Curriculum rationale

The Finch Woods Academy curriculum has been built to ensure a combination of academic, practical, and therapeutic learning experiences to give pupils the knowledge, skills and tools they need to become successful, productive and well-rounded in adulthood. The weekly timetable runs alongside pupils being taught key ideals in our ‘STAIRS’ values, and the Finch Woods Academy Pledge, which enables all pupils to access a wide range of social and cultural life opportunities. It is this school offer, combined with academic and SEN expertise and experience both inside and outside of the classroom, that ensures that the pupils of Finch Woods Academy receive a rich and diverse experience in their time with us, and leave us prepared for post 16 education and training, and adulthood.

The Curriculum offer is designed with a number of key principles:

An offer that matches that of mainstream educators to ensure that pupils have access to the same breadth of subjects and qualifications
An offer that supports the SEMH needs of pupils, promoting emotional and physical wellbeing
An offer that ensures that pupils have access to a wealth of social and cultural experiences – our Pledge – to ensure that economic disadvantage is not a barrier
An offer that supports the bespoke needs of every child.

Key Stage 3 (Year 7 & 8) Curriculum

Core Learning - Academic

Subject

Lessons

Rationale

English

Being highly literate and numerate is one of the Finch Woods Academy Key Aims. English is taught four times per week to accommodate this.

Mathematics

Being highly literate and numerate is one of the Finch Woods Academy Key Aims. Mathematics is taught four times per week to accommodate this.

Science

As a core subject, Science has three lessons per week, enabling the study of all three disciplines throughout key stage three.

Foundation Learning - Academic

MFL (Spanish)

In previous curriculum models, MFL has had more lessons dedicated to its study at key stage 3, however as there is a low uptake of pupils wishing to study it through to GCSE, this has been reduced to facilitate study of more popular subjects. Instead, pupils build to a functional level qualification that will equip them with the skills and confidence to travel abroad to Spanish speaking countries.

Geography

Geography is taught through to GCSE level for pupils who want to study it, and the early taste of the subject allows for pupils to gain basic skills before opting for additional time in later academic years.

Foundation Learning - Practical

Technology (focus on Food Technology)

In Years 7 & 8, pupils follow a series of purely practical food technology lessons that equip them with the skills and understanding of how to cook a range of nutritious meals on a budget. At this point, the emphasis is placed on gaining a key life skill that will help them become healthy and independent adults.

Art and Design

The majority of pupils at Finch Woods Academy choose to study Art and Design through to GCSE, where both Art and Photography are offered.

Physical Education

All pupils access core PE each week to help them maintain good levels of physical fitness and learn positive habits around exercise. They access a range of sports that provide positive outlets for their physical and mental wellbeing.

ICT and Computing

A new addition to the Finch Woods Academy Curriculum model and in its early stages. This subject is currently taught to ensure that pupils gain the necessary computing skills to support future employment and safe use of technology as adults.

PSHE, SRE, Citizenship and Careers

All pupils have one timetabled lesson of PSHE and one timetabled lesson of Careers in Years 7 & 8. As this is such a wide field of learning, much of its content is taught further through fortnightly ‘STAIRS’ days, where pupils explore aspects of the PSHE, SRE, Citizenship, and Careers curriculum in further detail. All PSHE and SRE teaching is mapped against the KCSIE requirements and recommendations.

Therapeutic Learning

Wider World

The wider world curriculum allows a block of time each week where pupils can travel away from the school site and learn about the world around them and the opportunities that are part of it. Pupils access social, cultural, geographical, historical, and religious places of interest and have the chance to gain additional qualifications in physical activities such as rock climbing and water sports. Wider world also allows pupils to spend extended periods of time off site with their peers, communicating with the general public.

Key Stage 3 (Year 9) Curriculum

Core Learning - Academic

Subject

Lessons

Rationale

English

Being highly literate and numerate is one of the Finch Woods Academy Key Aims. English is taught four times per week to accommodate this.

Mathematics

Being highly literate and numerate is one of the Finch Woods Academy Key Aims. Mathematics is taught four times per week to accommodate this.

Science

As a core subject, Science has three lessons per week, enabling the study of all three disciplines throughout key stage three.

Foundation Learning - Practical

Food Technology

In Year 9 pupils follow the BTech qualification at Level 1 or Level 2, gaining qualification at the end of year 10. The opportunity for early entry in this subject forges the pathway for pupils to gain their first set of qualifications with us.

Photography

In Year 9 pupils complete GCSE photography, gaining qualification at the end of the year. The opportunity for early entry in this subject forges the pathway for pupils to gain their first set of qualifications with us.

Physical Education

ICT and Computing

PSHE, SRE, Citizenship and Careers

Therapeutic Learning

Wider World

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Core Learning - Academic

Subject

Lessons

Rationale

English

Being highly literate and numerate is one of the Finch Woods Academy Key Aims. English is taught four times per week to accommodate this. Pupils build to different outcomes depending on ability and intended next steps.

Mathematics

Being highly literate and numerate is one of the Finch Woods Academy Key Aims. Mathematics is taught four times per week to accommodate this.

Science

As a core subject, Science has three lessons per week. Different pathways are available to pupils depending on ability and intended next steps.

Foundation Learning - Academic

MFL (Spanish)

Pupils are taught either Spanish through to FSCE level or Geography through to GCSE level depending on personal interest and ability.

Geography

Pupils are taught either Spanish through to FSCE level or Geography through to GCSE level depending on personal interest and ability.

Foundation Learning - Practical

Technology (focus on Food Technology)

Pupils follow the BTech pathway, gaining qualification at level 1 or level 2.

Art and Design

Pupils complete Art and Design and photography in Year 11, and build to these two qualifications throughout Year 10. As pupils will now start photography in Year 9, this will change for future cohorts.

Physical Education

All pupils have a double lesson of core PE in line with government expectations. At Key Stage 4, pupils also have a theory lesson to build a portfolio for their BTech qualification.

ICT and Computing

ICT is new to the offer and is not currently offered in Year 10. This will change as current key stage 3 pupils move through to key stage 4. Year 11s access a single lesson per week to help support them demonstrate skills learned for a functional skills qualification, before moving in to college or employment

PSHE, SRE, Citizenship and Careers

All pupils have two timetabled lessons of PSHE, Citizenship, and Careers per week. As this is such a wide field of learning, much of its content is taught further through fortnightly ‘STAIRS’ days, where pupils explore aspects of the PSHE, SRE, Citizenship, and Careers curriculum in further detail.

In Year 11, pupils are supported in preparing for adulthood and further education, employment or training. All PSHE and SRE teaching is mapped against the KCSIE requirements and recommendations.

Vocational Learning

Pupils have the opportunity to access courses that may be in line with areas of study they wish to pursue at key stage 5, within the vocational studio at Finch Woods Academy. These include practical, trade based skills, hair and beauty, and other NOCN recognised courses

Revision

Skills

Year 11 - 4 (selected cohort)

Pupils who have been identified as able to gain a higher level GCSE / iGCSE in a reduced time scale have the opportunity to take an additional option in Year 11 such as English Literature or further NOCN modules. Alternatively, the time can be used to access additional support in mathematics to ensure a smooth transition to college, or additional time to complete coursework in other option subjects.

Therapeutic Learning

Wider World

Year 10 – 3

Year 11 - 0

Access to other areas of the National Curriculum

The curriculum is reviewed regularly to ensure that it best meets the needs of each cohort. In order to ensure that needs are met, there are subjects that do not have timetabled hours. These are addressed through Pledge activities, wider world lessons, and cross curricular links when appropriate.

Religious Education:

Although this is not studied as a stand-alone lesson, pupils gain an appreciation for other religions, cultures and traditions through the Finch Woods Academy Pledge and Wider World lessons. Pupils visit different places for religious worship and learn about the different religions that make up the local and national community.

Music:

As with Religious Education, pupils access a range of musical experiences through the Finch Woods Pledge and wider world lessons where they have the opportunity to attend concerts. Finch Woods Academy also hosts music lessons from external professionals through Arts Projects in Knowsley.

History:

Traditionally, Geography is favoured by pupils at Finch Woods Academy, so the humanities offer focuses on teaching in that area. History does not have timetabled lessons, but is again taught through wider world where pupils visit museums in the local area and learn about the development of Liverpool over time. Pupils also learn about the Victorian Age in their study of Dickens, the Elizabethan Age in their study of Shakespeare, and World War One in their study of poetry in English lessons.

Pathways for Success

Pupil pathways through Key Stage 4 are designed according to pupil ability, targets, and planned next steps.

English and Mathematics:

All pupils complete Functional Skills in both English and mathematics, including those pupils who study at the Link. In addition to this, the vast majority of pupils will also study toward GCSEs in English and mathematics. The English department offer iGCSE English to those pupils who benefit from a coursework element to the course, and English Literature is available to more able pupils, or those who intend to study A levels.

Science:

In Science, the curriculum has developed in the last 12 months to incorporate BTech study, again as a way of allowing pupils to have the benefit of reducing exam stress through access to coursework elements. GCSE Science is also available and can be studied alongside BTech or instead of it, depending on the needs and ambitions of the cohort.

The Key Stage 4 Offer:

The Key Stage 4 offer is a blend of academic and vocational qualifications in order to allow pupils to study in a range of ways and attain qualifications for further study. The pathway and qualifications studied is decided through a mixture of pupil and parental voice, pupil ability, and consideration of the pupil’s intended career pathway.

Available GCSE qualifications include: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Geography, Art, and Photography.
iGCSE qualifications include: English Language.
FCSE qualifications include: Spanish.
BTech qualifications include: Science, Hospitality and Catering, and Physical Education.
Vocational qualifications include: NOCN units of study and Esports.
Functional Skills qualifications include: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and ICT.

Alternative Provision:
Pupils who study with our Link provision also have the opportunity to access work-based learning with alternative provisions. Each of these approved providers offer bespoke educational packages with vocational qualifications.

Provider	Offer
*Peregrinate*	Functional Skills English and Maths BTech Level 1 Construction alongside ‘Working Safely’ Certification Level 1 Award in Retail
Prudentia	Functional Skills English and Maths BTech Sport BTech Work Skills BTech Motor Vehicle Engineering (practical only)
Motiv8	Functional Skills English and Maths BTech Sport
CST	BTech Level 1 and Level 2 Construction
Pro-Vision	Functional Skills English and Maths Wellbeing Award Jamie Oliver Cooking Award
Educ8	Functional Skills English and Maths BTech Construction BTech Hair and Beauty Level 1 and Level 2 BTech Art and Design Level 1 Animal Care Level 1 Health and Social Care
Skills Base	NOCN Motor Vehicle Level 1

Pupil Destinations

Pupil pathways at Finch Woods Academy have been carefully designed through carefully mapping trends in pupil destinations. As a school, we work closely with careers services and local colleges and employers to ensure that our pupils leave with the skills and qualifications needed.

Trends of previous years demonstrate:

The majority of our pupils move on to vocational qualifications either at Level 1 or Level 2.
Those who start at Level 1 remain to study Level 2 in Year 2, or get moved to Level 2 earlier.
Other pupils gain employment or follow training courses in confidence building and employability. These are a minority in comparison to pupils in further education.

Cohort

Destinations

Class of 2020

Education:

Level 1 Bricklaying
Level 1 Catering
Level 1 Electrical Installations
Level 1 Motor Vehicle
Level 1 Horticultural
Level 2 Hair and Beauty
Level 2 Mechanics
Level 2 Electrical Engineering
Level 2 Bricklaying
Level 2 Catering

Training:

Work with Connexions / Careers Connect
Halewood Leisure
Expanse Learning

Talent Match

Class of 2021

Education:

Foundation Learning
Level 1 Plumbing
Level 1 Construction
Level 1 Mechanics
Level 1 Bricklaying
Level 1 Small Animal Care
Level 1 Sports Science
Level 1 / 2 Painting and Decorating
Level 2 Health and Social Care

Training:

Peregrinate Post 16 Study
Apprenticeship at Step Up Security
Employability with Widnes Vikings
Steven Gerrard Football Academy / Everton Football Club

Employment:

Fencing company

Tarmac company

In response to these trends, we have introduced vocational qualifications at key stage 4. These have replaced traditional qualifications such as Design Technology in order to better prepare pupils for their chosen pathways. The NOCN qualifications on offer allow pupils to accrue points to different levels of competency and qualification in vocational fields of their choosing such as painting and decorating, basic mechanics, construction, hair and beauty and bricklaying. The range of qualifications is extensive, allowing pupils to try different vocations while still in the school environment.

The investment in the learning space and opportunities now available will, it is hoped, help pupils become equipped with the various skills needed to secure level 2 or higher courses post-16 rather than level 1.

Most recent cohorts tend not to choose purely academic pathways. This being the case, the securement of GCSE English and maths against a range of other subjects, many of which are practical seem best suited to meet needs and interests.

However, should a pupil want to study A Level, there is still the opportunity to follow the mathematics with Language and Literature combined pathway, study GCSE Geography and Spanish, and elect for additional GCSE qualifications to ensure that enough points are gained to support this route to sixth form.

The STAIRS Curriculum

The Finch Woods Academy Curriculum is underpinned by the STAIRS Key Values, chosen to help pupils to become well-rounded individuals who are ready to rise to the challenges of life after school. Pupils are encouraged to constantly demonstrate these key values both in lessons and outside of the classroom; being rewarded through daily, weekly, and termly incentives.

The STAIRS Curriculum promotes a number of skills, including (but not restricted to) the following:

Social Skills	· Working together in tasks and projects · Being part of a team · Speaking and listening in a respectful manner · Supporting each other and demonstrating the ability for friendship · Communicating positively while outside of school, and as part of the local community · Being polite and helpful with visitors to the school.
Tenacity	· Rising to challenges · Sustaining a positive attitude to work, even when it is challenging · Perseverance · Revisiting aspects of learning and improving skills.
Acceptance	· Following rules and routines, and rising to expectations · Considering the views of others that they may not agree with · Being respectful of different beliefs, cultures, and religions · Showing empathy for others · Reflection skills.
Independence	· Working independently on appropriate tasks · Thinking for themselves, and not following their peers · Using initiative · Taking responsibility in aspects of school life such as being a member of the student council, or a reading ambassador.
Resilience	· Overcoming difficulties and meeting targets · Returning to learning after disruption · Improving work through proof reading and drafting · Forgiveness of others · Trying new things that may cause them some anxiety.
Success	· Any other aspect of success pertinent to individual targets.

Pupils receive recognition for skills in each of the areas through the daily accumulation of points, which help them attain daily rewards and ‘green days’ in line with the school behaviour and rewards system. Pupils also receive weekly recognition in assemblies with certificates and weekly rewards.

The STAIRS Curriculum was designed in line with the concept of each pupil attaining success through a step-by-step approach to learning. This is further supported by the ‘mountain’ form groups, where the challenges increase as pupils progress through the years, and the assessment system where each level is broken down into detail so that pupils can attain decrimalised levels of progress and recognise that success is achieved by continuing to move forward, regardless of pace.

Reading and the Curriculum

At Finch Woods Academy, we encourage all pupils to become competent readers who can both read for a purpose and for pleasure. Every cohort takes part in daily reading where they read either independently or as a class. We follow the Accelerated Reader programme so pupils are carefully assessed for levels before choosing books. Our library area is organised so that pupils can find books best matched to their level of ability.

New books are ordered every half term to ensure that texts are fully up to date. Award winning child and teen literature is purchased so that the freshest acclaimed titles are available.

For pupils who struggle, orders are placed every half term with dyslexia friendly organisations, and with companies who specialise in high-interest, low-reading age texts, and additional staff are available to support with one to one reading if required.

Outside of school, all pupils have access to an online reading library so that they can borrow books of interest outside of school. These can also be read in school if paper copies are already loaned to others or not stocked in the library itself.

This daily approach enables reading to be embedded across the school and allows tutors to be able to oversee progress of individuals in their form.

Finch Woods Academy Pledge

The Finch Woods Academy Pledge has developed over time to incorporate a range of pupil experiences that happen outside of the classroom, designed to develop the whole child. Although aspects of it tie in with academic study, such as pupils visiting a Spanish restaurant to practice their Spanish speaking and listening skills, much of it has been designed to ensure that our pupils have the opportunity to access a range of ‘life experiences’ that would otherwise not access.

Many of our pupils come from previous schools where their behaviour has been a barrier to them being included on residential trips; a significant number have never left their local area due to anxieties around travel; and many of the areas from where our pupils attend rank as some of the most deprived areas of the country. For these reasons, experiences such as trips to the London and International destinations (the most recent being New York) that take place annually have become the highlights of the pledge for many. As a school, we use pupil premium funding along with additional fundraising efforts to finance experiences of a lifetime; raising aspirations and broadening pupils understanding of the world that they live in.

Although the Pledge stems five years with key activities generally being targeted to specific years, as many of our pupils come to us mid-way through their secondary education, the timing of activities is flexible to enable pupils to gain as diverse a arrange of activities as possible. Pupils develop skills and independence, but above all create memories to last a lifetime.

An overview of the Finch Woods Academy Pledge and its rationale can be seen below:

First Opportunity to Access	Activity	Rationale
Year 7	Residential experience in the UK	· Pupils stay away from home · Confidence · Team work · Independence
Year 7	Live Theatre Production or Concert	· Experience the Arts · Adhere to social expectations
Year 7	Visit to a library, art gallery, museum	· Experience the Arts · Learn how libraries work · Learn about local and world history · Adhere to social expectations
Year 7	Listen to classical music	· Develop appreciation for the arts · Experience different genres of music
Year 7	Organise a fundraising event for charity	· To develop empathy skills · Demonstrate care for others and selflessness
Year 7	Participate in an inter-school competition	· Team work · Develop Social Skills · Train and practise skills
Year 7	Visit a Theme Park	· Experience the adrenaline of rides and activities · Develop social skills · Develop independence · Be accountable for managing own time
Year 7	Learn how to grow plants	· Develop skills for growing plants (including food) · Develop nurturing skills and responsibility
Year 7	Go Camping and Canoeing	· Overcoming challenges · Teamwork · Independence
Year 7	Experience a different culture	· Learn about the wider world and its communities · Develop understanding and acceptance of others
Year 7	Visit a Zoo	· Develop social skills · Learn about other living creatures
Year 8	Learn how to look after animals	· Develop responsibility for other living creatures
Year 8	Walk to the top of a mountain	· Personal challenge · Develop resilience
Year 8	Write to a pen-pal	· Form links with pupils from a school in a different part of the world · Learn about different cultures · Develop social skills in written communication
Year 8	Eat in a Spanish Restaurant	· Use language skills learned in MFL to experience new cultures · Develop social skills
Year 9	Attend a live sports event	· Experience professional expertise · Raise aspirations
Year 9	Watch a Shakespeare play	· Experience the literary canon
Year 9	A day trip to a Capital City	· Experience a city they would not normally see · See Parliament and key London landmarks · Help organise a timetable for the day, using public transport
Year 10	Attend a First Aid Course	· Complete a certified qualification · Learn a new skill · Develop confidence to act in an emergency
Year 10	A Residential / Cultural visit abroad	· Pupils stay away from home · Develop independence · Gain a passport · Experience new cultures (and languages if appropriate) · See the Wider World · Raise Aspirations
Year 11	Attend Work Experience	· Gain an understanding of the world of work · Develop independence · Experience a career that they have an interest in
Year 11	Interview for College or Employment	· Learn about interview expectations · Develop independence · Prepare for post-16 employment, education or training

Curriculum Development 2022-2025

Curriculum 2022-2023

Year 7
(Snowdon / Ben Nevis)

Year 8

(Eiger)

Year 9

(Fuji / Corazon)

Year 10

(Kilimanjaro)

Year 11

(Everest)

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art – 2

Food Technology – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

MFL – 1

Geography – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art – 2

Food Technology – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

MFL – 1

Geography – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art (Photography) - 3

Food Technology – 3

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

ICT - 1

English – 3

Maths – 3

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art – 2

Food Technology – 3

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

Vocational Education – 2

MFL / Geography - 2

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 4

PE – 3

Art and Photography – 2

Food Technology – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

Vocational Education – 1

MFL / Geography – 2

ICT – 1

Qualifications Gained:

Photography GCSE

Food Technology BTech

Qualifications Gained:

English GCSE

Maths GCSE

Food Technology BTech

MFL – FCSE or Geography GCSE

Qualifications Gained:

English GCSE

Maths GCSE

Science BTech

PE BTech

Art GCSE

Photography GCSE

Food Technology BTech

Vocational Education NOCN

MFL FCSE

Geography GCSE

ICT Functional Skills

Curriculum 2023-2024

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art – 2

Food Technology – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

MFL – 1

Geography – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art – 2

Food Technology – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

MFL – 1

Geography – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Photography – 3

Food Technology – 3

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 4

PE – 4

Wider World – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

Vocational Education – 1

MFL / Geography - 4

English re-sit (if required) - 2

Maths re-sit (if required) - 2

Science – 3

PE – 4

Art and Photography – 4

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

Vocational Education – 5

ICT - 3

Qualifications Gained:

Photography GCSE

Food Technology BTech

Qualifications Gained:

English GCSE

Maths GCSE

Science BTech

PE BTech

MFL FCSE

Geography GCSE

Qualifications Gained:

Science BTech

PE BTech

Art GCSE

Photography GCSE

Vocational Education NOCN

ICT BTech

Curriculum 2024-2025

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art – 2

Food Technology – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

MFL – 1

Geography – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Art – 2

Food Technology – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

MFL – 1

Geography – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 3

PE – 2

Wider World – 3

Photography – 3

Food Technology – 3

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

ICT - 1

English – 4

Maths – 4

Science – 4

PE – 4

Wider World – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

Vocational Education – 1

MFL / Geography - 4

English re-sit (if required) - 2

Maths re-sit (if required) - 2

PE – 4

Art – 2

PSHE – 1

Careers – 1

Vocational Education – 6

ICT - 3

Work Experience / College / Transition to KS5 - 6

Qualifications Gained:

Photography GCSE

Food Technology BTech

Qualifications Gained:

English GCSE

Maths GCSE

Science BTech

PE BTech

MFL FCSE

Geography GCSE

Wider World Qualification

Qualifications Gained:

PE BTech

Art GCSE

Photography GCSE

Vocational Education NOCN

ICT BTech

Level 1 / Level 2 Qualification in chosen career

From adapting the curriculum model, Finch Woods Academy pupils will gain a wider range of qualifications and also have the opportunity to explicitly prepare for the next stage of education, employment, or training. It is anticipated that the range of qualifications will grow, along with the offer to:

Class of 2023 – GCSEs in English, Maths, Art, Photography, Geography (if not studying MFL); BTechs in Science, PE, Food Technology, Vocational Education; Functional Skills in ICT; FCSE in Spanish (if not studying Geography). Total: 10

Class of 2024 – GCSEs in English, Maths, Art, Photography, Geography (if not studying MFL); BTechs in Science, PE, Food Technology, Vocational Education, ICT; FCSE in Spanish (if not studying Geography); Wider World qualification. Total: 11

Class of 2025 - GCSEs in English, Maths, Art, Photography, Geography (if not studying MFL); BTechs in Science, PE, Food Technology, 2 x Vocational Education; Functional Skills in ICT; FCSE in Spanish (if not studying Geography). Total: 12