCR National |
| History | History 9-1 | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Textiles | Textiles | Option GCSE | AQA |
| Art and Design | Art | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Languages | Arabic | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Languages | Bengali 9-1 | Option GCSE | AQA |
| Languages 9-1 | French 9-1 | Option GCSE | AQA |
| Languages 9-1 | Spanish 9-1 | Option GCSE | AQA |
| Languages | Urdu | Option GCSE | Edexcel |
| Sports Studies | Sports Studies | Option OCR Cambridge National | OCR |
| Creative I Media | Creative I Media | Option OCR Cambridge National | OCR |
For more information about the Curriculum in our school, Please click on the links below.
If you have any further questions please contact us: info@smallheath.staracademies.org