Curriculum Vision

Our CAN curriculum is at the heart or our Academy’s purpose, and it reflects in our core values of Be Kind, Be Courteous, Be Courageous.  We know that improving educational outcomes has the biggest positive impact on all our students’ futures, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who experience disadvantage in their lives. 

Our ambitious and engaging curriculum ensures all student have access to a broad range of subjects at Key Stage 3, with all students given genuine choice about what subjects to specialise in at Key Stage 4.   Across both key stages, we ensure that all students prioritise their health and wellbeing, with the explicit delivery of personal, social, health & economic education (PSHE), PE and RE lessons. We exceed the National Curriculum, with enrichment opportunities weaved into each subject's curriculum at appropriate points. 

All subjects prioritise the knowledge and skills needed to ensure students love learning and have the opportunity to unlock their full potential. Careful consideration is given to the sequencing and delivery of the curriculum to ensure children know more and understand more at the end of each lesson, term, and key stage. Ultimately, they will leave school ready to embark on their next learning journey. Our rigorous approach to teaching, assessment and pedagogy ensures all staff identify and rapidly address any misconceptions that learners may have. 

Curriculum Intent 

• CAN students will access a broad and balanced diet of subjects and experiences at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This will ensure all learners have the knowledge and skills needed to make choices about their futures. 
• CAN students will develop the ability to express themselves confidently, verbally and in writing, and will become fluent, insightful readers.​ Improved communication will lead to greater academic, social and cultural success.  
• Our CAN curriculum is designed with clear pathways, that students can take forward into aspirational further and higher education or training pathways and careers. We enhance our students’ life choices by ensuring our curriculum is designed so that all can flourish, regardless of potential barriers to learning. 
• Our wider Character and personal development curriculum supports the development of the qualities and competencies needed to become positive and contributory members of their community and beyond. We enable all our students to be healthy, polite, and respectful. 

Curriculum Design Principles  

Based on the CAN curriculum intent, the school has a set of design principles which guide and shape how the curriculum is implemented in terms of subject allocation, programme design, population design and scheduling. These are: 

• The KS3 curriculum covers all aspects of the national curriculum and is enhanced and accessible to all. 
• The KS4 curriculum is a blend of academic and vocational qualifications which are personalised to the needs of specific cohorts. 
• The personal development curriculum is taught both explicitly and is weaved within each subject and across the school. 
• Specialist and enhanced provision within the curriculum for pupils with a range of additional needs, including: nurture provision, therapeutic support, outdoor learning and Forest school.  
• Reading is explicitly taught across the school at both KS3 and KS4 
• Strategic population design drives all groupings and settings decisions.  
• Population design at both key stages  
  o    Intelligent setting across foundation subjects, taking account of SEND and additional needs. 
  o    Additional groups in English and Maths to reduce class size 
• Assessment – formative and summative assessment strategies built into curriculum planning 
• Language for all policy-all pupils study MFL at KS3 

Curriculum Allocation – Number of lessons per two-week timetable