Curriculum By Subject
At Holbrook Academy, our curriculum is carefully designed to provide all students with a broad, balanced, and ambitious education. Organised by subject, our curriculum ensures clear progression in knowledge, skills, and understanding from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 4 and beyond.
Each subject area is underpinned by the National Curriculum and enriched with opportunities to develop literacy, numeracy, and character. Our teachers deliver subject-specialist learning that is inclusive, adaptive, and responsive to individual needs, enabling every student to access, engage with, and succeed in their learning.
Across all subjects, we place strong emphasis on personal development, critical thinking, and real-world application, preparing our students with the confidence, qualifications, and skills they need for future education, employment, and life.
Art
Art plays a valuable role in the school life of all students at Holbrook Academy. We seek to motivate our students to unlock their highest potential as creative independent individuals. The art room is a safe space for students to express themselves, find a sense of wellbeing and see their own value as well as gaining a range of transferable skills. Art is essential for developing critical thinking and personal expression and the curriculum is carefully planned to give every student the skills and confidence to succeed.
Child Development
Child Development plays an important role in preparing students for future pathways at Holbrook Academy. Through engaging, practical learning, students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for real-world care settings. Lessons use case studies, role-play and hands-on activities to reflect professional practice, with a strong focus on reflective learning. Safeguarding, person-centred care and holistic development underpin the curriculum, supporting both professional competence and personal responsibility.
Child Development Learning Journey
Child Development Curriculum Map
Computer Science
The department aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge in computer science and digital technologies needed for a future where technology is fully embedded. We seek to inspire a deeper understanding beyond the interface, fostering a love of learning and limitless potential in programming and IT. Through computational thinking, students develop essential problem-solving skills, while learning to work safely online so that digital responsibility becomes second nature.
Computer Science Learning Journey
Computer Science Curriculum Map
Design and Technology
Design and Technology develops creative, practical and problem-solving learners at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum encourages students to design, make and evaluate products that respond to real-world needs, building skills in creativity, technical understanding and safe working practices. Through a balance of theory and hands-on making, students reflect on their ideas and refine their work. Design and Technology equips students with transferable skills in innovation, Creativity and critical thinking, preparing them for further study and future pathways.
Design and Technology Learning Journey
Design and Technology Curriculum Map
Drama
Drama plays a vital role in developing confident, expressive and creative individuals at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum is designed to inspire a love of performance while building communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills. Through practical exploration, performance and reflection, students develop self-confidence and empathy, learning to understand different perspectives and experiences. Drama provides a safe and supportive space for students to take creative risks, solve problems and reflect on their own development, equipping them with transferable skills that support success both within school and beyond.
Performing Arts Curriculum Plan
English
English plays a central role in developing confident, articulate and culturally aware learners at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum is carefully sequenced over five years to build key GCSE skills through the study of diverse and increasingly challenging texts. Through discussion, reflection and contextual study, students develop critical thinking, empathy and communication skills essential for future education, employment and participation in society.
Enhanced Learning
Enhanced Learning plays a vital role in supporting students to build confidence and secure essential skills in English and maths. The programme is designed to close gaps in understanding through targeted, personalised support that responds to individual learning needs. By revisiting key concepts, reinforcing foundational knowledge and developing effective learning strategies, students are empowered to make sustained progress. Enhanced Learning helps students gain confidence, independence and resilience, equipping them with the core literacy and numeracy skills required for success across the curriculum and beyond.
Enhance Learning Maths Learning Journey
Enhance Learning English Learning Journey
Enhance Learning Curriculum Map
Food Technology
Food Technology develops practical, creative and independent learners at Holbrook Academy. Students gain the skills to plan, prepare and cook nutritious dishes while understanding food science, safety and sustainability. Through hands-on tasks and reflective learning, they evaluate their work and make informed choices. The subject fosters creativity, confidence and essential life skills, preparing students for success both in daily life and future pathways.
Food Technology Learning JourneyFood Technology Curriculum Map
Geography
The department uses a clear, enquiry-based approach to teaching Geography. Lessons focus on exploring places, asking questions, and helping students remember key ideas through visuals and regular practice. The curriculum is carefully planned so that students build knowledge and skills step by step. They start with the basics in Year 7 and gradually progress to more complex ideas by Year 9 and GCSE, making sure they have the knowledge they need before tackling new challenges.
Health and Social
Health and Social Care prepares students for real-world care settings through case studies, role-play and practical tasks. Lessons emphasise reflective learning, safeguarding, person-centred care and holistic development. Students study R033: Supporting Individuals Through Life Events, R032: Principles of Care and R034: Creative and Therapeutic Activities, combining coursework, mock exams and final assessment. The curriculum balances theory, practical skills and exam preparation, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Health and Social Care Learning Journey
Health and Social Care Curriculum Map
History
History at Holbrook Academy is taught through a clear chronological approach, helping students understand how events, ideas and societies develop over time. Studying history in sequence allows key concepts and themes to build logically, supporting deeper understanding as students progress through the curriculum. Units of work and assessments introduce a wide range of historical skills, including analysis, evaluation and interpretation. Regular reflection on assessment outcomes enables students to set targets and track their progress, fostering independence, confidence and a strong sense of historical understanding.
History Learning Curriculum Map
Life Skills
Life Skills plays an essential role in preparing students for independence and adulthood at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum develops practical knowledge and personal skills that support wellbeing, safety and responsible decision-making. Through discussion, case study and reflection, students learn to manage relationships, responsibility and personal health. Life Skills empowers students to become confident, resilient and informed individuals, equipped to navigate everyday challenges and participate positively in society.
Maths
The Holbrook Academy Mathematics curriculum is designed to foster students who are tolerant, confident, kind, resilient, and determined. Our pedagogical approach is rooted in the belief that mathematics should be engaging, relevant and challenging for all students and provide both a solid foundation and opportunities for advanced study.
Music
Music plays an important role in developing confident, creative and expressive learners at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum enables students to explore performance, composition and listening while building musical understanding and technical skills. Through practical music-making and reflection, students develop teamwork, discipline and creativity. Music encourages self-expression and appreciation of different cultures, equipping students with transferable skills that support wellbeing, confidence and performance.
PE
Physical Education plays a vital role in promoting healthy, active lifestyles at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum develops physical competence, teamwork and resilience through a wide range of activities. Students learn the importance of fitness, fair play and perseverance while building confidence and self-discipline. Physical Education supports both physical and mental wellbeing, equipping students with the skills and attitudes needed for lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
Religious Studies
Religious Studies plays an important role in developing thoughtful, respectful and culturally aware learners at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum provides rich opportunities for discussion and reflection, helping students to broaden their cultural understanding. Through the study of religious, philosophical and ethical issues, students explore how beliefs and values shape modern society. By examining contemporary issues such as war and peace, poverty, climate change and ethical debates, students develop critical thinking, empathy and the skills needed to engage confidently with the world around them.
Religious Studies Learning Journey
Religious Studies Curriculum Map
Science
Science plays a vital role in developing curious, analytical and informed learners at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum builds secure knowledge and practical skills through investigation, enquiry and scientific thinking. Students explore key concepts across biology, chemistry and physics, developing problem-solving and analytical skills. Through practical work and reflection, Science encourages curiosity and understanding of the natural world, preparing students for further study, future careers and informed participation in society.
Sociology
Sociology plays an important role in helping students understand society and their place within it at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum develops students’ sociological imagination by exploring how social structures, institutions and behaviours shape everyday life. Through the study of topics such as education, families, crime and deviance, and social stratification, students examine issues of inequality, power and the experiences of different social groups. Sociology develops analytical thinking, evaluation and communication skills, enabling students to construct reasoned arguments, make informed judgements and engage critically with the social world.
Spanish
Spanish plays a vital role in developing confident, communicative and culturally aware learners at Holbrook Academy. The curriculum builds listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through engaging, practical tasks that reflect real-world communication. Students explore Spanish language and culture, developing understanding of grammar, vocabulary and expression while gaining an appreciation of global perspectives. Spanish fosters independence, confidence and communication skills, equipping students to engage successfully with other languages, cultures and future opportunities.
