Curriculum
The Curriculum and Qualifications
Our curriculum is designed to provide the right balance of challenge, support and opportunity for every student. Using transition information, Key Stage 2 data, baseline assessments and target grades, students are placed on one of three curriculum pathways. Pathway placement is reviewed regularly and students may move between pathways as their needs, progress and aspirations develop.
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Vocational Pathway
The Vocational Pathway is designed for students who benefit from a highly practical and personalised curriculum.
Students work towards a range of Pre-Entry and Entry Level qualifications while developing:
Functional literacy, numeracy and communication skills.
Independence and preparation for adulthood skills.
Employability and vocational experiences.
Real-life problem solving and everyday life skills.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on transferable skills that prepare students for adulthood, employment and community participation. -
Level 1 Pathway
The Level 1 Pathway supports students to achieve a range of Level 1 qualifications while maintaining access to a broad curriculum.
Students follow a curriculum largely matched to National Curriculum expectations and statutory guidance.
Develop subject knowledge alongside functional and transferable skills.
Work towards a range of accredited Level 1 qualifications.
May progress to the Level 2 Pathway where appropriate.
This pathway provides a balance between academic learning, personal development and preparation for future destinations. - Level 2 Pathway
The Level 2 Pathway is designed for students working towards GCSEs and other Level 2 equivalent qualifications.
Students follow a broad curriculum matched to National Curriculum expectations.
Work towards GCSE and Level 2 qualifications across a range of subjects.
Develop the knowledge, skills and independence needed for further education, employment and adult life.
Access appropriate challenge and support to achieve their individual potential.
We recognise that young people progress at different rates. Some students may complete qualifications over a longer period than the traditional two-year model where this best meets their needs. Others may transition to college or specialist post-16 provision earlier if this is the most appropriate pathway for their future goals. - A Flexible Approach
Our pathway model ensures that every student accesses a curriculum that is ambitious, personalised and responsive to their needs. Through regular assessment and review, students are supported to follow the pathway that best prepares them for their next stage of education, employment and adulthood. - Formative Assessment
Teaching staff are currently in the middle of a two-year training programme which focuses on the use of formative assessment techniques. This allows staff to develop strategies which dynamically assess progress during lessons and enable them to put support in place to close gaps in skills and knowledge. - Reporting.
Following PINS assessments, staff use an internal tracking system to record and monitor student progress in their subject. Accurate reports are then provided to parents/carers three times a year. This information is sent out at the end of each term (December, March and July) The following information will be shared at the times below:
December – grades and full written reports
January – Progress Review Day – discussion of reports with teachers
March – grades only
July – grades and full written reports.
The following information is provided at each Key Stage:
KS3 – Approach to Learning (ATL) and Progress (written reports in December and July)
KS4/5 - Approach to Learning (ATL) Qualification, Target grade, ‘On track to get’ grade, Progress (written reports in December and July) - Exam Readiness
As well as completing revision activities in class and for home learning, students are prepared for exams through a series of ‘exam readiness’ activities with their teachers. This includes the following to ensure students are confident and prepared for exams:
Past paper questions
Visits to the exam room
Understanding access arrangements
Understanding the role of invigilators
Mock exams with feedback
Final exam briefing before first exam