We believe all individuals should have equal access to a broad, balanced and personalized curriculum. We are committed to establishing the highest levels of student progress and achievement as this will open doors and create opportunities for our students. However, we also believe that how students achieve is of equal importance. We are committed to encouraging all our students to develop a range of skills which will help them to be successful in the future and we know that the best way to allow students to develop skills is through application. Our skills curriculum, which spans Year 7 to 13, is our platform for developing best practice in this area. They key skills we focus on are:
- Literacy, numeracy, financial literacy and ICT.
- Enterprise and employability skills which will strengthen future economic success.
- Interpersonal skills which establish confidence, independence and the ability to collaborate effectively.
- Critical thinking skills.
Our curriculum is divided into 3 distinct phases:
- Transition
- Accreditation phase 1
- Accreditation phase 2
Transition phase: Years 7 and 8
Our skills-based curriculum is taught through thematic projects across groups of curriculum teams.
STEM: Science, Technology and Maths.
Humanities: Humanities, English, Modern Foreign Language and ICT.
Creative: PE, Art and Performance.
Accreditation phase 1: Years 9, 10 and 11
Students have the opportunity to develop skills and further increase their knowledge at a pace suitable for them. The curriculum has been designed to allow all pupils to have opportunities to achieve worthwhile qualifications in a range of subjects, follow particular areas of interest and specialise in areas in which they excel. All students study the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, RE and PE and are also guided to choose from a wide range of GCSE and BTEC subjects.
Students study in mixed age classes (stage not age learning) and take examinations after 1 year of study.
Accreditation phase 2: Post 16
Students have the opportunity to continue to study a range of subjects at both level 2 and level 3 in a structured and supportive way. All level 3 students study a minimum of 3 AS levels with the majority studying a fourth through the skills programme. Students gain leadership skills as well as the understanding and knowledge that will help them to compete for the best places in higher education, employment and further professional training. Students have access to a wide range of enrichment and progression activities in order to build an “unstoppable” CV. Students’ skill development is complemented in the vertical tutoring curriculum where they will are linked to forms and take leadership roles with younger students on a variety of activities.