Curriculum
Religious Education: At the Heart of Our Curriculum
At Sacred Heart, Religious Education (RE) is at the very heart of our curriculum and school life. As a Catholic school, we believe that education is about the formation of the whole person: academic, spiritual, moral and social. RE plays a unique role in helping our students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationship with God, and their responsibility to others.
Religious Education is a rigorous academic subject that encourages students to engage with life's big questions, explore theological and philosophical ideas, and develop critical thinking, reflection and respectful dialogue. Through the study of Scripture, Catholic teaching, ethics and world religions, students gain the knowledge and skills to understand faith in both historical and contemporary contexts.
The centrality of RE reflects our mission to place Christ at the centre of everything we do. The values and principles explored in RE underpin all aspects of school life, shaping our approach to learning, relationships, service and personal development. Through RE, students are encouraged to recognise the dignity of every person, promote the common good, and become compassionate, informed and responsible citizens.
Curriculum for Specific Subjects and Years
The curriculum for every year for every subject is shown below. If you still need further clarification please email the relevant department using the head of department email addresses provided on our Contact Us page. Our Accessibility Plan sets out how we increase the extent to which disabled pupils participate in the school’s curriculum.
Key Stage 3
You can read more about the Key Stage 3 Curriculum for each subject using these links
The school additionally has a Music Development Plan for 2024-25 which covers all key stages.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE) & Options Guide
Curriculum information for each of the GCSE subjects listed below can be found in our detailed GCSE Options Guide 2026. Each subject is listed in the contents page.
All students study:
| English Language | Biology |
| English Literature | Physics |
| Mathematics | Chemistry |
| Religious Education | (or alternatively Combined Science) |
| French or Spanish |
Students also choose to carry on up to three subjects from the following options:
| Art | Business Studies | History |
| Design & Technology | Drama | Geography |
| Computer Science | French | Physical Education |
| Music | Spanish |
There is sufficient flexibility of choice to meet individual interests, thus maintaining all important breadth and interest.
Key Stage 5 (A-Levels and Vocational Courses)
Curriculum information for each of our sixth form subjects listed below can be found in our detailed Sixth Form Course Guide 2026.
| Art & Design A-Level | Biology A-Level | Geography A-Level | |
| Product Design A-Level | Chemistry A-Level | History A-Level | |
| Drama & Theatre Studies A-Level | Physics A-Level | Politics A-Level | |
| English Literature A-Level |
|
Classical Civilisation A-Level | |
| Physical Education A-Level | Sociology A-Level | Music A-Level | |
| Religious Studies A-Level |
|
Further Maths A-Level | |
| Psychology A-Level | French A-Level | Computer Science A-Level | |
| Business A-Level | Spanish A-Level | CTEC Digital Media Extended Cert. | |
| Business Studies BTEC Level 3 Extended Cert. | Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma | ||
| Applied Science BTEC Level 3 Extended Cert. | |||