Curriculum Overview

KS3 pupils are set in Mathematics and Science. They are placed in communication groups based on their Key Stage 2 test results in English, Computing, RE, Geography and History.  These subjects follow a literacy based curriculum for some groups in Years 7 and 8.  KS3 pupils will study either French or Spanish, depending on prior learning.  They will be set broadly into ability sets and this will dictate the setting of the practical subject groups; PE, Drama, Technology, Art, Music & Dance.

KS4 pupils are set in core subjects. During Year 9, parents, pupils and teachers decide which courses pupils in Years 10 and 11 shall follow. A broad and balanced curriculum is still applied but certain course options are decided, in line with National Curriculum regulations.  Studying a language in KS4, either Spanish or French, is offered to the HA pupils.  These pupils will study a language as an additional GCSE with slightly less curriculum time being allocated to Maths and English.  We encourage all students to study either History or Geography at GCSE, but provide alternative options for those students for whom this would prove too great an academic challenge.

All KS4 pupils must study:

ENGLISH: A two year course in English Language and Literature

MATHEMATICS: A two year course equivalent to one GCSE.

SCIENCE: A two year course for Double Award Science which results in 2 x GCSEs.

At least one further EBAC subject: Either History, Geography or Computer Science.

PE is also taught as part of the core curriculum.

Pupils then have the opportunity to choose a further two GCSEs to create a personalised curriculum which matches their skills and abilities.  Subjects currently on offer are:

Music, Drama, History, Engineering, BTEC Sport, GCSE PE Food Technology, ICT, Geography, Business, Art, Health & Social Care and Computing.

There is a programme of Relationship and Sex Education throughout the school as part of the PSHE Programme and the Science curriculum.  The course takes account of pupil’s emotional and physical development and is set in the context of caring and stable relationships.

Parents, who wish to withdraw a pupil from any part of the Sex Education other than statutory requirements for the National Curriculum, must make the request in writing to the Head Teacher.

The Westwood Academy Relationships and Sex Education Policy

We offer tailored post 16 provision to meet the needs of our students by working in partnership with other schools. In this way we can ensure that a broad range of courses are available. The teaching of courses both academic and vocational is shared between staff at the schools. 

Specific entry requirements will be discussed with individual pupils. Mentoring, careers guidance and entitlement sessions are held each week, allowing the progress of each pupil to be carefully monitored, and regular discussions take place between tutors and pupils about entry to higher education, apprenticeships or employment.  In addition, our careers adviser is available in school as required. A detailed prospectus for Post-16 is published each year and is made available to those Year 11 pupils who are interested in entering the sixth form the following year.