Curriculum

We deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum which teaches a depth and breadth of ambitious, broad and diverse knowledge. It is every child’s right, regardless of their academic ability or prior attainment, to access this powerful knowledge: it ensures they are not only able to perform well in public examinations but develop the disciplinary knowledge and cultural capital necessary to successfully navigate and interrogate the future world they will encounter. For staff at Gracewood Academy, this is a matter of social justice. Our teachers work within a wider network of Future Academies school to share best practice and benefit from excellent curriculum. We know that ensuring young people leaving us with excellent academic results opens doors for them. However, we also develop students with content of character and the knowledge to excel beyond our doors. 

Curriculum leaders constantly review and improve curricular choices by engaging in regular debate on ‘what’ to teach before considering ‘how ‘to teach it. We acknowledge that the curriculum is alive and needs nurturing, it is not a list of content but a canon that must be considered and amended constantly to ensure we teach the best that has been thought, said or written. Leaders set an ambitious intent for curriculum as we know that ‘powerful’ knowledge’, which is specialised and takes its authority from leading academic institutions, gives students power in life.

Curriculum Structure

YEAR 7, 8, 9 (KEY STAGE 3): All students study all subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning on offer across a range of subjects that explore the best of what has been said and thought about that subject: 

• English Literature, Language
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Geography
• French (Spanish September 2026)
• Latin
• Citizenship and Religious Education
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• Food Technology
• Design and Technology 
• Physical Education

Year 10 & 11 (Key Stage 4)

These are the core subjects that all students at Gracewood Academy study and receive a GCSE qualification for:

• English Language GCSE
• English Literature GCSE
• Mathematics GCSE
• Science (Combined – two GCSEs, or Triple – separate Biology, Chemistry, Physics GCSEs)
• Citizenship GCSE

The following subjects are the core subjects that all students study and participate in either through formal lessons or form time/assemblies/drop down days or within some of their Citizenship lessons but do not necessarily lead to a formal externally recognised qualification:

• Core Physical Education
• Statutory PSHE/Sex and Relationships education
• Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

Optional Qualification Subjects

Students will study three additional subjects towards a formal externally recognised BTEC or GCSE qualification from the following. Subjects can include:

GCSE Art                                                                                                             

GCSE Business Studies   

GCSE Computer Science                               

GCSE Design and Technology                                     

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition                     

GCSE French                                                                                       

GCSE Geography                                                                             

GCSE History

GCSE Latin

GCSE Music

BTEC Performing Arts – Drama

BTEC Sport

GCSE Triple Science

Citizenship, PSHE and Religious Studies

Our Citizenship, PSHE and Religious Studies curriculum is designed as a spiral curriculum, where key themes are revisited and developed in increasing depth from Year 7 to Year 11. Students build knowledge progressively, moving from personal awareness and foundational understanding to more complex legal, political, ethical and social analysis. Content is age-appropriate and informed by national PSHE guidance, statutory Citizenship requirements and Religious Studies frameworks. The curriculum is also responsive to safeguarding priorities and emerging local and national issues, ensuring that learning remains relevant, protective and empowering.

Through three complementary strands, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), Citizenship, and Religious Studies,  students develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to thrive. PSHE supports personal development, health, relationships, wellbeing and preparation for adult life. Citizenship develops understanding of democracy, law, justice, rights and responsibilities. Religious Studies encourages critical thinking about beliefs, identity, morality and worldviews, promoting respect and cultural understanding. These strands are reinforced through lessons, assemblies and themed events across the school year.