Our Curriculum

As a school we understand that the possibilities for learning are endless and do not only exist in the formal classroom situation.  We are proud to recognise and celebrate the achievements of all our students in whatever field they excel, be it the arts and sport, or in leading and serving others. 
These opportunities are not restricted to the classroom and we have an increasingly coherent and extensive curriculum entitlement which develops and builds the learning from beyond the classroom door and into the wider world of science, mathematics, the arts, technology, humanities, sport and modern languages. These opportunities are complemented by an integrated Life Skills Programme which is mapped across the curriculum and is taught as a timetabled lesson in Key Stage 3, in addition to special Life Skills’ Days, Assemblies, in RS/Life Skills lessons and within the curricula of other subjects. They are built consciously with our primary partners to prepare them for secondary to provide a continuity of learning and engagement (as part of our MSP – Mossley Schools’ Partnership).
Running throughout our Learning offer is our core belief that our values of manners, hard work and honesty matter a great deal in life to the individual student, to our local community and to society at large and so we have introduced an explicit Character Curriculum offer (starting with Year 7 and working through to the upper years) which takes in our JASS offer ( a mini-Duke of Edinburgh programme running in Year 7, followed by Duke of Edinburgh) which promotes and develops not just Learning, but Leadership, Service and Participation in our school, local community and society at large. Please refer to our Character Tab for more details.
Together it is these explicit curriculum elements that shape a young person’s development as a whole person, actively contributing to a stronger, kinder community and having a life-long impact.

and having a life-long impact.

Academic

As well as ensuring that our students are ‘college ready’ when they leave us, our curriculum  encourages deep learning, intellectual curiosity, independent thought and effective learning habits. We offer a coherent and balanced curriculum, in line with many grammar, fee paying and free schools, that responds quickly to changing requirements, as well as a challenging and inspiring wider curriculum that enriches students’ knowledge, skills and understanding.

The Arts

Engagement with the creative and performing arts teaches young people to be self-disciplined, innovative thinkers, attentive to detail when working independently and with their peers. Through the arts, students find their own voice and the confidence to express their individual thoughts, emotions and creativity. Participating in the Arts helps to develop social connections to reduce feelings of isolation by building a sense of community and belonging with the Dance shows, Drama productions and School bands and groups. We are proud to support and encourage participation in our music, dance and drama programmes and recognise the positive benefit such activities have, and the importance and relevance that is attached to them by college tutors and employers beyond their school career.

Sport

Participation in sport helps young people to learn new skills, communicate with people and enjoy taking part in exercise. It also fosters their personal, social, physical and intellectual skills, at the same time developing a healthy mind and body. For all young people, the value of being involved in sport, physical activities and outdoor activities is well recognised; burning off energy, developing fitness levels and working hard to be the best they can be. It also helps when getting involved in competitive situations to learn how to deal with different situations when winning or losing when in PE lessons, taking part in sports clubs or playing for school teams. Through sport and exercise they learn about the importance of independence, teamwork and leadership, and how to conduct themselves with respect and honesty. It goes without saying that the physical health, mental health and social health benefits of taking part in exercise remain with them long after school.