At Dixons Newall Green Academy, our electives programme for Years 7 to 9 is designed to open doors for every student beyond the standard curriculum. Across three cycles each academic year, students select a new elective, giving them the chance to explore a variety of interests and uncover hidden talents.
Our electives offer is intentionally diverse, offering cultural, arts, sports, musical, and academic pathways. Students might choose to explore Chinese culture, dive into careers launchpad, participate in strength and conditioning sessions, join musical theatre, or take a hands-on approach with our bake off themed Elective.
Each session is carefully planned to spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and build valuable skills in a welcoming, inclusive environment. These experiences are vital for personal growth, helping shape well-rounded, ambitious young people ready to thrive both in and beyond school.
The electives programme is a cornerstone of our commitment to developing confident, inspired, and capable learners at Dixons Newall Green Academy.
Details of our electives
Getting career ready is climbing the ultimate mountain to success! In this elective you will learn what subjects inspire you and start building your careers profile using Unifrog. You will develop your interview skills, create a CV and learn about entrepreneurial skills. You will get to meet employers and speed network to discover how you can aspire to achieve your passion and role.
Students will gain knowledge about different career pathways and the different routes into careers. This will include university and technical qualifications. This will encompass a range of different careers and different pathways. Students will be using Unifrog to explore and build career profiles.
Do you feel unheard? Like you aren't listened to? Debate is excellent way to learn how to express your opinions professionally. Debate can help prepare you for many jobs in the future such as , politics, law and teaching!
Students will gain knowledge of world issues whilst articulating themselves professionally.
Understand how Science is presented to peak public interest. Using a variety of media we will understand how new discoveries are shared across the world and learn how documentaries can share key information while still entertaining their audience. We will have a special focus on Sir David Attenborough, looking at his career development and how he has helped a nation care about the changing world around us.
Students will gain understanding on how Science is presented to the general public in different media - documentaries, podcasts, written articles, social media. Knowledge around how to enter into these careers - specific case study around David Attenborough and Paul Nicklen.
Are you fascinated about a culture with a rich 5000 year history? Do you want to open your eyes to understand a country with the second highest GDP in the world? Come and join us for a series of authentic China-themed workshops including watching Kung Fu Panda film, Chinese arts and crafts, playing Chinese chess (Xiangqi), a traditional tea ceremony, food testing, try on the beautiful Chinese traditional costumes and learn the differences between the High School in China and in the UK. Join us and have fun!
Students will gain knowledge about China's vast history, philosophy, art, and language You will gain insight into societal structures, family values, and traditions such as festivals and cuisine. Pick up useful Mandarin expressions and learn about the structure and nuances of the Chinese language.
Come and celebrate the many Spanish fiestas during this elective, allowing you to learn about Spanish and South American culture, food, drink, religion, history and people. In this elective will use videoclips, songs, food tasting, craft and games to transport ourselves to the Spanish speaking countries of the world!
Students will gain knowledge of different cultures through learning about important celebrations in Spanish speaking countries. This will include finding out about traditions, food, drink, songs, historical influences and the people who live in these countries.
Are you a bit of a drama llama? Do you love to be in the spotlight? Then look no further! Our drama elective will allow you to express yourself in a range of games and activities designed to build your confidence and support budding actors to take centre stage. You will have fun, playing with vocal techniques, learning how to use your body to express yourself and even have chance to perform some Shakespeare!
Students will build confidence in working independently and as part of a team to create and perform pieces of drama. From learning about how to use a range of vocal techniques, to positioning on stage - students who take this elective will enjoy considering what it takes to be an actor. Alongside creative work in improvisation pieces, students will have the chance to perform Shakespeare, as well as a range of other playwriters.
Come and put your Spanish skills into practice by watching films in Spanish (with subtitles!) during this elective. We will watch films like Encanto and Coco to broaden our understanding of Mexican and Colmbian culture and immerse ourselves in the Spanish-speaking world!
Students will build on knowledge and vocab covered in lessons, students will develop a deepened understanding of Hispanic culture, with a specific focus on Mexican and Colombian culture taught through the medium of film. Students will complete specialised booklets throughout the films, with activities based upon different cultural elements that occur throughout the films.
Do you want to get stronger, faster and healthier? Do you like to push yourself out of your comfort zone? Are you willing to hustle for the muscle? If you want to improve your overall fitness, then this is the elective for you.
Students will gain knowledge of a range of training methods and a knowledge and understanding of components of fitness needed for different sports.
Dodgeball Elective: Dodge, Duck, Dive, and Dominate! Ready to unleash your inner athlete and have a blast ? Join the Dodgeball Elective — a fast-paced, high-energy sport where teamwork, strategy, and quick reflexes rule the court! Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking for some fun and fitness, this elective is all about friendly competition, building resilience, and having a laugh while staying active. Expect tournaments, challenges, and maybe even a staff vs. students showdown!
Students will gain knowledge of a range of training methods and a knowledge and understanding of components of fitness needed for different sports.
Roll the dice, shuffle the deck, and put away the screens—Board Games Elective brings back the old-fashioned fun of gathering around a table. From classics to modern strategy, you’ll sharpen your mind, practice teamwork, and rediscover the joy of face-to-face play.
Students still gain knowledge about strategy, cause-and-effect, and decision-making. They learn how their choices impact outcomes, how to plan ahead, and how to read and follow rules accurately. They also pick up social knowledge, like taking turns, negotiating, and understanding others’ perspectives. In this way, even casual games teach practical life lessons and insights about interactions, problem-solving, and thinking ahead.
Warhammer is a big world of stories, games, and models where you can imagine epic adventures. It started as a tabletop game where players build and paint their own tiny armies, then use them to battle on special boards with dice and rules.
Students will grow in STEM skills, creativity, literacy, and social development—all while having fun in an imaginative world.
