Curriculum

Our goal is to ensure that all pupils make the best possible academic progress, so as to enable successful re-integration to mainstream school or successful progression to post-16 education, training or employment.

Our teaching week comprises 6 lessons per day of 40 minutes duration and 1 lesson per day of 25 minutes duration.

Key Stage 3

All KS3 pupils are provided with the following compulsory subjects each week:

English	4 x 40 mins
Forest Seal	2 x 40 mins
Maths	4 x 40 mins
Science	3 x 40 mins
ICT	2 x 40 mins
PE	4 x 40 mins
Food	2 x 40 mins
Nurture Group	1 x 40 mins
Art	2 x 40 mins
Land Based Studies	2 x 40 mins
Technology	2 x 40 mins
PSHE/SMSCE	2 x 40 + 2 x 25 mins
Enrichment	2 x 30 mins
Assembly	1 x 20 mins
Mentoring/Tutor Time	5 x 15 + 4 x 5 + 1 x 15 mins

Total Time: 24 hours and 10 mins (+ social times)

Key Stage 4

All KS4 pupils are provided with the following compulsory subjects each week:

English	5 x 40 mins
Maths	5 x 40 mins
Science	5 x 40 mins
ICT	3 x 40 mins
PE	3 x 40 mins
Workskills	3 x 40 mins
PSHE/SMSCE	2 x 30 mins
Enrichment	2 x 30 mins
Assembly	1 x 20 mins
Mentoring/Tutor Time	5 x 15 + 4 x 5 + 1 x 15 mins

All KS4 pupils choose 2 from the following 4 options each week:

Art	3 x 40 mins
Food	3 x 40 mins
Land Based Studies	3 x 40 mins
Resistant Materials	3 x 40 min

Total Time: 24 hours and 10 mins (+ social times)

Art and Design

Curriculum Content at KS3	During Key Stage 3, Art and Design students will have the opportunity to explore, experiment and respond to ideas, sometimes working in our outdoor wooded area. Students will begin to develop skills in media which interest them and they will be encouraged to make independent choices. The art room is a safe place to test out ideas, make mistakes, adapt, try again, and try something new. It is a space where students can develop confidence and an inquiring mind whilst expressing themselves. This supports the development of good life and learning skills.
Curriculum content at KS4	We will build up a tool box of skills and experience in various media whilst looking at art that is relevant to individual students. Our artists are encouraged to work independently on projects inspired by them. Students must bring their own interests, beliefs, experiences and creativity and be prepared to experiment and explore. We encourage an interest for the subject by evaluating the work of relevant and contemporary artists to which students may relate.
Qualifications offered in this subject	At KS4 pupils study GCSE in Art and Design which, when combined with other GCSEs, can lead to A level courses in the subject. At KS3 some students will have the opportunity to gain their Bronze Arts Award.
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	Students are assessed equally over 4 areas - research, experimentation, the recording of their ideas and journey and their final response. 60% of the final grade will be from course work which makes up a portfolio. This consists of more than one extended collection of work chosen from work produced over 2 years. A final project including a 10 hour exam spread over 3 days accounts for the remaining 40% of the grade.
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Qualifications in Art and Design are highly respected by many employers and places of further education. They indicate a creative and inquisitive mind – someone who can learn from mistakes, solve problems and show perseverance and resilience. Students of GCSE Art and Design can progress to A level courses in similar and related subjects, as well as to employment and apprenticeships.

Food Technology

Curriculum Content at KS3	Students develop their practical cooking skills, extend their knowledge of food products and develop a love of cooking, both for pleasure and as a life skill.
Curriculum content at KS4	In Year 11 students follow the WJEC GCSE Food and Nutrition course. In Year 10, students follow the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Food and Cookery.
Qualifications offered in this subject	Year 11 (2016) GCSE Year 11 (2017) PASS/MERIT/DISTINCTION
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	In 2016, final assessment will be 2 pieces of coursework and a written examination In 2017, final assessment will be a written exam and an internally assessed portfolio of evidence, which is then moderated by external assessors.
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	The NCFE course links to the National Occupational Standards and the qualification may be used to count towards the knowledge requirements of a competence- based qualification. The GCSE course may be used as a stepping stone into work in a food based environment, or it may be used to support an application to providers of further education or training, for academic study and / or apprenticeship.

Forest Social & Emotional Aspects of Learning

Curriculum Content at KS3	To learn the origins and basic concepts relating to Forest School and Bushcraft and to understand the associated risks of being out in a woodland environment. To understand and demonstrate the various methods of laying and lighting a fire. To know the correct techniques when using bushcraft tools and to be aware of the dangers associated with using them. To recognise a variety of plants and trees and beware of their uses and dangers. To improve pupils’ self-esteem and independence and to learn to work as part of a team.
Curriculum content at KS4	Not applicable
Qualifications offered in this subject	AQA Unit Award Scheme
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	Not applicable
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	The benefits of participating in Forest SEAL are the development of a positive and resilient work ethic, enhancing pupils’ self-esteem and self-confidence, the building of relationships and the understanding and application of core social and emotional values and principles when working as part of a team, all of which will assist post-16 progression.

Information and Communication Technology

Curriculum Content at KS3	At KS3, pupils will undertake different projects, focusing on different areas of ICT, including: • The Microsoft Office Suite of software • Scratch computer programming • Photography • Adobe Photoshop • Website creation • Video editing
Curriculum content at KS4	At KS4, there is a specific focus on the Microsoft Office suite of software, requiring the acquisition of detailed knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Pupils will also study: • The use of ICT in everyday life • Computer law • Computer security • Hardware • Software • Networks
Qualifications offered in this subject	BCS ECDL ICT Qualification (equivalent to a GCSE) Functional Skills ICT
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	Functional Skills: One 2 hour exam ECDL: 4 x 40 minute exams covering: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Improving Productivity.
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Pupils completing the ECDL qualification will have attained a qualification that is recognised by colleges and workplaces worldwide.

Physical Education

Curriculum Content at KS3	Pupils will learn and participate in different sports, focusing on key areas of the national curriculum, including: • Using a range of different tactics and strategies to overcome opponents • Developing techniques to improve performance in competitive sports • Taking part in outdoor adventurous activities which present intellectual and physical challenges • Analysing their own and other pupils’ performances to achieve their personal best • Seeking to engage in physical activity outside school within the local community.
Curriculum content at KS4	The aim is to attain NCFE Level 1 or Level 2 qualification in Health and Fitness. The focus is to enable breadth and depth of study of health and fitness. Students will also develop core transferable skills such as communication, problem solving and research skills. Pupils will study: • Introduction to health, fitness and exercise • Understanding a healthy lifestyle • Planning an exercise session • Understanding a personal fitness programme
Qualifications offered in this subject	NCFE Level 1 or Level 2 qualification in Health, Fitness and Exercise (equivalent to a GCSE)
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	Three internally assessed units with a portfolio for evidence. One externally assessed unit. All work will be moderated against the grading criteria.
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Pupils completing the NCFE course will attain a qualification that is recognised by providers of further education and training and employers worldwide.

Resistant Materials

Curriculum Content at KS3	Pupils are taken through the design process in their design and manufacture of a number of projects. This process includes investigation, development of ideas, making and evaluation. Pupils will have the opportunity to make some of the following projects while being taken through this process – wooden toy, bookends, camera toy, jewellery box, sensor project, timer project, popup card.
Curriculum content at KS4	Pupils will choose one from twelve design briefs and decide what they are going to design and make so as to meet that brief. In the design and construction of their project, they will be taken through the design process, including investigation, development of idea, making and evaluation. Alongside this they will learn about materials and components; design and market influences; social, cultural, moral, environmental and economic issues; sustainability; health and safety; processes and manufacture; systems and control; information and communication technology; industrial practices.
Qualifications offered in this subject	AQA GCSE Design Technology: Resistant Materials
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	GCSE A*-G 60% Controlled Assessment 40% Examination
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Qualifications in Design Technology are highly respected by many employers and providers of further education. They indicate a creative and inquisitive mind – someone who can learn from mistakes, solve problems and show perseverance and resilience. Students may choose to go on to study Resistant Materials or other Design Technology subjects at AS level and beyond, or may use this qualification to apply for an apprenticeship or employment requiring practical skills.

Science

Curriculum Content at KS3	At KS3, all students are provided with an investigative Science curriculum, linked directly to the National Curriculum guidelines. KS3 Science, like GCSE, covers all three of the main Science disciplines, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Students will develop enquiring minds, critically analysing the information they obtain through a range of teaching styles, resources and materials. Many of the lessons involve practical activities and will encourage students to put theories, already known or recently taught, into practice. Science topics at KS3 range from drink, drugs and alcohol use and abuse to waves, electricity, plant cells and chemical reactions. A progressive learning style, combined with a carefully considered curriculum, ensures that all students develop the strong foundations needed to make a successful transition from KS3 to KS4 and GCSE courses of study.
Curriculum content at KS4	Science is a core subject. It explains why we do things the way we do and why we make things in certain ways and it provides reasons for how we live our lives. Science gives us the power to question things, to try and understand them, to explore the world and the environments in which we live so that we get the most from them. Science helps us to stay healthy and live longer. Employers and colleges are keen to see students leave school with a qualification in Science, since it is an indication that we have a fundamental understanding of the world in which we live. The course is broken down into the three main scientific disciplines – biology, chemistry and physics. The biology unit covers classification, variation and inheritance, responses to a changing environment and the problems and solutions within a changing environment. The chemistry unit covers the Earth, materials from the Earth, acids, obtaining and using metals and fuels. The physics unit covers the solar system, the electromagnetic spectrum and waves and the generation and transmission of electricity and future energies.
Qualifications offered in this subject	A GCSE, or Entry Level, or both, depending on start date, attendance and ability.
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	There are 3 modules, each taken as a separate examination. Each module is worth 25%. A final controlled assessment is worth a further 25%, which completes the GCSE requirements.
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	An Entry Level or Science GCSE can lead to many things. Science is a core subject. This qualification is often a basic requirement when applying to further education institutions or training providers. Many employers seek potential employees who possess GCSE Science.

Work Skills, Personal, Social, Health & Religious Education

Curriculum Content at KS3	Health and wellbeing: • Mental and emotional health and wellbeing, including sexual health • Managing risk and keeping safe • Consequences of teenage pregnancy Relationships: • Health relationships within a range of social/cultural contexts • Developing parenting skills • Recognising and managing emotions within a range of relationships • Dealing with risky behaviour and bullying • Managing loss • Respect in a diverse community Living in the wider world: • Rights and responsibilities • Citizenship • Making informed choices and being enterprising and ambitious • The economic and business environment • Personal finance
Curriculum content at KS4	Units: • Self-management • Self-assessment • Managing your own money • Searching for a job • Preparing for a job • Interview skills • Contributing to a meeting • Benefits of unpaid work • Developing a product • Working in a team • Career progression
Qualifications offered in this subject	BTEC Level 1 – 2 Award/Certificate/Extended Certificate/Diploma in Work Skills
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	All units are coursework based with no external examination. There is an assignment booklet for each unit that must be completed within a set time frame.
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Students with BTECS in addition to GCSEs and A Levels have been found to earn 20% more over their lifetime in the workplace. Work Skills BTECs are accepted as being on a par with GCSEs, allowing students to gain entry to their preferred post-16 pathway by adding points to their applications to further education institutions and training providers for academic study and / or apprenticeships.

English

Curriculum Content at KS3	Read and study the novel Holes Spelling rules Persuasive writing skills Present and perform a variety of tasks to develop Speaking and Listening skills SMSC related topics e.g. Halloween, Remembrance Day and Christmas stories, poems and films
Curriculum content at KS4	Year 10 Begin their GCSE English Language Course by starting with developing writing skills Practice annotation and analysis skills for fiction and non-fiction texts Speaking and Listening tasks to develop confidence Exam paper questions as practice Year 11 Complete and submit their Controlled Assessments by January 31st 2016 Complete 3 Speaking and Listening examinations Prepare and revise for GCSE in June 2016 Complete Functional Skills Level 1 and/or 2
Qualifications offered in this subject	EDEXCEL Functional Skills – Level 1 and 2 GCSE English (Year 11 only) GCSE English and Literature (First examination in 2017)
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	Year 11 – 2 x Controlled Assessments, 3 x Speaking and Listening exams and 1 x final exam in June 2016. Year 10 – One end of Key Stage exam in June 2017
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Functional Skills English aims to ensure pupils are confident and capable in using communication skills to adapt to a wide range of audiences and contexts. Achieving a C grade or above in GCSE English can open doors to a variety of college places and Apprenticeships.

Maths

Curriculum Content at KS3	Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics
Curriculum content at KS4	Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics
Qualifications offered in this subject	GCSE in Mathematics, exams in June 2016 – Specification Linear B (4365) for current year 11 GCSE in Mathematics, exams from June 2017 – Specification (8300) for current year 10
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	GCSE Mathematics (8300) has a Foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a Higher tier (grades 4 – 9). Students must take three question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series. Paper 1: non-calculator written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment Paper 2: calculator written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks calculator allowed 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment Paper 3: calculator written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks calculator allowed 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment Content from any part of the specification may be assessed in any of those papers.
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Studying maths helps you develop skills in logical thinking and statistical or strategic knowledge, which are valued by employers across many job sectors. It is also the government requirement now for all pupils to achieve at least Grade C in Maths GCSE.

Land Based Studies

Curriculum Content at KS3	Learners will have the opportunity to experience a range of practical activities taught on site. These include growing plants from seed and cuttings, plant propagation techniques, health and safety, soil science, plant and shrub maintenance and preparing and planting containers for display.
Curriculum content at KS4	As above learners will have the opportunity to experience a range of practical activities taught on site. More able learners will have the opportunity to gain extra credits and work towards a Diploma.
Qualifications offered in this subject	BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Studies (QCF) 13 credits BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (QCF) 37 credits
Assessment at KS4 e.g. exams and coursework	This course is teacher assessed and there will be no final exam. Students will be assessed in a variety of ways: - By carrying out a range of practical skills as an ongoing assessment - Building a portfolio of written and illustrated evidence e.g. photographic evidence
What are the benefits of this subject Post 16 and beyond?	Following completion of your course you may be able to progress to a further F.E. or H.E. course, or perhaps obtain employment as a: - Plant centre operative working with plant sales - Hard landscaper, working with a contractor or private business - Soft landscaper, working with a contractor or private business, alongside garden designers planting up development sites or gardens or simply maintaining sites - Gardener working in a private garden or with a specific organisation such as the RHS or National Trust - Green keeper or Grounds man, working on sports turf - Nurseryman propagating, growing-on and selling ornamental plants. - Self-employed gardener or hard landscaper This is currently a shortage of skilled workers in the horticulture sector and therefore the chance of gaining an apprenticeship or employment is high.