At Alec Reed Academy, our curriculum is designed to enable all pupils to excel and grow as: 

Successful Learners

• Pupils who enjoy learning, make excellent progress, and achieve their full potential.
• Learners who think critically, work independently, and engage with scholarship effectively.

Confident Individuals

• Young people who lead safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives while demonstrating the ability to inspire and lead others.

Responsible Citizens

• Individuals who positively contribute to society, using their talents for the benefit of both themselves and others.

Our goal is to cultivate independent thinkers and lifelong learners who adapt their knowledge and skills to solve problems, ask meaningful questions, and articulate innovative solutions. We aim to foster a love of learning and ensure every pupil’s needs are met through a challenging, inclusive, and evolving curriculum.

Our curriculum is regularly reviewed to balance academic rigor with personalisation. We promote strength in traditional academic subjects while providing opportunities to develop practical skills, resilience, and self-discipline.

Curriculum Structure

Core Focus and Flexibility

• Enhanced curriculum time is dedicated to English, Maths, and Science in Key Stages 3 and 4, recognising the importance of these subjects for future success.
• A wide range of academic and vocational courses ensures we meet the needs, strengths, and aspirations of all pupils.
• Pupils with additional learning needs, including SEND, receive tailored support through individual or small-group activities.

Key Stages Overview

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8)

• Pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum, including English, Maths, Science, Languages, Geography, History, PE, Music, Drama, Art, Design & Technology, Computing, RS, and PSHE.
• Core literacy skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—are prioritised with interventions where necessary.
• Ability setting in English, Maths, and Science from Year 7 ensures both tailored support and academic challenge.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9–11)

• Strong emphasis on core academic subjects: English, Maths, Science, Languages, and Humanities.
• A flexible, personalised curriculum ensures pupils are placed on pathways suited to their strengths and aspirations.
• Core GCSE subjects include English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, and PE, supplemented by optional courses such as:
  • GCSEs: French, Spanish, History, Geography, Business Studies, Computer Science, Art & Design, Art Graphics, Art Textiles, Drama, Music, RS, Photography and Product Design.
  • Vocational courses: BTEC Level 2 qualifications in Sports Science, Travel & Tourism, and Health & Social Care.
• Pupils studying a language must also select either History or Geography as part of their options. Opportunities are available to gain qualifications in diverse community languages.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13)

• Sixth Form students follow academic and vocational pathways, with tailored provision to suit individual goals.
• Academic Level 3 (A-level) subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Mathematics, Geography, History, Philosophy & Ethics, Psychology, Sociology, Business Studies, Economics, Art & Design and Product Design.
• Vocational Level 3 courses include Applied Science, Business Studies, Health & Social Care, Drama, Music Technology, ICT, Sports Science and Travel & Tourism.
• GCSE English and Mathematics retake options are available for students who require them.

Drop Down Days

All key stages participate in six Drop Down Days per academic year. These sessions focus on PSHE, encouraging pupils to apply their skills in new contexts, build resilience, and develop self-discipline. Drop Down Days reinforce British values such as tolerance and mutual respect while complementing the wider curriculum.