Curriculum
Curriculum intent
Our approach to the curriculum can be demonstrated as follows:
The journey
The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of skills, knowledge, concepts and values and a vision to prepare students for life in modern Britain. We consistently promote enrichment opportunities to engage learning and build cultural capital while upholding the British values.
The core values
We believe that school should be a happy, investigative and enquiring time of our lives, where there are no limits to curiosity. We promote the Eckington values of outstanding education for all.
Preparation to exit
Students at Eckington leave school with a sense of belonging to a tightly knit community where they have the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate, make connections and become lifelong successful learners.
Surface
Every student is recognised as a unique individual and diversity is celebrated. We explicitly educate students on the wider world including spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC), personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, citizenship and careers.
Together
At Eckington, the curriculum is designed to recognise children’s prior learning, provide first hand learning experiences, allow children to develop interpersonal skills, build resilience and become creative and critical thinkers. Fundamentally, we drive every child to be the best version of themselves.
Modern British values / SMSC
Modern British values are taught through ‘character’ lessons. Students explore a range of British values, such as tolerance and respect, as well as personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and understanding. This ensures that our students can develop as responsible, confident and heathy young adults.
Relationship and sex education (RSE)
The majority of the RSE and health education curriculum will be delivered through character education lessons with statutory elements also taught via the science curriculum and online safety awareness via ICT curriculum. Where appropriate, the school will look for opportunities to make links between the subjects and integrate teaching.
Teachers will ensure that students’ views are listened to and will encourage them to ask questions and engage in discussion. Teachers will answer questions sensitively and honestly.
Personalisation through grouping
As part of our commitment to ensuring that every student has the best possible chance of success, we personalise the learning provision for every student in the core subjects of English, maths and science by placing each student in a learning group that is appropriate to their ability. Every student will be stretched, challenged and supported through this personalisation of the curriculum.
Enrichment
Students are provided with opportunities to add depth to their learning and develop personal skills through a rich and varied enrichment programme. This includes support for information advice and guidance related to careers education to help them work towards future pathways.
Students will have the chance to enjoy new experiences and consolidate their timetabled learning through this programme.
Courses studied
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
During key stage 3 (Years 7-9), students study a broad range of subjects:
- Art
- Character education
- Design technology
- Drama
- English
- Food technology
- Geography
- History
- ICT
- Mathematics
- Modern languages: French or German and Chinese
- Music
- Physical education
- Religious education
- Science
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
The subjects available to our students during Years 10 and 11, as they work towards level 2 qualifications (GCSEs, BTECs and more) are:
Core subjects (studied by all students)
- English language
- English literature
- Mathematics
- Science
They also study two, non-examined courses:
- Character education
- Physical education
Option subjects (available for students to choose)
- Art & design: fine art
- Business
- Creative iMedia
- Design & technology
- Drama
- French
- Geography
- German
- Health & fitness
- Health & social care
- History
- Hospitality & catering
- Media studies
- Music (GCSE or BTEC options)
- Photography (Art & design)
- Physical education
- Science – separate (biology, chemistry, physics)
- Travel & tourism
Sixth Form (Key Stage 5)
The wide range of level 3 subjects (A-level, BTEC and more) offered to Sixth Form students includes:
- Art, craft & design
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Creative digital media production
- Criminology
- English language
- English literature
- Drama & theatre studies
- Film studies
- Food science and nutrition
- French
- Geography
- German
- Health & social care
- History
- Mathematics
- Mathematics (further)
- Music practitioners
- Photography
- Physical education
- Physics
- Product design
- Psychology
- Science (applied)
- Sociology
- Sport and physical activity
We also offer the opportunity to study for the highly regarded extended project qualification (EPQ).
Members of the public can find out more about our curriculum by contacting the school on enquiries@eckington.chorustrust.org.
