About the Academy
The Curriculum
The philosophy of the academy is that each pupil is entitled to a curriculum that prepares him or her for life's opportunities, responsibilities and experiences. This philosophy is maintained not only within the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum but also the school's broader curricular provision.
In Years 7 and 8 pupils follow a largely common curriculum. In Years 9, 10 and 11 a more flexible curriculum with a significant amount of choice enables the school to meet the particular needs of each individual pupil. At post 16 there is a diverse range of ‘A’ level subjects to select from or BTEC Level 3 courses delivered by our sister academy, Tudor Grange Academy Worcester.
Key Stage 3
All pupils in the first two years study English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Art, Music, Physical Education, French/German/Spanish, Religious Education, Healthy Lifestyles and Skills Action Service (SAS).
During Year 8 full consultation takes place between staff, pupils and parents concerning which subjects pupils will study in Years 9, 10 and 11 enabling most the opportunity to achieve the EBacc. In year 9 pupils begin one option choice of study from our Creative Arts block.
Key Stage 4
Our curriculum at Key Stage 4 is designed to give pupils every opportunity to achieve their full potential and to maximise the choices available at Post-16.
Pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 study English, English Literature, Science, Mathematics, History or Geography, a language, a Creative Art, Religious Studies, Physical Education and SAS. For a small group of pupils an alternative curriculum is available.
In year 9 pupils chose at least another 3 options from a wider curriculum offer.
The curriculum is organised to ensure a pupil’s entitlement to PSHE which includes information, advice and guidance to post-16 opportunities and apprenticeships, careers, anti-bullying, relationships and economic well-being. This is delivered through collapsed half days and pupils are taken off timetable. All Year 10 pupils engage in work experience during the summer term.
Key Stage 5
The Post-16 curriculum at Tudor Grange Academy Solihull is designed to prepare students for both university and the world of work. Each student has their own specific goal and ambition and we ensure that a personalised curriculum meets their individual needs. Information, advice and guidance is provided from a range of stakeholders, including speakers from business, medicine, law and local universities. All students participate in an enrichment programme, the SAS programme or extended work experience.
Teaching and Learning
For most teaching and learning purposes pupils are divided into two parallel (not ability) bands. The pupils in each band are divided into teaching groups, the size of which vary in different subjects, for example, some practical lessons have smaller groups than non-practical lessons.
Organisation of teaching groups within a band varies between different subjects. In some, such as mathematics, pupils are organised in groups according to ability. In other subjects, such as RE, it is felt that mixed ability groups are better. The academy believes that each pupil has individual strengths, abilities and aptitudes and this is recognised by all teachers and all departments.
School Organisation
The school is organised into 5 colleges and each member of the leadership team is a College Leader. The colleges are:
Darwin - Humanities – Geography, History, RE
Newton - Mathematics, ICT & Business
Brunel - Science and Technology
Morse - English and Modern Foreign Languages
Da Vinci - Sport and the Arts
Each College Leader is responsible for the academic and pastoral welfare of the pupils within the college. All tutor groups are organised vertically and all teaching staff are tutors, so tutor groups are an average size of 18. In essence, each college operates as a small school.