Fundamental Ideas Curriculum
At The Wells Academy, we advocate a curriculum that is ambitious, inclusive and knowledge rich. These principles guide the design and implementation of our Fundamental Ideas curriculum.
Ambitious
We believe our curriculum should be unapologetically ambitious so students may achieve the highest possible levels of academic achievement. We set high expectations for all students and provide them with the resources and support they need to reach their goals. We teach our ambitious curriculum explicitly through our academy identified Fundamental Ideas, so students may confidently grasp challenging content and ideas.
Inclusive
We believe in a curriculum that is inclusive in terms of what is taught and how we teach it.
- Content: we celebrate difference and champion diversity. We believe our curriculum should reflect and celebrate the diversity of our academy community and the world beyond us.
- Design: we believe all students, regardless of their starting point, are entitled to the same ambitious curriculum. This means that our curriculum is designed to be accessible to all students. The implementation of the curriculum may vary to ensure that all students may access it.
- Reading: we view reading as the gateway to the curriculum. Reading is prioritised within each curriculum area. Students are provided with individualised reading support to ensure that they may access the curriculum fully.
Knowledge rich
A knowledge rich curriculum is one that prioritises the acquisition of knowledge and facts and where knowledge is taught as an end in itself.
We believe that knowledge is power which is why our curriculum is based around clear Fundamental Ideas. Every student, regardless of their background, deserves to learn about ‘the best that has been thought and said’. We view the curriculum as a vehicle for social justice and believe students deserve to have a deep and broad understanding of the world around them.
In Years 7 – 9, students access a broad curriculum comprising the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Religious Education
- French
- Physical Education
- Music
- Art
- Drama
- Technology
- Personal Development
- IT
In Years 10 and 11, all students study:
- GCSE English Language
- GCSE English Literature
- GCSE Maths
- GCSE Sciences
- Core Physical Education
Then also choose 3 options from a range of courses, including:
- Art and Design
- Drama
- French
- Geography
- Health and Social Care
- History
- Hospitality and Catering
- Media
- Music
- Religious Studies
- Separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Sports Science
Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)
We respect the rights of parents and carers regarding their child’s education. Under current legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This includes activities related to Religious Education that do not form part of the statutory National Curriculum.
If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the school in writing, detailing whether you are withdrawing your child from all or specific parts of the RE curriculum. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide further information to help you make an informed decision.