Curriculum - Vision

The curriculum at Parklands is a broad and balanced blend of traditional, academic, vocational and 21st Century skills.  In conjunction with our wider curriculum (called SECURE), we strongly believe that our provision is deep and rich, broad and balanced, ambitious and challenging.  A good curriculum enables our students to not only successfully progress into further education, training or employment so they can contribute economically to our society, but it also gives them a broad understanding of the world and the key issues which, we believe, make them into well-informed, well-grounded adults.  Our Curriculum Leaders have devised an ambitious and aspirational curriculum which uses the National Curriculum as a minimum expectation. They have ensured that their content is well-sequenced, is built on prior learning from primary school, and has a moral purpose behind it.  

Curriculum Leaders have designed a progressive and cumulative 3 year KS3 curriculum with the aim of ensuring all students develop a deeper understanding of the bigger concepts and what links learning together, so they know more, remember more and can do more, and ultimately make sense year on year of more complex subject matter. 

Called SECURE, our wider curriculum is a fundamental aspect of our school’s curriculum.  

In Key Stage 3 we run two academically equal pathways; X and Y band, with all students studying art, computing, design technology, drama, English, food & nutrition, French or Spanish, geography, history, mathematics, music, physical education, religious studies and science.

In Key Stage 4 we continue to run the two academically equal pathways, with all students studying English language and literature, mathematics, physical education, religious studies and science. A choice of specialist subjects are offered, including; art, business studies, computer science, creative media, dance, design technology, drama, engineering, food & nutrition, geography, health and social care, history, MFL (French or Spanish), music, music technology, photography, physical education, triple science.

Specialist pathway is offered across both key stages to those students who need additional literacy and numeracy support.  Known as CONNECT, this programme is designed to support those entitled to catch-up funding, and aims to accelerate progress. This is a fluid pathway which enables students to reintegrate into the main curriculum.  For further details of CONNECT, please contact Mrs Aspinall, Deputy Headteacher. 

 

Your curriculum contact at school is Mrs Batson, Deputy Headteacher, who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.