Our goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential. We want them to be passionate about their learning and creative in their thinking.
Students will experience a broad and balanced curriculum during their five years at Redhill Academy, which exposes them to the finest examples of humanities speakers, thinkers, and creators, showcasing outstanding accomplishments from across the globe. As a former Performing Arts College, we emphasise art, dance, drama, and music, with many students studying these subjects at GCSE and beyond.
We are also proud of our extra-curricular offer. We actively encourage students to seize all enrichment opportunities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and our international trips and visits programme via the Pledge System. As a result, our curriculum enables all students to challenge themselves and realise their true potential.
Our Pledge System activity promotes student engagement within the broader aspects of school life, whether the vast array of extra-curricular activities, inter-house events, trips at home and abroad or collaborative learning and volunteering.
A key reason our students have been successful at GCSE and A-Level over the last decade has been our relentless focus on teaching and learning. More recently, our work on extended writing, literacy, memory, and recall has aided the continued success of our students.
For more information on how we make our curriculum accessible for those with disabilities or special educational needs, please see our SEN Report, SEN Policy, and Equality Statement.
Years 7 to 9
During the first three years of their learning journey, all students are taught a broad and balanced curriculum which consists of the following each week:
CURRICULUM TIMETABLE
| Subject | Curriculum Time (per week) |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Science | 3 |
| Art | 1 |
| Computer Science | 1 |
| Dance | 1 |
| Design and Technology | 2 |
| Drama | 1 |
| Geography | 1.5 |
| History | 1.5 |
| Modern Foreign Languages - French/German | 2 |
| Music | 1 |
| Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education | Tutorial sessions |
| Physical Education | 2 |
| Religious Studies | 1 |
All lessons are one hour in length and there are 25 lessons per week.
The Faculty Leader in each area will ensure that the full National Curriculum has been covered.
The senior leader for curriculum will annually review the range of subjects offered, to ensure they remain appropriate.
The development of literacy is at the forefront of our curriculum, with considerable emphasis placed on DEAR Time (Drop Everything And Read), oracy and extended writing. We also offer a tailored package of support for those students who did not make the expected literacy standards at primary school.
During Year 9 students are required to pick their options subjects. This process requires them to meet with a senior leader in order to review their prior attainment and discuss career aspirations. A follow-up meeting with our Careers Advisor is also arranged for students who require additional support. We offer three ‘guided’ pathways, all of which make it possible to study the EBacc suite of courses. Throughout the Year 9 options process, all students are encouraged to make ambitious and logical choices.
Years 10 & 11: The Examination Years
It is essential to maintain students’ academic range at GCSE, providing scope for the development of knowledge and understanding across a wide range of subjects.
We offer a broad range of academic qualifications supported by several vocational options. We aim for these courses to stretch and challenge our students, deepening their understanding and providing them with the resources they need to succeed in a competitive labour market.
OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
- Art (GCSE)
- Business Studies (GCSE)
- Computer Science (GCSE)
- Creative iMedia (Cambridge Nationals)
- Dance (GCSE)
- Design & Technology (GCSE)
- Drama (GCSE)
- Food Preparation & Nutrition (GCSE)
- French (GCSE)
- Geography (GCSE)
- German (GCSE)
- Health & Social Care (BTEC)
- History (GCSE)
- Music (GCSE)
- Physical Education (GCSE)
- Religious Studies (GCSE)
- Triple Science (GCSE)
During these years all students continue to study:
CURRICULUM TIMETABLE
| Subject | Year 10 (hours per week) | Year 11 (hours per week) |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | 4 |
| Maths | 4 | 3 |
| Science | 5 | 5 |
| Choice 1 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Choice 2 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Choice 3 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Choice 4 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Physical Education | 1 | 1 |
| Religious Studies | 1 | |
| PSHE | Tutorial | Tutorial |
All students in Years 9 and 10 study an accredited short course RE qualification.
During years 10 and 11, the courses are carefully planned to ensure that we frequently revisit content which undoubtedly prepares our students well for the summer examinations.
Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education
We are entirely committed to improving the life chances and aspirations of our students. We do this by ensuring that all students, regardless of their starting point or background, have access to a broader curriculum that provides numerous opportunities in sports, performing arts, the world of work and volunteering. In addition, our extensive enrichment programme supports the development of students into well-rounded and valuable citizens.
Our PSHE and RSE programmes provide emphasis on developing the whole child, and the Redhill DRIVE values – Democracy, Responsibility, Independence, Value and Equality underpin this. These closely correlate with the Fundamental British Values of Democracy, the Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Tolerance and Respect. Students learn how to keep themselves and others healthy during tutorial sessions and assemblies, with topics such as first aid, mental health awareness, and online safety featuring prominently.
We carefully select all topics within the PSHE and RSE curriculum to encourage student awareness and understanding of the nine protected characteristics set out in The Equalities Act 2010.
Assessment
All students receive a target grade based on their KS2 SATs and CAT data. In addition, regular, low-stakes testing ensures we can quickly identify and address any gaps in student knowledge.
Parents receive reports twice a year. These reports indicate student progress towards their target grade and indicate their behaviour and attitude towards learning.
To find out more information about our school’s curriculum please email admin@theredhillacademy.org.uk
Curriculum Overview
Please open the "Curriculum Overview 2023" document below for more information.