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.

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.

2019 Options Booklet – Year 8

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

Year 10

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 mberry@shenleyacademy.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.

Immersion Days

Three times a year, pupils are involved in a whole school immersion day. These days are an opportunity to engage with topics that explore and develop their personal and social wellbeing, as well as expand their understanding of what it means to be an active citizen. During these days, the normal school timetable is collapsed and we host a range of activities including workshops from external speakers and organisations, outdoor pursuits, professional tutorials and much more. The days are organised into six themes, with each college designing a curriculum for a specific year group. An overview of the activities each year will cover during their immersion day is below.