'A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.' Albert Einstein This is a strong leading ethos in mathematics at the academy. Students are supported to learn new skills, build problem solving strategies and become more resilient, by learning that mistakes can be a good place to learn. Students all submit a maths baseline on entry to the school. This helps staff identify their areas of strength and the gaps in their knowledge, that we can work on. We use 'Doddle' as a platform to record topic understanding and this supports us in ensuring differentiation appropriately challenges each individual, through tasks and questioning.  We use maths games, real life scenarios and puzzles to promote co-operative learning and problem-solving skills. KS4 students will tackle exam style questions on every topic covered, so that they feel prepared for their exams and post 16 aspirations.

At the academy, all of our students receive an individualised approach to English according to their ability and need. We start this individualised learning by asking each student to do baseline assessments when they first attend our school. We can then identify what level the individual student is working at, any gaps in their learning and how best we can help them make progress. We have small classes and teaching assistants are present in every class to offer support as required. All of our students in key stage 4 will have the opportunity to be entered for formal examinations.

In years 9, 10 and 11 we will offer our students BTEC level 1 first award in applied science, which is a coursework only course. This will be taught alongside and embedded into the AQA GCSE biology curriculum. AQA GCSE biology gives students the chance to gain a good understanding of human biology, organisms, evolution and the environment.

Students will explore the seven key elements; line, shape, tone, colour, form, space and texture in art. The curriculum will be project-based so students can take ownership of their work and the direction they want to follow. The students will be able to use a wide range of different media including; paint, pastel, charcoal, fabric, pens, pencil, clay to build their confidence over the course of the projects. The projects will look at all different types of cultures and cover a wide range of different types of art; graphic, illustration, fine, pop, street and 3D art.

Learners in KS4 will have the opportunity to achieve a BTEC level 1 award in ICT. The qualification focuses on students learning Microsoft skills using the toolbar to format their work in order to create reports, presentations and display information through spreadsheets and graphs. The purpose of this qualification is to develop and recognise a learner's ICT skills and knowledge and enable them to use ICT effectively in their daily lives.

The academy will offer practical lessons to all students across KS2-5. There will be vast amounts of activities available to our pupils focusing on net and wall sports, invasions sports and general health related fitness sessions. Our overall aim is to provide students with the opportunity to lead active, healthy lifestyles as well as developing pupils’ social skills, resilience and knowledge of the importance of exercise.

Personal and social education will be delivered in all key stages at the academy. The content in KS3 will focus on health and wellbeing, living in the wider World and relationships. The aim is for pupils to learn and develop their knowledge on a wide range of both PSE and citizenship topics and then refine this knowledge and understanding when they reach KS4 to have the opportunity to achieve a level 1 / 2 award or certificate in PSE. Our overall aim is to help pupils lead confident, healthy and responsible lives.

We understand that our pupils have complex needs, we aim to address these through small group tailored interventions. Our pupils learn through creative or sensory activities, games, songs, stories. They will study neuroscience, emotions, feelings, friendship, internet safety, road safety, stranger danger, the importance of telling the truth and the factors of keeping healthy (mind and body). They will learn strategies which they can use in and out of school to be able to cope and deal with powerful feelings and emotions. They will learn to be able to put their thoughts and feelings into words and who they can talk to for help and support. As an academy, we use the same language and strategies to support and guide each of our pupils in these areas.

Being able to cook is an essential life skill. Learning to cook is fun, creative and you will never forget how to do it. Our pupils will be introduced to basic cooking skills by following recipes for simple dishes and learning how to use kitchen equipment safely. Each recipe will be underpinned with knowledge about sourcing food, nutrition, hygiene and food safety. Through a variety of recipes developed, a range of techniques, skills and knowledge will be demonstrated. Explaining the value of acquiring skills for cooking at home and discussing ways to pass on knowledge of cooking skills to others is also explored. These programmes aim to give our pupils the skills and confidence to enjoy cooking at home and maintain a healthy lifestyle through cooking for themselves, friends and families and to inspire others to do so.

Our LOTC programme aims to enable young people to view themselves in a positive way through meaningful learning that occurs by acquiring knowledge and skills through real-life, practical hands-on activities that are challenging rewarding and incorporates first aid training throughout. Our pupils will have the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised awards in first aid, sports and other activities, validating their learning and empowering them to continue enjoying activities that promotes active lifestyles, grit determination, resilience and positive change.