The curriculum at Strive has a clear focus on both nurturing the individual and academic learning.
Curriculum Overview:
The curriculum has 3 clear themes, and the varying needs of our young people will determine their intended outcomes. For some young people with more complex needs, academic examinations and studying formal courses are not in their best interests. Most young people at Strive, especially those studying full-time, will have an EHCP with clearly defined outcomes and the amount of focus spent on each theme will determine how these individual outcomes are met.
Theme 1: Social Skills Curriculum
This theme is focussed around giving students the social skills and experiences that will prepare them for adulthood, employment and independent living. Social skills are the skills we use to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, through gestures, body language and our personal appearance. Our students will develop ways to communicate messages, thoughts and feelings with others in an appropriate way.
Students will be given opportunities to develop social skills needed for life beyond education and will be focussed on: Resilience, Communication, Teamwork, Punctuality, Empathy, conflict resolution and patience.
Theme 2: Qualifications and courses of study.
Where it is relevant and in the best interests of a student’s development and progress, students can study a selection of core subjects which are complemented by optional subjects. The suite of subjects being offered are designed to give a balance of core study, personal development, physical and mental well-being and optional subjects that reflect student interests. Some subjects and qualifications may have an aspect of assessment and may provide National Accreditations that are recognised in education and work-based learning sectors.
Theme 3: Vocational experiences
Strive offers a selection of vocational subjects that aim to ‘spark an interest’ in an area that students could go on to develop further, either by studying them as a qualification or to engage in some form of work experience. The primary aim of these subjects is to allow students to experience the content and knowledge of a subject area without having the pressure of following a rigid curriculum and assessment structure. These subjects will be flexible to meet the individual needs of students and will be delivered in a practical manner within a nurturing approach.
All aspects of the curriculum promote spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of students and society, this prepares students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
The overarching aim through a combination of accessing parts of all 3 Themes is to prepare students for their next steps in education, employment and training, and their adult lives. This includes further/higher education and employment, independent living, participating in society and being as healthy as possible in adult life.
Intent:
Our intent is to provide an engaging and challenging curriculum through the 3 themes that allows all students the opportunity to make progress in line with their agreed outcomes. The curriculum design and content ensure that there is a clear and coherent reason why we are delivering what we are.
Every aspect of our curriculum is tailored to the interests and needs of the individuals and is linked to specific objectives. A blend of essential core skills in Maths, English & Science are complemented by more vocational and practical subjects, support, intervention and a social skills curriculum.
The curriculum is underpinned by a programme of personal development that focuses on communication and interaction skills, cognition and learning skills, personal, social, behavioral and emotional skills and British values.
Implementation:
Delivered by skilled staff who know their students additional needs such as SEND, SEMH or those with an EHCP. Intervention, support and social skills experiences are used based on individual need and are designed to build confidence and self-esteem.
This broad, balanced, and individual curriculum gives learners the best opportunity to progress their skills and knowledge to long-term memory and apply it fluently,
The curriculum is implemented by dedicated professionals who are skilled and experienced in their specific area of delivery. Classes are designed around having 6 learners in 1 class with a subject teacher plus a teaching assistant providing tuition, support and guidance. Where necessary, class sizes will be reduced to allow for a more bespoke 1-1 programme.
Impact:
When the intent and implementation is well designed and delivered, the impact is that students have the greatest opportunity to gain a fulfilling and successful education here at Strive. In addition to grades, percentages and certificates, progress can be measured by a variety of means. Simply improving skills and knowledge in a subject or being able to remember more information demonstrates progress and achievement. Increased attendance, improved behaviour and positive physical and mental health and well-being, are all progress measures that we will aim to improve. Social skill improvement is measured through EHCP outcomes and these are reviewed systematically.
Each student will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with specific targets and outcomes that are measureable. EHCP applications and plans are comprehensively consulted on to ensure that we meet the individual needs of learners.
Each aspect of the curriculum is underpinned by a detailed scheme of work that includes, planning, resourcing and assessment information. Copies of these are available in school.
The following subjects make up the curriculum on offer:
| Maths & English - Functional Skills/GCSE |
This core examination course is designed to make Maths relevant to the real world and the workplace. The FS specification allow students to develop subject knowledge and apply it in a variety of different contexts. It provides a foundation for progression to employment or further education and it will help learners develop skills for everyday life. Functional Skills Entry Level 1-3 & Level 1-2. Students can sit formal FS exams at Strive. Where a student is capable of a higher level, GCSE options will be explored |
| Science - BTEC Introductory L1 |
Students will study the basics in all areas of science. Projects and experiments will form part of the learning experience and practical experiences will take part where facilities and resources allow. |
| IT & Computing - ASDAN |
Students will study how computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and that the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. Students will develop skills and knowledge in the key employment areas in need and study all basic aspects of IT & computing in a practical and engaging way. |
| Digital Media - BTEC |
Students will study forms of media that uses electronic devices for distribution. They will look at how this form of media can be created, viewed, modified and distributed via electronic devices. Students will explore how digital media is commonly used in software, video games, videos, websites, social media, and online advertising. |
| Basic Bike Mechanics |
This course will be delivered in a practical way that teaches students the basics about bike mechanics. From fixing a puncture to being able to index gears and adjust brakes, students will develop key skills that are superb for future employment opportunities. Students will also use this as an enterprise project by selling 2nd hand bikes. |
| Woodworking & Construction |
This course will be delivered in a practical way that teaches students the basics about woodworking. Basic joinery and woodwork will form the basis of this course, however disciplines such as plastering, building and household DIY can be introduced depending on ability and interest. Students will develop key skills that are superb for future employment opportunities. |
| Hospitality, Tourism & Cooking - BTEC |
Students will explore the exciting, creative and practical nature of cooking within the home environment. In the Strive kitchen, students will learn how to prepare, make and serve a variety of foods that can be then used at home. Healthy eating, shopping and budgeting are all essential life skills that will be taught. BTEC L1 Award-Certificate Vocational Qualification. |
| Sport, Physical & Mental Wellbeing - BTEC |
Students will study the theoretical aspect of sport in the classroom before taking part in a programme of practical exercise and activities. Activities will rotate between gym, boxing, circuits, fitness, table-tennis, indoor climbing, pool & darts, badminton and team games such as football/cricket/rounders/tag rugby/basketball. This is a practical course designed to allow opportunities using a range of facilities within the local community. |
| Creative Arts & Music |
Creative arts are anything utilising creative expression and imagination through art, crafts, movement & music Students will follow their own interests and passions to help plan and create pieces of work. This will take place in the Strive workshop. |
| Outdoor Adventures Education (OAA) |
This curriculum highlights the need for students to explore the outdoors and develop a range of physical skills they might not be able to indoors. This is designed to develop personal skills such as communication, resilience, teamwork and patience. Activities could include biking, orienteering, kayaking, climbing and sailing. |
| Enrichment Opportunities |
Through a rich and diverse selection of enrichments choices, students can take part in a variety of experiences that will provide valuable opportunities to enhance their skills. These choices include: boxing, gardening, pallet craft, animal care, horticulture, golf, fishing, climbing, pool, darts, baking, help in the community, hair & make-up and health & social care. Other options can be added depending on student interests.
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| PHSCE, Careers and Preparing for Next-Steps -ASDAN |
This course is designed to explore issues such as crime, exploitation, finance, safety, effects of drugs and alcohol and sex and relationships. This will be delivered in morning form groups. Students will also explore life beyond Y11, which is relevant to further education, the real world and the workplace. Students will study employability skills, CV writing, interview skills and techniques, job applications, careers and training pathways. Students could also take part in a work experience module that will place them in a real life working environment in their area of interest with a local company. |
The curriculum, regardless of subject studied, is underpinned by a programme of nurturing and personal development that focuses on communication and interaction skills, cognition and learning skills, personal, social, emotional skills and British values.
Curriculum Aims:
This curriculum aims to:
Provide a broad and balanced education for all students that is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulative knowledge for skills and future learning and employment.
Enable students to develop knowledge, understand concepts and acquire skills, and be able to choose and apply these in relevant situations.
Support student’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Support student’s physical development and responsibility for their own health and enabling them to be active.
Promote a positive attitude towards learning.
Ensure equal access to learning for all students, with high expectations for every student and appropriate levels of challenge and support.
Have a high academic/vocational/ technical ambition for all students that considers age, aptitude and needs of ALL.
Equip students with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.
Provide subject choices that support students’ learning and progression, enabling them to work towards achieving their goals.
Provide a broad curriculum prioritising the personal interests and needs of students.
Develop students’ independent learning skills and resilience, to equip them for further/higher education and employment.
Additional aspects of the curriculum will be the inclusion of emotional control and regulation, interpersonal problem-solving components and counselling and mentoring sessions where appropriate. Sensory therapy concepts will be utilised where required and a wide range of support is available for students to enable them to manage their anxieties and develop skills to express their feelings constructively. These approaches, coupled with partnerships with a wide range of agencies such as the police, children’s services and other therapy organisations, help provide social, emotional, educational and practical support for students and their families.
Individuality and flexibility:
The design and implementation of Strive’s curriculum is focused on meeting the very individual needs of the young people, families and schools. These needs are varying and often complex and challenging, where the idea of a settled educational framework and environment is increasingly hard to achieve. Strive understands these challenges and complexities and works hard to make sure that all students are treated as individuals and as a result, the curriculum design and level of support may alter to meet the needs and interests of such individuality.
The curriculum, including design and implementation, is adaptable based on the following needs:
Intended outcomes
How many days students attend. Students may only attend part time to ensure that curriculum and provision is most suited to needs.
SEMH, SEND, EHCP needs or any other barriers to learning.
A full detailed and comprehensive assessment and discussion process will take place with all potential students, along with valuable input from family, school and any professional services. This will ensure Strive offers the best solution for the young person.
If you are interested in finding out more about STRIVE, or chat about the individual needs of your student or child. Call us on 01423 649070, or simply fill out the form below and we’ll get straight back to you.