Wey Valley Academy

Curriculum Aims

At Wey Valley Academy, we deliver a broad and balanced curriculum designed to provide opportunity, build knowledge, and prepare students for success both in education and in life. Our curriculum is rigorous and academically focused, developing strong subject knowledge alongside the skills students need to become resilient, independent learners.

As a Rights Respecting School, the principles of children’s rights underpin everything we do. We teach about rights, through rights, and for rights, ensuring students understand their role as responsible and respectful members of society. At the heart of our work is Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – the right to an education. This right shapes our expectations, our curriculum, and our commitment to ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning.

A Knowledge-Rich Curriculum

Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that students gain powerful knowledge across a range of subjects while developing the ability to think critically and apply what they learn. We aim to inspire a love of learning, ensuring students leave Wey Valley with the knowledge, qualifications, and confidence needed to succeed.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum (Years 7–9) builds upon knowledge and skills developed in primary school and prepares students for the academic challenge of GCSE study. At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) students follow a broad range of qualifications. Alongside core subjects such as English, mathematics and science, students can choose from a range of options that reflect their interests, strengths and ambitions.

A Reading School

Reading is central to learning at Wey Valley. We recognise that literacy is the single most powerful tool for social mobility and academic success. GCSE examinations require students to read and comprehend texts written for adults, so developing strong reading skills is essential.

Students read for 30 minutes every day during tutor time. Through our reading strategy, we aim not only to improve comprehension and vocabulary, but also to foster imagination, empathy and curiosity about the world.

Tutor Programme and Character Education

Each morning begins with tutor time, which plays a key role in preparing students for the day ahead. Our tutor programme includes:

  • Character education, built around the Wey Valley values of Respect, Resilience and Ambition
  • Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education
  • Learning about rights and responsibilities as part of our Rights Respecting ethos
  • Ready to Learn and How to Learn sessions that help students develop effective study habits and make the most of their lessons

This ensures students begin the day focused, prepared and ready to learn.

Equity Through Curriculum Design

At Wey Valley we deliver a bookletised curriculum, meaning students work from carefully designed booklets that contain key knowledge, activities and resources. This approach ensures:

  • Equity and equal access to high-quality learning materials
  • Students spend time thinking and engaging with knowledge, rather than copying information
  • Lessons focus on deep learning and understanding
  • Our teachers focus their time on planning excellent instruction and reflecting on how best to deliver knowledge to their classes.

Effective Teaching

Lessons at Wey Valley are typically structured around three key stages:

  • I Teach - the teacher introduces and explains new knowledge
  • We Check -teachers check understanding and clarify misconceptions
  • You Do – students practise independently to build confidence and mastery

This approach helps students develop the knowledge, understanding and independence needed for long-term success.

Preparing Students for Life

Beyond academic success, our curriculum ensures students develop the skills and experiences needed for life beyond school. Through subjects such as physical education, technology, computing, performing arts, philosophy and ethics, languages and PSHE, students learn about health, wellbeing and practical life skills.

We also provide a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, allowing students to pursue their interests, discover new passions and develop as well-rounded individuals.

High Expectations for All

Our high expectations are evident in everything we do. We believe every student can succeed, and our curriculum is designed to ensure all students develop strong knowledge, positive character and improved life chances.

At Wey Valley, we are committed to ensuring that every student can learn, succeed and thrive.