Curriculum Statement
English
At The Education Centre, English is an essential part of the curriculum.
It is important that every child is given the opportunity to develop their literacy skills throughout their time here so that they have the maximum chance of achieving their potential in life.
Pupils are given the opportunity to study a variety of texts including poetry, novels, short stories and Shakespeare, and a wide range of teaching methods are employed to create interesting and engaging lessons. Alongside this we have addition specialist support to provide additional help in class, 1-1 or small group sessions to focus on developing phonic awareness, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and comprehension.
At KS4, pupils work towards their Entry Level and GCSE qualifications. Entry Level is looking at more practical and applied uses of English. Whilst GCSE candidates are currently following both Edexcel 9-1 English Language and English Literature GCSE.
We have a good selection of books of varying levels, pupils are encouraged to read widely at their reading age and just above.
Maths
Students cover number, shape, measures algebra, statistics and problem-solving at a level appropriate to their individual ability.
We teach through practical activities whenever possible such as weighing, measuring, building shapes with construction materials, multi-link cubes, Dyne Rods.
Practical life skills of telling the time and using money are given high priority. Cross-curricular links, exercises in Preparation for Adulthood (train times and Travel), Home Cooking Skills (purchasing ingredient from the supermarket) provide a good opportunity for this. In KS3, students work towards Entry Level Certificate and KS4 pupils work towards Maths and Statistics GCSEs.
Science
The component-based structure of the ELC provides students with the opportunity to work in short programmes.
This gives the student a sense of achievement throughout the course and enables their progress to be monitored. It also enables teachers to gauge whether entry for both ELC Science and GCSE Combined Science is a reasonable expectation. The assessments are on demand so our pupils can complete assignments when they are ready, helping to keep them motivated.
Subject content areas
- The human body
- Environment, evolution and inheritance
- Elements, mixtures and compounds
- Chemistry in our world
- Energy, forces and the structure of matter
- Electricity, magnetism and waves
Key Stage 3 students will be taught a variety of interesting topics evenly distributed across Chemistry, Biology and Physics which following the national curriculum.
In key stage 4 students follow the AQA Science GCSE/Entry Level Certificate courses which ensures the National Curriculum is covered. During these two years the points that students will have accrued in topic tests, practical tasks and skills mastered, will make their final total and translate to their accreditation.
Physical Education
The curriculum covers a variety of different activities which will give students a basis to pursue a familiar activity as a hobby outside of school into adulthood.
The curriculum is designed to adapt to individual needs so that every student will have an opportunity to achieve. Activities range from traditional sports, such as football and basketball, to modern sports such as dodgeball.
PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education)
We place a premium on the delivery of PSHE with careful consideration given to ability, age, additional needs and physical development of our pupils.
PHSE is delivered through the Personal Development Program which ensures comprehensive curriculum coverage of PHSE and associated statutory requirements such as Sex and Relationship Education, religion.
We offer numerous qualifications relevant to our pupils individual needs and abilities and date of admission, to ensure our pupils reach their full potential. The courses are courtesy of ASDAN.
These courses cover an exhaustive range of topics, to include:
- British Values
- Healthy living
- Drugs
- Sex and Relationship Education
- Working with Others
- Crime
- Dealing with emotions
- Safeguarding
- Diversity
- Community Inclusion
- Religion
- Working with Others
PFA (Preparation for adulthood)
“Preparation For Adulthood” is a vital to support our students transition into Adulthood.
We will endeavour to ensure this transition is done with little disruption or upset. It will prepare them for further education, employment, develop the necessary skills to continue to value and implement independent living, healthy relationships, healthy living and community inclusion. Run alongside our PHSE program PFA provides a complete package to ensure our students are prepared to meet the challenges their transition into adulthood may bring.
PFA will cover:
- Careers advice
- Travel Training
- Employability
- Financial Capability
- Health/Wellbeing
- Living Independently
- Interview Coaching
- Curriculum Vitae
The help/support we provide our pupils doesn’t end post 16. We continue to offer support into adulthood.
Computing
The Purpose of Computing is to offer: “A high-quality computing education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.
Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate – able to use, express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)
As our students find the concept of foreign languages difficult, we teach MFL as an immersive day each year.
Days where we sample food, culture of different countries.
Art/Craft
Art in KS3 is taught through a rolling scheme covering painting, printing, sculpture, sketching, collage and textiles.
After presentation of the topic students will explore, experiment, evaluate and amend their ideas to produce a final piece from their sketchbook research.
KS4 students are offered the opportunity to study GCSE Art and Design with AQA examining board. Initially, a year 10 group are given a topic to explore but they are encouraged to make their work relevant to their own personal interests and experiences. They tackle a variety of media, particularly drawing, painting, printing and clay/3D work.
Vocational Studies
Students have the opportunity to engage in exciting and innovative projects which enable them to use their creative thinking and practical skills.
Our pupils are taught to use a number of different tools to complete a wide variety of tasks/projects, skill (see below):
- Carpentry
- Joinery
- Bricklaying
- Construction Painting
- Bicycle Mechanics
- Woodturning
- Motorbike Mechanics
Students are taught in a safe environment to use a range of different tools including saws and drills with increased independence as they become confident in using the tools.
Cooking Skills Btec Level 1/2
The courses, aim to teach pupils to cook but also make informed decisions about their health and diet.
It is a progressive programme which focuses on their organisation, hygiene and safety, food preparation and cooking.
In KS4 pupils move on to complete a BTEC in home cooking skills – levels 1/2. This is a programme that was initially developed with Jamie Oliver and promotes cooking for yourself in a healthy, cost-effective way. It also focuses on essential skills, like stocking your store cupboard, fridge and freezer; knife safety; food safety and hygiene; shopping for food and planning ahead; preparing ingredients and understanding food labels.