Key Stage Four Curriculum

Ambition and achievement underpin the intent and implementation of our key stage four curriculum.

All key stage four pupils, as they progress through the stage, are prepared by subject teachers to take examinations from a wide range of GCSEs, ELCs, vocational qualifications, Vital Skills, Functional Skills and Unit awards. This range ensures all pupils can access appropriate qualifications which appropriately challenge and support achievements which stretch their abilities. All pupils study English, Mathematics, Science and IT.

Pathway choices include Sports Leaders, Hair & Beauty, Food Technology and Construction.

The key stage four curriculum is designed to support the development of knowledge and skills leading to a broad range of qualifications which will provide access to multiple post-sixteen destination choices whether in further education, apprenticeships or employment.

There are three groups (mixed Year 10 and Year 11) at key stage four which each focus on a specific offer which is tailored to the needs of pupils

Develop

Develop is intended for pupils who are working towards achieving formal academic qualifications but may need a more personalised approach to learning. This group combines elements of both academic and therapeutic interventions, providing a balance of academic rigor and support for personal growth. The curriculum is designed to help pupils develop their academic skills alongside their social and emotional development, ensuring they can achieve their potential and progress to further education or training.

Vocational

Vocational offers students a more hands-on, career-focused approach to learning. It provides opportunities for students to engage in practical subjects, such as construction, hair and beauty, or catering, which align with industry standards. Pupils are able to develop the skills and qualifications necessary for employment or further education in their chosen field. This pathway emphasises work-related learning and the development of key employability skills, ensuring pupils are ready to transition smoothly into the workforce or vocational training.

Pupils in Develop and Engage are able to access bespoke classes for English and Science.  Pupils in all groups access a bespoke curriculum for Maths.

Engage

Engage is designed for pupils who may need additional support with social, emotional, or behavioural challenges. This group focusses on providing a therapeutic curriculum with additional support and intervention available for core subjects. The aim is to help pupils to attend school regularly and develop emotional resilience, self-confidence, and positive behaviour, while still following a formal academic structure. Offering this supportive and nurturing environment, supports pupils to access learning in a way that best suits their needs and prepares them for post-16 pathways

Due to the differing times in the school year pupils join our academy, qualification accreditation opportunities are held all year round and pupils are presented with the ability to progressively build their suite of qualifications.

Behaviours for learning are encouraged at all times through our Relationship Support Policy. Interpersonal skills development is an integral part of everyday learning, augmented by our Character Education Programme, in partnership with external providers, whereby pupils are supported to experience opportunities with which they are unfamiliar, visiting new surroundings, meeting new people, undertaking challenging tasks, and so challenge themselves. All aspects of our curriculum: academic, via small class size and individual attention, pastoral, in terms of welfare, and character development through experiencing the unfamiliar, assist in building self-confidence in our pupils and thereby develop greater independence, self-management and maturity.