Our curriculum in years 7-11
Our curriculum model is designed to enable students to experience a broad and diverse range of subjects, whilst ensuring that every student gains the high quality qualifications they need for the future.
Key stage 3
In years 7 and 8 students study maths, English, science, geography, history, religious education, French or Spanish, art, drama, dance, music, information technology, technology and physical education.
| Subject | No. of Lessons per Fortnight | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | 10 | Nehman.Haq@E-ACT.org.uk |
| English | 10 | Wesley.Lisbie@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Science | 8 | Paul.Walker@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Geography | 2 | Lynne.Murphy@E-ACT.org.uk |
| History | 2 | Lynne.Murphy@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Religious Education | 2 | Lynne.Murphy@E-ACT.org.uk |
| French or Spanish | 2 | Darren.Ewart@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Information Technology (IT) | 2 | Vincent.Cosgrove@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Technology | 2 | Laura.Jarvis@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Art | 2 | Hannah.Edie-Pabla@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Dance | 1 | Hannah.Edie-Pabla@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Drama | 1 | Hannah.Edie-Pabla@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Music | 2 | Hannah.Edie-Pabla@E-ACT.org.uk |
| Physical Education | 4 | Nick.Vaughan@E-ACT.org.uk |
Key stage 4
In years 9, 10 and 11 students continue to study an academic core which includes maths, English, science and IT. Students are then able to personalise their curriculum by selecting three additional subjects from geography, history, French, Spanish, art, product design, religious education, health and social care, business studies, sports studies, music, dance, drama and catering.
All GCSE exams are now graded using a system of numbers 9-1, rather than letters. For more information on this new system please click the following link.
What the new GCSEs mean: A guide for parents and carers
The options booklet, which contains more detailed information about the options process, can be found by clicking on the following links.
| Subject | No. of Lessons per Fortnight |
|---|---|
| Maths | 10 in year 9; 12 in years 10 and 11 |
| English | 10 in year 9; 10 in years 10 and 11 |
| Science | 10 in year 9; 10 in years 10 and 11 |
| Information Technology (IT) | 4 in year 9 |
| Physical Education (PE) | 4 in year 9; 3 in years 10 and 11 |
| Options subjects (students are able to choose three subjects): | |
| Geography | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| History | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Religious Education | 4 in year 9 only |
| French or Spanish | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Art | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Dance | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Drama | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Music | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Product Design | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Catering | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Business Studies | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Health & Social Care | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
| Sports Studies | 4 in year 9; 5 in years 10 and 11 |
In order to support your son/daughter in their examination preparation please find links below to the specifications which are studied in each subject:
Year 9
| Subject | Exam Board | Link to Exam Specification Studied |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | Edexcel | http://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/mathematics/2015/specification-and-sample-assesment/gcse-maths-2015-specification.pdf |
| English | AQA | http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-literature-8702 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700 |
| Science | AQA | http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464 |
| Information Technology (IT) | OCR | http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817/ |
Year 10
| Subject | Exam Board | Link to Exam Specification Studied |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | Edexcel | http://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/mathematics/2015/specification-and-sample-assesment/gcse-maths-2015-specification.pdf |
| English | AQA | http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-literature-8702 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700 |
| Science | AQA | http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464 |
| Information Technology (IT) | OCR | http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817/ |
Year 11
Homework
Homework is an important part of our curriculum. It is used to help students to consolidate their past learning, to prepare for new learning and to develop the revision and recall skills required for examination success. Students are set regular homework in accordance with the Academy’s homework policy.
You can view the homework calendar for your son/daughter by clicking here
Curriculum plans for each subject
You can view the long term plans for each subject area by clicking on the links below:
More information
If you require further details about the curriculum, please contact Mr Berry on 0121 464 5191 or Matthew.Berry@E-ACT.org.uk
Shenley Horizons
At Shenley Academy pupils are expected to demonstrate six key virtues both in and out of lessons: respect, kindness, integrity, altruism, self-belief and resilience.
We expect pupils and staff at Shenley Academy to be kind to both members of the school and the community alike; understand the importance of respecting other cultures and lifestyles with compassion and understanding; and demonstrate an awareness of the needs of others. We give pupils a range of opportunities to contribute to school life and develop their resilience, self-belief and altruism, in order to fully prepare themselves for active participation in the wider community.
The Shenley Horizons tutorial programme takes place during a twenty-minute form session once a week. The sessions cover a range of important topics focusing on key events and activities happening both in and out of school, e.g. making a formal phone call, planning a career path, dealing with day to day stress and managing their own mental health. The sessions are tailored to suit the needs of individual pupils and address important issues for all years. Embedded within the Shenley Horizons Programme are also opportunities for pupils to develop their literacy and numeracy skills in real world scenarios. Finally, pupils are encouraged to take part in team building activities, group debates, discussion and personal reflection.