Curriculum
Curriculum Aims - Solihull Academy Main Site Tier 3 2026/27
Our Curriculum is designed to improve outcomes for all young people in our care. Through careful assessment of both academic and pastoral needs we then develop a carefully constructed individual offer for each of our students.
Students begin their journey with us in our Gateway Centre where they participate in a range of baselining activities, both academic and pastoral, as well as engaging in lessons with dedicated staff. As part of the Gateway Mentoring students participate in meaningful conversations about their goals and aspirations. These conversations support students to visualise meaningful success and recognise the steps needed to achieve their personal objectives.
Once we have developed positive working relationships with our students we are then able to construct their timetable – blending academic aspiration, enrichment and personal development, alongside a bespoke programme of interventions to support individual needs.
Curriculum Pathways
The academic curriculum in all pathways consists of daily English and Maths lessons to ensure students have the literacy and numeracy skills essential for long term success.
PSHE is a key component of our offer. We recognise the complex challenges faced by our young people and students have lessons twice a week which cover the statutory curriculum as well as responding to concerns as they arise.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 Maths, English, Core PE and PSHE are complimented by option blocks with a broad range of subjects which allow us to tailor a timetable to each student – considering both their academic ability and their goals regarding their longer term destinations.
We offer a range of unit awards, entry level, level 1 and 2 qualifications across the curriculum – achieving these promotes self belief and supports students to secure positive post 16 placements.
Key Stage 3 - Pathfinder
Students in years 7 and 8 are taught by a small team of staff who teach a thematic curriculum which also incorporates journalling, self awareness and the pursuit of ‘passion projects’ to develop rounded individuals. This is a short stay provision where students may be supported to return to their home school or, through careful assessment of needs, we may work with families and schools to identify where these students can be most successful for the next stage of their education.
Year 9 - Main Site
In year 9 the curriculum aims to build student confidence through bespoke teaching and the achievement of entry level qualifications. Students study Maths, English, PSHE and Core PE. They also have Our World lessons where they explore Science and Humanities. They also study Art and Music.
Nurture Curriculum - Phoenix
The Phoenix Classes receive the same curriculum offer as elsewhere in school. This pathway is for students who benefit from working closely with a smaller group of staff who teach them in their home classroom. Boxall profiling and nurture sessions support these students to grow their confidence and self esteem.
Mercury Centre
All students taught within the Mercury centre have an EHCP for SEMH needs. The curriculum offer is selected from the suite of courses available elsewhere in school in response to individual needs. The Mercury centre teach students in smaller groups in a separate environment allowing students to form strong, positive relationships with staff. Students and families are supported by the SENDCO and the Mercury team to secure post 16 destinations that meet the needs identified by their EHCPs.
Please see below our Pathways Overview for the academic year 2026/2027Pathways Overview 2026 - 2027