Whole School Curriculum
Our Curriculum Principles
The curriculum principles at Waterside Academy are:
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Knowledge and vocabulary rich
Our Curriculum believes knowledge and vocabulary are powerful levers to help pupils achieve success as they build and link new knowledge with prior knowledge. -
Sequenced and coherent
Our curriculum is based upon purposefully sequenced content vital to ensure pupils are building on and making links with existing knowledge. -
Evidence-informed
Our Curriculum follows an evidence-informed approach underpinned by the rigorous application of research outcomes, best practice, and the science of learning. -
Flexible
Our Curriculum offers flexibility by design so that teachers are able to use it in a way that fits our context and meets the varying needs of our individual pupils. -
Diverse
Our Curriculum ensures breadth and diversity in content, language, texts, and media, giving pupils a broad and rich understanding of the world, of different perspectives, and of thinking critically about sources of knowledge. -
Accessible
Our Curriculum helps all pupils to learn. It uses high-quality teaching, including explicitly linking new content to previous content, chunking new content into appropriate sized blocks, giving concise verbal explanations with clear supporting visual models and illustrations, checking understanding regularly and responding accordingly, and providing scaffolding practice.
Our Curriculum Structure
Key Stage 3: Years 7, 8, and 9
Our KS3 curriculum is designed to teach students the skills that are crucial, not just for positive academic outcomes, but also for their development as learners. Students will be prepared, academically and socially, during this time to enable them to achieve their potential within their Functional Skill or GCSE years.
- We aim to build knowledge to create learners who are independent and who can approach their studies with confidence, creativity, and individuality.
- From Year 7, students follow an ambitious, broad, and balanced curriculum which prepares them for both reintegration into a mainstream setting, and KS4. The curriculum includes: English, Mathematics, Science, PSHE, History and Geography, as well as creative and practical subjects including Food and Nutrition, Computing, PE, and Art.
- Students also take part in Career Development opportunities and enjoy off-site enrichment opportunities twice a week.
Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11
In Key Stage 4, we provide an ambitious but inclusive curriculum that prepares students for a variety of post-16 pathways. In addition to the core subjects of English, Maths, and Science, students have access to a wide range of subjects during Key Stage 4, so that:
- All students can have the opportunity to achieve
- Students can select a curriculum that provides a range of choices and opportunities for post-16 study.
- We can provide a vocational and career-focused pathway, incorporating technical courses and a personalised curriculum.
- There is an opportunity to support some students with extra Mathematics, English, and Personal Development lessons.