The overarching goal of the curriculum at Castle Mead Academy is to give all scholars access to the best which has been thought, said, written and created in every field of human endeavour.

The curriculum has a particular focus on English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, namely English, Mathematics, Science, the Humanities and Languages. It is our aim that scholars leave Castle Mead Academy as articulate, resilient, critical individuals who excel academically, in the arts, languages and on the sporting field. Our scholars will enjoy the riches of an ambitious curriculum and be ‘heirs of all that has gone before’, inheriting all of the rich knowledge from the past to better shape the future.

Castle Mead Academy is predicated on the development of expertise. Our staff are challenged and coached to become ‘experts’. Likewise, our scholars are taught to be experts in each of their fields: to speak like a scholar, to read like a historian, to draw like an artist etc. We recognise that the best way to become an expert is through practice – very deliberate practice. We consider mastery, and strive for automaticity.

The scholars’ spiritual, moral and ethical development is addressed through the formal curriculum in a number of subjects, including religious education lessons. It also occurs informally through assemblies, numerous extra-curricular activities, residential experiences and in other intangible ways which permeate the ethos of the academy.

Castle Mead Academy has a full and well established PSHE programme which is delivered to all scholars by their own tutors as part of the tutor/PSHE programme. It is also delivered by outside providers who have specialisms in required areas. Scholars are therefore prepared for their roles as citizens. All scholars receive careers advice and have the benefit of taking part in leadership activities as well as work related and enterprise opportunities.

Courses of study

Years 7, 8 and 9: English (including Grammar), Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Education, Art, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama, Music, Physical Education, Reading for Pleasure and PSHE.

Physical Education includes a wide range of activities including, football, hockey, handball, cricket, netball, tennis, orienteering, health and fitness, gymnastics, basketball, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, dodgeball, athletics, rounders, softball. Also, dance is taught to scholars at KS3.

Year 10 and 11:  Scholars study English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), a Modern Language, Religious Education and Physical Education. They may also choose additional subjects from a broad range including Geography and/or History, Business Studies, Computing, Art, Photography, Drama, Dance, Music, Sport, Product Design, Textiles, Food and Nutrition.

To discuss any of the subjects on our curriculum in more detail, please use this link for details of our Curriculum Leaders.