THE CURRICULUM - INTRODUCTION

Curriculum Statement

We are organised to develop the knowledge, concepts, attitudes, values, experiences and skills of our students through a broad and balanced curriculum taught through discrete subject areas. We recognise areas of learning which are of cross curricular importance and provide suitable choices at KS4. We are committed to ensuring that there are clear progression routes made available for students as they progress out of their compulsory years of education.

The schools academic structure is organised on a faculty basis. Each faculty has a Head of Faculty and within the faculties there are often heads of the various departments.

As part of our commitment to an inclusive curriculum and one that offers as wide a range of opportunities to all of our students we have developed GCSE level study from Year 9 onwards.

A Deputy Head and Assistant Head have specific responsibility for KS3 and KS4 in the monitoring and development of academic progress. The faculties are:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology
• ICT
• RE
• PSHE
• Music
• International Studies
• Humanities
• Special Educational Needs
• Performing Arts
• PE
• 6th Form

In the first two years, and in keeping with the requirements of the National Curriculum, all students at Shorefields study the following:

Core Subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

Foundation Subjects

• Technology
• Information Technology
• Art
• History
• Geography
• Music
• French
• Spanish
• Physical Education

All students also study these additional subjects:

• Religious Education
• Personal Social, Health Citizenship Education

In years 9, 10 and 11 all students study the following, (G.S.C.E. level and equivalent multiple awards):

• English
• Media (BTEC)
• Mathematics
• Science (GCSE and BTEC)
• Technology (Various GCSE and BTEC courses)
• ICT (GCSE and Multiple Awards)
• Physical Education (GCSE and BTEC
• Religious, Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education (CoPE ASDAN)
• Humanities (GCSE and BTEC courses)
• MFL

Students take options at the end of Year 8 and again in Year 9 and 10. Here they have an opportunity to make choices in courses of study and have additional options in Year 9 and 10 to broaden their studies, offer real choice and ensure that participation in their own desires and aspirations are fully in place. We are very proud of the opportunities this curriculum plan gives students.

Year 7 Project

A specially organized curriculum has been devised for Year 7 students. This approach is focused on developing learning skills and ensuring good transition to Secondary Education. Students have an integrated set of 'Project' lessons (6 a week) which provide a unique approach to literacy, the humanities, religious education and PSHE. Year 7 students are focused on developing independent learning skills.

Accelerated Learning and Emotional Intelligence

The school is committed developing the ALITE programme of accelerated learning. Several of our staff are accredited Lead Learners in Emotional Intelligence and Accelerated Learning. This approach develops a climate of student risk taking in learning, ensures that specific teaching styles are adapted to the learning styles of students.

We are committed to ensuring that the inclusivity of our whole school ethos permeates all of the teaching and learning in the school and in all aspects of the curriculum delivered in Shorefields. Working closely with our partner schools in the Toxteth Cluster ensures that this approach to Teaching and Learning is shared by primary and secondary schools alike. This curriculum planning seeks to minimise the problems students face in their transition from KS2 to 3.