Curriculum Principles 

As part of our curriculum design, we focus on the following core principles:

• It is primarily academic, broad and balanced in nature;
• It emphasises learning in literacy, numeracy, languages, humanities and science;
• Encourages high levels of participation in subjects that lead to the English Baccalaureate
• End points are clear for each year and year on year; it is clear what we expect pupils to know, understand and remember.
• Knowledge rich – knowledge within the curriculum planning process is detailed and specified. The choices of what knowledge all students should learn are not left up to chance. Knowledge is taught to be remembered.
• Knowledge sequenced in a coherent manner – The knowledge we teach is done so in a very particular order to enable rich and deep understanding to be developed and allow knowledge to be built over time
• The Curriculum as the progression model – The accumulation of knowledge across a curriculum is a marker of progress. Knowledge is gradually accumulated and built on. Assessment is therefore based on the curriculum-related expectations at each stage of the curriculum. Have students learned the knowledge they need to progress to the next stage of the curriculum?
• Inclusive – Our curriculum is inclusive. This means that we plan and use adaptive strategies in lesson to ensure that all students master the same core knowledge regardless of their context or SEND. We believe every learner is entitled to a curriculum that is varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, developing enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument. Star Maps are created in collaboration with the SENDCO, class teachers, pupils and parents advising strategies to help break down any barriers to learning. Strategies include adaptive teaching methods that are specific to a particular need as well as subject-specific adaptive teaching methods. In line with the Star Quality Standards, the curriculum actively promotes equality for all through both its content and delivery. Full details are contained in the Annual Equalities Statement. We aim to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and are not disadvantaged by any disabilities or special educational needs. Full details are contained in the SEND Information Report, Policy and Guidance.

At the heart of our curriculum is a strong academic core for all our pupils at key stage 3 and key stage 4: the English Baccalaureate. This includes English, mathematics, sciences, history, geography and a modern foreign language. Creative arts, technology, computing, and physical education are central to our curriculum offer sparking curiosity, interests and talent.

Our curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and emotional development of pupils at school and in society more widely. Religious Education, Personal, Social, and Health Education and Relationship and Sex Education are fully timetabled and taught throughout key stage 3 and key stage 4.

We believe every pupil is entitled to a curriculum that is varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, developing enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument.

Almost all pupils will follow a combination of subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate. Pupils will also study vocational subjects to contribute to a deep and rich curriculum experience. Pupils will be offered extra time for English and mathematics where they are performing below nationally expected levels. The focus is to support pupils with literacy and numeracy as soon as they join the school.  In particular, there will be a strong emphasis on reading and expanding vocabulary.

Subjects studied at Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, pupils will complete the following programmes of study:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Geography
• French, Arabic or Urdu
• Religious Education
• PHSE & RSE
• Art & Design
• Nasheed (music)
• Computer Science and IT
• Design Technology
• Physical Education

Subjects Studied at Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, pupils will complete a range of qualifications. All pupils will follow a combination of core subjects which will enable them to achieve the English Baccalaureate: English, mathematics, sciences, humanities and at least one modern foreign language. As part of the core curriculum, they will continue to study physical education, religious education and PHSE & RSE. In addition, pupils will choose optional subjects from a broad suite of choices covering both GCSE and vocational qualifications.

For more information on our curriculum, please contact:

• Mr Warren Morley, Vice Principal, info@ebpreston.staracademies.org