Curriculum Overview

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  
— Nelson Mandela  

At Skinners’ Academy we believe that every pupil, regardless of their background, deserves to have access to, study and discuss the best that humanity has created. Our curriculum is unashamedly ambitious and academically rigorous, built upon the core idea of powerful knowledge; knowledge that pupils would be unlikely to encounter outside school, and that is central to their understanding of each subject that they study, but also the world around them. This knowledge gives our pupils power to meaningfully engage with the biggest and most challenging questions facing society and therefore go on to become people who can change the world.  

We believe that each subject should be studied on its own terms because each one represents a unique discipline. The curriculum is therefore meticulously crafted by subject experts, giving pupils both the depth and breadth to develop subject expertise.  It is our hope that this will inspire pupils to be curious about the subjects they study. 

Key Stage 3 

At Key Stage 3 we have developed a broad and ambitious curriculum for our students focused on developing the most powerful knowledge and skills required to become experts in each of the subjects they study. We also provide extensive support for pupils for reading and literacy, as well as subject specific support through after school catch up sessions. We believe by maintaining high academic standards and providing bespoke support, pupils will flourish and therefore achieve outstanding outcomes 

All students study the core curriculum in English, mathematics and science.

Pupils will also study: 

Art - Computing - Design Technology - Drama - Food Technology - Modern Foreign Languages – French or Spanish - Geography -History - Religious Education - Sociology - Psychology - Music - Physical Education - Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education 

Key Stage 4 

All students study GCSEs in English language, English literature, mathematics, science, and Religious Studies or Citizenship, History or Geography, and have PE as part of their timetable. A broad range of academic and vocational subjects are offered to students in Key Stage 4, with a combination of setting and mixed-ability groupings.  

All pupils study either Religious Studies or Citizenship as an early entry GCSE which they will start in Year 9 and complete in Year 10. This is a valuable opportunity to experience undertaking a GCSE before the rest of their exams in Year 11. Pupils are also encouraged to and supported with undertaking additiaonl GCSEs in any home languages. 

Pupils will also have the opportunity to study a combination of: 

French - Spanish - Art - Business Studies - Economics - Music - Hospitality and Catering - Design Technology - PE - BTEC Business - BTEC Sport - BTEC Information Technology  

For further information, please review the guide below.

GCSE Course Guide

Early Entry GCSE

Right to Withdraw Your Child From Religious Education

In line with section 71(1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child wholly or partly, from receiving religious education (RE) given in the school in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum.

If you have any further questions about the content of the curriculum in religious studies, please contact the Academy and request a meeting with the subject leader. 

Should you wish to withdraw your child from RE, you do not need to provide a reason for this, however please put this in writing when contacting the school.