Our approach

The curriculum we offer at our academy gives students:

• real-world learning experiences
• access to high-quality teaching
• rigorous and high-quality critique and feedback on their work
• the opportunity to develop dynamic leadership skills
• a culture of respect.

We encourage students to recognise their personal learning journey and take pride in their achievements. We focus on helping students to link their learning to everyday life.

We work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that we create a tailored package of support to best meet the needs of each child and young person at our academy.

Our curriculum approach

Our students come to us disadvantaged and disenchanted with education. Our role in their lives, for the short time that we have them, is to re-engage them with learning, to broaden their outlook and to help them see a future for themselves and develop the character skills that will enable them to be successful.

Our curriculum consists of three interlinked areas:

Core academic subjects – our students study English, Maths and Science to GCSE level, and have access to a range of qualifications necessary for college or apprenticeships. Our subject curricula build the specialist knowledge and skills needed not only for exam success, but also for adult life. We use scaffolded qualifications to support learning and students work towards Entry Level and Functional Skills qualifications as well as Level 1 Number and Measure. Each day, students also access a 15-minute reading slot. This is a class book linked to responsive PSHE topics, such as race, drugs and discrimination.

Vocational subjects – to build knowledge of the opportunities available after school, our students follow a range of BTEC courses, giving an insight into different employment areas, employability skills and the process of applying for their next step. Some of these courses include Construction, Home Cooking and Sport.

Personal Development – to build character skills that will enable students to make a successful transition, we have a strong Outdoor Education programme, and twice a week students spend a day challenging themselves and working together in different situations, which also contributes to the practical element of some of the BTEC courses such as Public Services and Engineering (Vocational Studies). This is supported by a comprehensive PSHE/RSE programme to teach students the knowledge they need to make informed choices related to their emotional and physical wellbeing, and to prepare for a greater degree of independence in line with British Values. In addition, during tutor time, we run a responsive PSHE programme to respond to reports on Arbor and CPOMS.

More information about our offer and the qualifications students work towards is provided below. You can also contact Fiona Shrubb via the school office with any questions.

All our Year 11 students are provided with support to secure places in further education, colleges or apprenticeships. Find out more about the careers advice and support we offer young people.

Find out more about our students' results.

Our curriculum plan – Year 11

Our curriculum plan – Year 11

Our curriculum plan – Years 9 and 10

Accreditation