A Welcome message from our Principal.
Welcome parents and students to your very own TQEA transition page. You will find information about the different areas of school life and our curriculum.
Please check back for any updates, as well as following our social media pages where possible (@TQEA_Principal twitter feed and TQEA – the Queen Elizabeth Academy facebook group) for details of events.
We look forward to welcoming you to our academy.
– TQEA-The Queen Elizabeth Academy
@TQEA_Principal
Or scan this QR code to visit the Schoolwear Centre website or to book your appointment.
Transition Events
8 & 9 July 2026 Transition Days
All students who have been offered a place at TQEA in September are expected to attend on the day as it is a wonderful opportunity for the students to experience what life at secondary school will be like. If for any reason your child is unable to attend then please do let us know.
On the day the students will meet their new tutors, along with the other members of their tutor group. They will also take part in a range of activities and lessons before attending an awards assembly at to celebrate all of the successes of the day. Students will need to arrive for 9.00am and should make their way to the school playground through the gates next to reception. The day will finish at 2.45pm and students can be collected at this time from the same place.
We request that all students attend in their primary school uniform and bring adequate equipment with them. During their social time they will have the opportunity to purchase food from the school canteen should they wish, however they are also welcome to bring a packed lunch with them instead. Any student that is entitled to a free school meal will be provided with a snack for break time and lunch on the day.
Transition Evening
Following on from our transition day, students and parents are invited back into the academy from 5.00pm. On the evening there will be a range of speeches from key members of staff, including our Principal Mr. Neil Harding, alongside an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s new form tutor. Parents and students are asked to report to the school reception on arrival where you will be greeted by our Junior Leadership Team and directed to the relevant locations. We encourage as many parents and students as possible to attend if they can. Information about where and when to purchase uniform will also be available on this evening, along with detailed information on financial support for sourcing this.
Buddy Evening
This evening is designed for those students and their parents/carers who are joining from our smaller feeder schools. All students eligible for this will be contacted with full details of the evening. If you feel that your child has been mistakenly missed off the initial list, then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Primary School Visits
These will be taking place during the Summer term to meet your child face to face. During this visit we will be explaining the transition process and also answering any questions that your child may have. At the end of the visit, your child will be given a CHARACTER values home-school agreement and a data collection booklet. The CHARACTER values agreement outlines the expectations we have of our students whilst at TQEA and these are divided into our four key character traits; Pride, Endeavour, Resilience and Kindness. We make no apologies for the high expectations we have of our students as we know that these will allow them to be the very best
that they can be. We ask that you read through this with your child and that you both then sign the agreement. We also request that you look through the data collection booklet and complete all relevant forms to allow us to have everything in place come September. Both of these forms need to be returned to the academy by your child on the Transition Day.
SEND Transition
Rebecca Walker – Assistant Principal for Behaviour and Culture
At The Queen Elizabeth Academy, we are proud to uphold a behaviour culture that enables every student to feel safe, supported and ready to succeed. Our approach is rooted firmly in our four core values: Pride, Endeavour, Kindness and Resilience, these shape every aspect of school life.
Pride
We encourage students to take pride in themselves, their work and their school. This includes maintaining excellent standards of behaviour, wearing the academy uniform with confidence and representing TQEA positively within the community. Pride builds ambition, self-respect and a strong commitment to learning.
Endeavour
At TQEA, effort matters. We expect students to try their best in all they do: in lessons, enrichment, leadership and personal development. Endeavour helps students build strong learning habits, embrace challenge and develop a determined approach to achieving their goals.
Kindness
Kindness is the heart of our school culture. We promote a community where every student feels valued and respected. Positive relationships, empathy and support for others ensure that new students quickly feel welcomed into the TQEA family and confident in their transition to secondary school.
Resilience
We teach students to persevere, overcome setbacks and stay focused on long-term success. Resilience helps them manage challenges calmly and maturely, both in their learning and in their personal growth. This prepares them not only for secondary school but for life beyond TQEA.
A Calm and Purposeful Environment
Our consistent behaviour routines create an environment where everyone can learn without disruption. Clear expectations, shared language and teacher consistency help students understand what excellent behaviour looks like from the moment they join us.
Celebrating Positive Choices
We recognise and reward students who demonstrate our values every day. Whether through academic achievement, acts of kindness or resilience in challenges, we celebrate the successes that make our community stronger.
Working Together
We work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure every child thrives. By sharing the same high expectations and values, we support students to become confident, respectful and successful young people.
Adam Wiles – Assistant Principal for Teaching & Learning
At TQEA, lessons are calm, purposeful and inclusive. Teachers have high expectations for every pupil and work hard to make sure learning is clear, engaging and supportive. Pupils are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions and have a go, even when learning feels challenging.
Before pupils move on to independent work, teachers carefully check understanding. This often includes questioning, discussion and the use of mini-whiteboards, so pupils can show their thinking, and teachers can quickly spot who needs extra support or further challenge. This helps pupils feel confident about what they need to do and how to be successful before working on their own.
Pupils use knowledge organisers to help them learn and remember important facts, key words and ideas in each subject. These support pupils with revision, reading and independent learning, both in lessons and at home.
Reading is a vital part of learning in every subject. Pupils read regularly to build knowledge, improve vocabulary and develop confidence as readers. Pupils are also given frequent opportunities to write at length, helping them explain their thinking clearly and organise their ideas. Talk is an important part of learning too, and pupils are encouraged to share ideas, discuss their thinking and listen respectfully to others.
We believe mistakes are an important part of learning. Pupils are supported to build confidence, resilience and independence, while being kind, respectful and ready to learn. Every lesson is designed to help pupils make progress, feel successful and enjoy their learning as they grow.
Sophie Power – SENCO
At The Queen Elizabeth Academy, our SEND department is committed to ensuring that every student feels supported, confident and ready to thrive as they begin their journey into Year 7.
We understand that moving from primary to secondary school is a big step, particularly for students with additional needs. Our experienced and caring team works closely with primary schools, parents and carers to ensure a smooth and well-planned transition. This may include enhanced transition visits, personalised transition plans, opportunities to meet key staff, and clear communication to help students feel prepared and reassured.
Once students join us, we offer a range of tailored support based on individual needs. This includes in-class support, small group interventions, targeted literacy and numeracy programmes, social skills development, and pastoral support. We also work in partnership with external agencies where appropriate to ensure students receive the right support at the right time.
Above all, our aim is to build independence, confidence and resilience, enabling every student to achieve their potential and feel fully included in academy life. We value strong partnerships with families and believe that working together is key to successful outcomes for our young people.
Suzi Shepherd – Associate Assistant Principal for Character and Rewards
TQEA CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
At TQEA, we believe that education is about more than academic success—it is about developing character, compassion, and service. We encourage every student to live by our core values of Pride, Endeavour, Resilience, Kindness, and have a growth mindset. These values shape the way our students learn and interact every day
Our goal is for young people to look back on a joyful schooling experience that inspired and challenged them, prepared them for life’s ups and downs, and broadened their horizons. We are committed to providing them enriching cultural and social experiences that help every student grow in character and succeed in life.
We are thrilled to be able to share with you our offer of cultural experiences for this academic year.
All students who attend TQEA will have access to the offer and we have structured them across the years to grow and develop our students as individuals who, when they leave us in Year 11, will have not only the knowledge, but the cultural experiences and depth of character to compete with peers not only locally, but nationally and globally.
Our Curriculum
Stephanie Badham – Curriculum Leader for English
Welcome to English — a place where stories come alive, ideas matter, and imagination has no limits!
In Year 7, English isn’t just about reading books and writing essays. It’s about stepping into other worlds, uncovering hidden meanings, debating big ideas, and discovering just how powerful words can be.
Your Year 7 English Adventure – This year, you’ll meet memorable characters, face mystery and danger, and explore powerful emotions through stories that stay with you long after the lesson ends. You’ll learn how writers hook their readers, create tension, and make characters feel real — and then you’ll use those same techniques in your own writing.
You’ll develop as a creative writer, crafting strange settings, ancient objects, and eerie moments that pull your reader in. You’ll learn how to zoom in on details, shift time and place, and shape your writing with confidence.
You’ll step into the world of Shakespeare, discovering dramatic courtroom scenes, sharp dialogue, and characters who are far more complicated than they first appear. You’ll also investigate crime, clues, and suspense, learning how writers keep readers guessing right until the end.
Along the way, you’ll explore poetry from a range of voices, discovering how writers use language to express identity, challenge ideas, and make their voices heard.
By the end of the year, you won’t just be better at English — you’ll think more deeply, write more confidently, and speak more boldly. You’ll know how to explain your ideas, back them up, and write with imagination, precision and flair.
English is where your ideas matter — and where you’ll learn how to make them heard.
Suzi Shepherd – Curriculum Leader for Maths
Welcome to Year 7 Maths – where problem‑solving, curiosity and confidence grow! Starting Year 7 Maths at TQEA marks an exciting step into a more structured, challenging and rewarding journey through number, algebra, shape and statistics. Our curriculum is designed to build strong foundations, stretch thinking, and ensure every student—whether they need support, core practice, or additional challenge—can flourish. Throughout the year, students follow a carefully sequenced pathway that develops key mathematical knowledge step‑by‑step. Each topic supports long‑term understanding, resilience and confidence, preparing pupils not only for success in maths, but for the problem‑solving demands of everyday life.
Your Year 7 Maths Adventure
Mastering Number Skills – Students begin by strengthening essential number knowledge, such as:
- place value and rounding to decimal places and significant figures
- powers of 10, multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals
- negative numbers and using them confidently in context
These early units ensure every student has secure foundations for the rest of the curriculum.
Building Confidence with Calculations – Across the autumn and spring terms, students deepen their fluency with:
- written methods for multiplication and division (including decimals)
- BIDMAS and operations involving brackets, powers and roots
- fractions, decimals and percentages, including comparing, ordering and converting between them
Challenge students to explore indices laws, standard form and multi‑step calculations, while support students break concepts into smaller steps to build accuracy and confidence.
Growing into Algebra – Algebra becomes an exciting new language for students as they learn how to:
- simplify expressions and collect like terms
- substitute into expressions and formulae
- expand brackets and begin to factorise
- solve one‑step and two‑step equations, developing into equations with brackets for challenge groups
By the end of the year, students begin identifying and forming the nth term of linear and non‑linear sequences.
Exploring Shape, Space and Geometry – Geometry is a major focus of Year 7. Students learn to:
- identify and classify 2D shapes, special triangles and quadrilaterals
- calculate perimeter and area, including compound shapes, circles and parallelograms
- use angle rules (straight lines, around a point, triangles, quadrilaterals)
- construct triangles using ASA, SAS and SSS methods
- plot coordinates in all four quadrants and draw straight‑line graphs (y = mx + c)
More advanced learners extend this into angle proofs, algebraic angle problems and transformations including reflections, rotations, and translations.
Working with Data & Probability
Students develop skills to interpret the world mathematically by learning to:
- create and interpret bar charts, pictograms, stem and leaf diagrams and pie charts
- understand averages and the range
- read scales and collect accurate numerical data
- explore probability using sample spaces, probability scales, Venn diagrams and frequency trees
These topics build strong foundations for statistics and decision‑making in later years.
How We Support Every Learner – We recognise that students come to Year 7 with different experiences and levels of confidence in maths. Our curriculum is tiered across Support, Core and Challenge pathways, ensuring:
- Support – students develop secure foundations with additional structure, visuals and scaffolded steps.
- Core – students build fluency and understanding across all key topics at the expected pace.
- Challenge – students deepen reasoning, explore complex problems and develop mastery‑level thinking.
Regular open‑book assessments help us spot gaps quickly and tailor teaching to student needs.
More Than Just Maths. Maths at TQEA is about developing confidence, perseverance and a willingness to take on challenge. Students are encouraged to:
- try, even when something feels difficult
- learn from mistakes and use them to grow
- work logically and explain their thinking
- support others and celebrate effort
By the end of Year 7, students will not only have made excellent progress in mathematics, they will have developed character, resilience and problem‑solving skills that will support them across all subjects and in life beyond the classroom.
Emma Thomson – Curriculum Leader for Science
Transitioning into Year 7 science marks an exciting shift from general primary science to more focused learning that explores the distinct branches of biology, chemistry and physics. Throughout the year, students begin to understand how each area of science helps us explain and investigate the world around us.
A major focus in Year 7 is developing core practical skills. Pupils will learn how to work safely and confidently in a laboratory environment, including the correct use of Bunsen burners, measuring cylinders, thermometers and other essential scientific equipment. These hands‑on experiences help students apply their knowledge, develop precision and build independence as young scientists.
Students will study a variety of engaging topics including cells, reproduction, the particle model, elements and atoms, separation techniques, energy, and forces. As they move through these units, they will build a strong foundation of scientific vocabulary, enabling them to describe processes accurately and communicate ideas clearly.
Critical thinking is woven throughout the Year 7 curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to question, predict, test ideas and interpret their findings. They will develop essential skills in working scientifically, such as planning investigations, analysing data, identifying variables, evaluating methods and drawing evidence‑based conclusions.
Overall, Year 7 aims to spark curiosity, promote problem‑solving and establish strong foundations for confident progress through the science curriculum.
Lena Mulaney – Curriculum Leader for Food
Nicola Trewin – Curriculum Leader for STEM
STEM@TQEA
Students complete a range of projects in KS3 starting with making and firing rockets – measuring and analysing the distance they travel at different launch angles.
The projects include using tools and machines to make a keyring, CADCAM: making a secret message box using the laser cutter, designing building and testing CO2 powered dragsters and using workshop skills to make army dog tags and photo-holders.
Each project works through the design process: design, manufacture and evaluation of the finished product.
Many of the activities are designed to develop an understanding of engineering processes and materials in preparation for key stage 4 studies.
Gavin Brown Curriculum Leader for Geography
At Key Stages 3 and 4, our geography curriculum inspires students to explore the world around them, develop a curiosity about diverse places, and understand the processes that shape our planet. Through engaging lessons, fieldwork opportunities, and enquiry‑based learning, pupils build strong knowledge of physical and human geography while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. As students progress into GCSE Geography, they deepen their understanding of complex global issues—such as climate change, resource management, and urbanisation—while gaining the confidence to apply geographical concepts to real‑world scenarios. Our aim is to equip all learners with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to become informed global citizens.
Declan Timmins Curriculum Leader for History
Hello! I’m Mr Timmins, Curriculum Leader for History here at TQEA. We are really excited to welcome you to our school and can’t wait for you to join the TQEA family in September.
What is History like in Year 7?
When you arrive in Year 7, you’ll start an exciting journey through over a thousand years of the past. We begin by exploring who the English were before 1066, looking at Romans, Anglo‑Saxons and Vikings. You’ll even discover how Atherstone existed in Roman Britain and appeared in the Domesday Book after the Norman Conquest!
You’ll then learn about the Normans, Medieval life, Black Death, power struggles between kings and the Church, and finally the Tudors, who changed religion and society in big ways.
What skills will you develop?
In History, you’ll learn to:
- Analyse sources (like artefacts, photographs, and written accounts)
- Write extended explanations and arguments
- Debate and discuss big ideas
- Understand cause and consequence, change over time, and why some events really mattered
These skills help you become a confident thinker who can question the world around you.
What happens in Year 8 and 9?
Your learning continues across the whole of Key Stage 3:
- Year 8 – You’ll study the British Empire, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and how Britain’s connections with the wider world shaped the modern age.
- Year 9 – You’ll look at the dramatic events of the 20th century, including World War One and World War Two, exploring how ordinary people were affected and how these conflicts changed society.
Laura Deeley – Curriculum Leader for Music
Every one of us deserves to have the chance to make music and to share musical experiences with our peers, regardless of our level of musical training, socioeconomic status, age or level of physical or cognitive ability.
One of the things we are most proud of at TQEA is that we offer something for everyone musically. No matter what level or instrument a student plays, no matter what style or genre they may enjoy, there is a choir, band or keyboard club for them to join to perform and be part of something and be creative. We are fully inclusive.
Aspiring musicians also have ample opportunity to develop their skills at The Queen Elizabeth Academy through additional tuition available in a number of different instruments. Lessons are taught by professional musicians who deliver one to one, fantastic, quality lessons.
The lessons are held on a weekly basis via a timetable clearly displayed in the music department. The timetable is on a rotation, so the students never miss the same lesson more than once per half term. We are very flexible and can arrange times to suit the student’s needs.
The peripatetic teachers guide the students in their instrumental studies and recommend that they take grade exams on their instrument, this helps the students if they choose to take GCSE music as one of their options, however, if a student would like to play for their own enjoyment then that’s ok too!
Kyle Stewart – Curriculum Leader for Drama
Drama at TQEA is all about confidence, creativity and having a go. In KS3, you’ll enjoy practical, fun lessons where you explore stories, plays and real-life situations through acting, movement and teamwork. You’ll try out different characters, build performance skills and learn how to work confidently with others in a supportive and welcoming environment. Drama helps you develop confidence, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never done drama before – what matters most is effort, teamwork and being willing to give it new experiences a try.
Kerry Wilson – Curriculum Leader for Physical Education.
As Head of the PE department and Faculty lead to Drama, Music and Dance I’m excited to welcome you to a performance filled first year at The Queen Elizabeth Academy.
In Physical Education you will begin the year with initial lessons showing off your physical literacy skills developed through primary and external active opportunities.
In Physical education we have three PE groups on at the same time, we run three activities that rotate through the groups across a term. So, in term one you will experience Basketball, Outdoor and adventurous Activities (leadership, team building and problem solving) and Gymnastics. Term 2 you will be looking at Healthy Active Lifestyles through a fitness unit, Trampolining and Handball and the final term of the school year you will be looking at Athletics, Cricket and Rounders. In PE you are assessed across four areas of:
- Physical Skills
- Endeavour
- Knowledge
- Leadership
We operate a sick or fit bring your kit policy so you will always need your kit for PE lessons. The four items needed for each PE lesson are:
- TQEA Logo PE top
- Plain black shorts/Jogging bottoms/ Leggings
- White socks
- Trainers (any colour)
Additional items include the TQEA logo Hoody, rain jacket, Therma wear (any colour) can be worn under T-shirt/shorts etc. Please ensure your PE kit is named to assist with ensuring all kit is returned to them if misplaced.
You will find a range of extra-curricular opportunities across the year including leadership academy training, football teams (indoor and outdoor tournaments for girls and boys) Badminton clubs, trampolining clubs and many more. All clubs are 100% free to attend and all students will have the opportunity to join a team or play for fun across the range of activities which will rotate on a termly basis aligning with the secondary school fixture calendar and units of work being delivered in lessons.
Michaela Bennett – Curriculum Leader for Art
The Art Department at TQEA is led by Mrs Bennett, alongside Ms Ressel. Together, we deliver a rich and engaging curriculum that takes a chronological journey through art history, allowing students to explore how art has evolved across cultures and time periods.
Our curriculum begins in Year 7 with Ancient Art and progresses through a wide range of significant art movements up to Contemporary Art in Year 9. This approach helps students build strong contextual knowledge while developing practical skills and creative confidence.
In Year 7, students experiment with a variety of materials and techniques. Projects include creating 3D papier-mâché Moai sculptures, exploring Renaissance portraiture, studying Japanese art, producing landscapes inspired by Turner, investigating Monet’s Impressionism, and discovering the decorative style of Art Nouveau, alongside many other artistic influences.
Shelley Knight – Curriculum Leader for PSHE
PSHE encompasses a wide range of topics designed to help students become safe, responsible, confident, and conscientious members of the community. Our curriculum includes online safety, mental and physical health, careers and financial education, relationships and sex education, as well as themes of diversity, equality and inclusion.
In Year 7, students explore what it means to be a good citizen, how to resolve conflicts, and how to establish healthy boundaries within friendships and family relationships. They also learn about the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty, develop an understanding of mental health, and build essential first aid skills.
Chris Mooney – Curriculum Leader for Computing
At The Queen Elizabeth Academy, Computing in Year 7 is designed to help students feel confident, capable and excited about learning in a digital world.
We understand that students join us with a wide range of experiences – some may have tried coding before, while others are completely new to the subject. Our lessons are carefully structured to build skills step-by-step, ensuring every student feels supported as they settle into secondary school.
In Year 7, students will explore how computers work, learn how to stay safe online, begin programming, and discover how data such as images and sound are stored digitally. Alongside this, they will complete creative digital projects that allow them to apply their learning in practical and engaging ways.
Our aim is to help students become confident digital citizens, resilient problem-solvers and creative thinkers — building strong foundations for future study and careers in an increasingly technological world.
Nic Patel – Curriculum Leader for RE
The principal aim of Religious Education is to engage, inspire, challenge and encourage students to become thoughtful and critical thinkers. Through RE, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to better understand the diverse world around them. We raise challenging and thought-provoking questions, and our curriculum is carefully designed to support students in exploring a range of answers. They examine the beliefs and practices of different religious and non-religious communities, while also reflecting on their own views and values.
Religious Education encourages students to develop a strong sense of responsibility, empathy and respect. By exploring different worldviews, students learn to appreciate diversity and are prepared to contribute positively to the wider community.
In Year 7, students begin by studying key world religions including Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. They explore important beliefs and practices, such as the Christian Eucharist and the differences between Sunni and Shia Islam. Students also examine how religion can provide guidance about right and wrong, shaping moral decision-making and ways of life. A key focus throughout the year is understanding that religious people do not all think or practise in the same way; diversity exists within religions as well as between them. This helps students to develop a nuanced and informed understanding of faith and belief in the modern world.
Naomi Harris – Curriculum Leader for MfL
Welcome to Languages! In Year 7, you will begin your exciting journey learning Spanish, with four lessons each fortnight to help you build your knowledge and confidence over time. You will start by learning how to introduce yourself, greet others, and talk about your name, age, birthday, nationality, and what is in your school bag. As the year progresses, you will learn how to describe your family, pets, hobbies, and free time, as well as share your opinions about films, music, sports, and technology. You will also learn how to talk about your lifestyle and how to stay healthy. Along the way, you will develop your skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and begin to understand how Spanish grammar works, including how to use verbs, adjectives, and sentence structures accurately. Lessons will include interactive activities such as speaking with your classmates, games, role plays, and cultural learning about Spanish-speaking countries. Learning Spanish will help you become a confident communicator, improve your literacy skills, and develop curiosity and respect for other cultures, preparing you to be a global citizen in an increasingly connected world.
Virtual Tour – please see our video, taken in Summer 2020, to take a look around our school site
Upcoming Events.
Primary School Visits.
These will be taking place during the Summer term to meet your child face to face. During this visit we will be explaining the transition process and also answering any questions that your child may have. At the end of the visit, your child will be given a CHARACTER values home-school agreement and a data collection booklet. The CHARACTER values agreement outlines the expectations we have of our students whilst at TQEA and these are divided into our four key character traits; Pride, Endeavour, Resilience and Kindness. We make no apologies for the high expectations we have of our students as we know that these will allow them to be the very best
that they can be. We ask that you read through this with your child and that you both then sign the agreement. We also request that you look through the data collection booklet and complete all relevant forms to allow us to have everything in place come September. Both of these forms need to be returned to the academy by your child on the Transition Day.
Buddy Evening.
This evening is designed for those students and their parents/carers who are joining from our smaller feeder schools. All students eligible for this will be contacted with full details of the evening. If you feel that your child has been mistakenly missed off the initial list, then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Full details of dates will be released soon.
Key Documents.
Please look through the key documents below for additional information on school policies and information on equipment and mobile phone use.