curriculum at springwell

Like everything at Springwell, our curriculum is guided by our vision and our values. Most importantly, however, it is shaped by our school mission. The practical steps we undertake to do this are outlined below. Please note that this is generic information and more specific information about the special school and alternative academy offer can be found here.

INTENT

As a school we are determined to:

Teach every pupil to read and keep them reading - no exceptions

Ensure every pupil meets the objectives set out in their Education Health and Care Plan

Provide a broad, balanced and challenging  curriculum, which prepares pupils for their next steps

Model and nurture positive relationships and strong partnerships

Our Curriculum Model

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced at three levels. First, Programmes of Study map out the key areas that are covered in each subject as pupils progress through the school.  Next, Schemes of Learning set out the knowledge and skills pupils gain in each subject, every half term.  Finally, teachers’ planning details the specific plans for every lesson taking into account their different starting points.  You can access our Programmes of Study via the links below.  If you require any further information, do not hesitate to contact us.

English and Maths

English

Across our learning community, we base our English Schemes of Learning (SOL) on The Power of Reading. The Power of Reading is an evidenced based programme developed by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, a UK based children's literacy charity. The Power of Reading uses quality children’s literature and creative teaching approaches to support children to foster a love of reading and writing. We continue this approach until the end of year nine at which point pupils follow an appropriate pathway accredited by AQA. Our Programme of Study for English can be accessed below.

Phonics

In order to provide a consistent approach to the teaching of segmenting (writing) and blending (reading) we follow the Read Write Inc Phonics approach. This programme is designed for Reception to Year 2 children and can be taught as an intervention for children in Years 3 and 4. When required, we also use Read Write Inc. Fresh Start, a phonics programme with appropriate resources for pupils in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8. Information for parents including free ebooks and short films can be accessed here.

Maths

At Springwell we follow the Schemes of Learning (SOL) set out by White Rose Maths.  White Rose Maths is an organisation that provides maths resources for pupils of all ages, from early years to secondary school.  The yearly frameworks break down what children need to learn during each week of each term to master the learning objectives laid out by the National Curriculum. At the heart of their resources and frameworks is the motto “Everyone Can Do Maths: Everyone Can!” — a slogan that we wholeheartedly agree with! We continue this approach until the end of year nine when pupils follow a pathway accredited by Edexcel. Our Programme of Study for maths can be accessed below.

Cornerstones - Elements - Futures

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2: Cornerstones

In our primary phase we follow the National Curriculum using a thematic approach based around the Cornerstones Curriculum. The Cornerstones Curriculum is a creative and thematic approach delivered through Imaginative Learning Projects (ILPs).  We chose this approach because our pupils learn better when they are encouraged to use their imagination and apply their learning to engaging contexts. Our curriculum provides lots of learning challenges throughout the academic year that require children to solve problems, apply themselves creatively and express their knowledge and understanding effectively across the curriculum. 

Cornerstones brings together the following subjects: Science, Geography, History, Religious Education, Art and Design, PSHE, Music and Computing. Our Programme of Study for Cornerstones can be accessed below.

Key Stage 3: Elements

From year 7 to 9 pupils we move from the Cornerstones Curriculum to ‘Elements.’ The purpose of the Elements curriculum is to support the transition between key stage 2 and key stage 4 in line with our vision and mission.  Elements supports subject-specific and cross-subject learning in a range of academic subjects that are carefully linked to support the acquisition of skills and knowledge.  Our intention is to cover the national curriculum but approach it in a manner that supports the special educational needs of our pupils.

Elements brings together the following subjects: Science, Geography, History and Religious Education. Our Programmes of Study for Elements can be accessed below.

Key Stage 4: Futures

In years 10 and 11 we start to focus on pupils' long term goals and aspirations and adjust our curriculum accordingly.  Every pupil continues to study English, maths, PE and outdoor learning as well as PSHE with RSE.  Pupils then access a range of accredited courses that are updated on an annual basis according to their needs and aspirations.  This year pupils are accessing qualifications in citizenship, music, design technology, food technology, sport and fitness, technology, and travel and tourism.  Where we don’t have a specialist within our team, we work with external partners to enhance our offer. 

Other Subjects

PSHE and RSE

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is an important part of our curriculum.  Through it, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future.  It helps pupils to stay healthy and safe, while preparing them to make the most of life and work.  It also helps pupils to achieve their academic potential. Our PSHE includes integrates, but is not limited to, statutory content, including Relationships Education at key stages 1 and 2, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) at key stages 3 and 4, and Health Education in both primary and secondary phases.  

Our Programmes of Study takes a thematic approach to PSHE education and is designed so that all year groups are working on the same core theme at the same time.  This approach ensures that pupils make developmental progress by revisiting themes year on year, building on and extending prior learning.  Links can also be made across the school in assemblies, on trips and through enrichment activities.  Our Programmes of Study for PSHE can be accessed below. 

Careers

Our Programme of study for careers is built on the Framework for Careers, Employability and Enterprise Education developed by the Career Development Institute (CDI).  This framework covers 17 key areas structured around the four core aims of:

• Developing yourself through careers, employability and enterprise education

• Learning about careers and the world of work

• Developing your career management, employability and enterprise skills

This programme takes account of the Gatsby Benchmarks offering a stable careers programme that includes good quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities. Issues related to equality and diversity are embedded throughout. In addition all our teachers ensure curriculum coherence by making links with other areas; differentiate to meet the needs of individuals; identify locally-relevant contexts for framing core concepts.

Personalised Provision

Where the additional or special educational needs of pupils are such that they require bespoke or specialist support, we work with parents and relevant professionals to build a package of personalised provision. Our offer for these pupils is rooted in the solid consensus that they need to prioritise the development of attendance, attributes and behaviours that will:

• Keep them safe in school and in the community;

• Support them to access the wider curriculum over time;

• Support their transition to a more appropriate setting, if required;

• Enable them to take advantage of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences later in life

These intensive packages are agreed through the annual review process and reviewed on a regular basis.