Curriculum

Intent 

The English department at Beckmead College aims to promote a love for the creative aspects of English, offering a curriculum that meets students' differing needs. This enables students to engage with, and enjoy their learning, in order to reach their full potential.

We offer a range of qualifications from entry level, level 1 and level 2 functional skills (GCSE equivalent) through to GCSE, this ensures that all students are able to leave with an English qualification. There is a heavier weighting on non-fiction reading and writing through a range of diverse and culturally rich texts, to ensure that our learners have an educational experience that is rich, varied and culturally relevant.

Our objective is for students to become proficient in both written and oral communication, developing effective literacy and communication skills with the ability to apply these skills effectively to a range of purposes in the workplace and in other real-life situations. Consequently, equipping students to become confident, motivated, successful members of our community and to enhance their life opportunities.

Qualifications that are taught:

• City & Guilds Entry Level 1, 2, 3
• City & Guilds Functional Skills Level 1 & 2
• AQA GCSE English Language

Intent

At Beckmead College Mathematics Department, our intent is to provide our students with a rich, balanced, and progressive curriculum that enables them to reason mathematically, solve problems and develop fluent conceptual understanding in all areas. Maths is a skill that we all use daily and is an essential part of everyday life. Therefore, mathematics is an essential part of our broad and balanced curriculum where we attempt to ensure that children develop an enjoyment and enthusiasm for maths that will stay with them throughout their lives and empower them in future life.

Our curriculum allows our students to have a better sense of the world around them by making connections between mathematics and everyday life. It equips the students with skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify, and solve problems and make informed decisions. We do this by providing mathematical education through entry level, Functional skills, and GCSE level.  We teach entry level to demonstrate a sound grasp of the underpinning skills and basics of mathematical skills appropriate to the level, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations.  

Functional skills are taught to achieve a qualification for work, study, and life. Achievement of the qualification demonstrates a sound grasp of mathematical skills at the appropriate level and the ability to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real life. GCSE’s is the highest qualification we teach and that is to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts as well as acquire, select, and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems. We use this to make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions.

Qualifications

• Entry level 1,2,3
• Functional skills level 1&2
• GCSE foundation

Intent

At KS4, students will be taught a wide range of topics and abilities following the GCSE Biology and AQA Entry Level specifications. Each topic builds on their KS3 Science knowledge in terms of complexity, skills, and application. Our goal is for every student to finish KS4 with the ability to comprehend and articulate the scientific environment in which they live, but more crucially, with the abilities necessary to solve problems and evaluate science in our contemporary context. This has been supported by carefully thought-out content design that is in line with the curricular storyline. To address the demand for increased literacy and to offer chances for retrieval practise, adaptive teaching is carefully incorporated into the curricular structure. Science teaching at Beckmead College involves adapting and extending the curriculum to match all pupils’ needs to ensure they are challenged and achieve success, regardless of their starting point. This also guarantees that while expanding on existing knowledge inside each strand, new crucial language is introduced, clarified, and modelled. Assessment of students’ understanding of the curriculum is constant and low stake. This is done through robust regular in class and investigative tasks. The aim of this assessment is to feed directly into planning so that lessons are personalised to meet the needs of all students. 

Qualifications that are taught:

• AQA GCSE Biology
• AQA Entry Level Science Award / Diploma

Intent

ICT at Beckmead College is taught in a way that is relevant,  interesting and challenging. We take great pride in creating an environment that is conducive to learning technical skills and where students also feel they are treated ‘with dignity, kindness and fairness’.

Through the ICT curriculum, students build on their prior knowledge to improve their essential digital skills. The courses also provide clear routes of progression for their newly gained skills.

The Digital Functional Skills qualification equips our learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to initiate and participate in digital and online activities safely in the workplace and other real-life contexts. Students learn word processing, presentation and spreadsheet-based skills. In addition to this, the course also covers transacting online, and communication via platforms like Google Meet and Microsoft  Teams.

In the Digital Functional Skills course, learners are encouraged to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others. This includes developing effective presentational and problem-solving skills. By the time learners have completed their Digital Functional Skills qualification they should be confident in the following areas:

• Finding and consuming digital content safely.
• Digital content creation.
• Communicating or sharing digital content.

Qualifications that are taught:

• NCFE Digital Functional Skills Entry Level 3
• NCFE Digital Functional Skills Level 1

Intent

The Art and Design courses at Beckmead College equip students with the skills to enjoy, produce and engage with the visual arts at college and beyond. Art is delivered at an introductory level through the Bronze and Silver Arts Award courses; as a GCSE subject and also as an AS and A Level qualification. The subject provides opportunities for students to explore both contemporary and historical sources of art, craft and design, and encourages them to learn about the visual language of art.

Students are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of media, techniques and processes and to take an individual approach to their own art-making through generating ideas, recognising their strengths and selecting the most appropriate ways to move forward. Progression through the different levels is smooth, and each course builds upon the skills of the last. 

Art, Craft and Design is an immensely valuable subject as it develops transferable skills. Students will learn to:

• apply a creative approach to problem-solving 
• consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation
• analyse critically their own work and the work of others
• express individual thoughts and choices confidently
• take risks, experiment and learn from mistakes

Students who are not planning to take any formal qualifications in art but who wish to ‘dip their toes in the water’ and have a go at an art project just for their enjoyment and leisure are also welcome to do so. 

Qualifications that are taught:

• Pearsons AS-Level 
• Pearsons GCSE
• Trinity Arts Award Gold, Silver and Bronze

Intent

In vocational studies, our wide range of courses, expert tutors, and industry-standard facilities provide you with hands-on experience in all aspects of construction. From Bricklaying and Carpentry to Painting & Decorating and Plumbing, we can equip you with the skills and technical knowledge that you will need to start your career. We will build your confidence when working independently or collaboratively as part of a team. We aim to give you the basic skills required for the construction industry. This includes a high understanding of Health and Safety and the use of PPE. Within our workshop, you will learn how to use tools competently in a safe environment and manner.

The courses we offer can lead to apprenticeships and further qualifications/ employment. We aim to prepare each learner with the skills required to undertake employment within the building industry. 

As a SEMH provider, we offer a differentiated learning approach to meet the individual needs of each learner, understanding that each learner is different and, as such, we offer Entry Level 3 to Level 1 Diplomas to cater to these needs.

The City and Guilds qualification we offer is a nationally recognised qualification. The skills are transferable. Within the course, you will learn to problem-solve with confidence, knowing that mistakes are part of learning, and this can be done in a controlled environment. 

We offer a 1-year course over two areas. There are 4 areas to choose from. At the end of a 2-year stay, you could gain a level one in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Painting & Decorating and Plumbing. 

We understand the importance of cross-curricular work to provide our learners with a good understanding of the additional skills required to undertake these areas. 

All instructors are highly skilled and motivated, all follow the marking policies of the college, and ensure every learner has the very best chance to unlock their full potential in the vocational area.

We pride ourselves on learners’ feedback and ensuring that, as well as learning, the learners thrive and enjoy the course.

Qualifications that are taught:

• City and Guilds Entry Level in the Construction Industry
• City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma / Award / Certificate in Carpentry
• City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma / Award / Certificate in Plumbing 
• City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma / Award / Certificate in Bricklaying
• City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma / Award / Certificate in Painting & Decorating

Intent

The Music Technology courses at Beckmead College equip students with specialist skills in music production, sound creation and understanding the synergy of specific equipment in a professional studio setting. We deliver Music Technology at a variety of levels, from the Bronze and Silver Arts Award courses, to NCFE levels 1 and 2 (GCSE equivalent). This qualification enables learners to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the music technology industry. It is suitable for learners who are motivated and challenged by learning through hands-on experiences. The qualification will allow learners to gain practical skills in creating music using technology.

The Music Technology subject develops transferable skills. Students will learn:

• An appreciation for appropriate behaviour and dress
• Appropriate interpersonal skills
• Communicating with professional colleagues/peers and/or hierarchical 
• Supporting other aspiring others
• Personal manners and deportment
• Understanding work practices and how different roles and departments function within an organisation

Qualifications that are taught:

• NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Music Technology
• NCFE Level 1 Technical Award in Music Technology
• NCFE Creative Studies in Music Technology
• Trinity Arts Award Silver – Level 2
• Trinity Arts Award Bronze – Level 1

Intent

Creativity is the core skill found at the centre of our Media curriculum and a key skill which we believe not only helps learners develop their talents but also their independence. We value and encourage the imaginative viewpoints and artistic talent in all of our learners. By using creative approaches to learning and exploration, we believe learners gain a greater understanding of the practical and digital skills which are used by the media industry to target and appeal to a range of audiences. In life, the media is an invaluable resource and important feature that all of us engage with via digital technology. With any new communication source, critical reading and understanding is essential to ensure that students are taught to read and question the viewpoints they may be presented with.

By looking at a range of new and current media, news, social media and digital information we aim to give the students a clear understanding of their curiosity about the ways in which this has been designed and presented to the world. Studying media not only enables learners to understand the ways in which products are designed to appeal to different groups of people but also brings out their creative side which allows them to go above and beyond their imagination. 

Learning to read both widely and critically can encourage interrogation and examination of the news and information we are presented with to develop independent ideas, opinions and viewpoints, all key factors in critical reading and thinking. Our course is designed to encourage innovation from all learners, applying creative approaches to exploring, analysing, evaluating and constructing media products. Through a combination of practical innovation and productive problem solving we aim to prepare our students to develop the life skills required to effectively read, understand, analyse and construct a range of digital media texts. It is our intention to support our students in becoming more knowledgeable about our digitally driven world, the bias of the media and the critical skills required to effectively navigate this. By developing these skills, we believe that they can develop a more reasoned approach towards the ways in which society is involved in constructing, impacting and adapting the media we access every day. We also aim to challenge their creative thinking and show the students we teach the fun side of studying media. 

Qualifications that are taught:

• NCFE  Level 2 Technical Award
• Trinity Arts Award - Silver,  Bronze

Hospitality Intent

My vision for the hospitality department is to give students the basic cooking and food preparation skills that they will use in a working environment and at home. In addition, we also develop the core subjects of Maths, Science, English and Geography during the preparation and cooking of different food commodities. 

The hospitality industry is so wide and diverse with many career opportunities for students looking for employment or to continue with their training at college or university. My goal is for learners to develop the knowledge and skills needed in a working kitchen and living independently, including basic health and safety skills. 

These skills include:

• Food preparation - Chopping and knife skills
• Different types of cooking  
• Potential allergies
• Healthy balanced meals
• Food sustainability
• Customer service skills including serving customers   

In addition, the kitchen environment at Beckmead College allows our students to operate in a working kitchen, preparing lunch for two schools. This gives them a better understanding of what will be expected of them when they are in full-time employment.

Qualifications that are taught:

• City and Guilds Level 1 Introduction to the Hospitality Industry Diploma / Award / Certificate
• City & Guilds Entry Level 3 Introduction to the Hospitality Industry Diploma / Award / Certificate

Home Cooking Skills Intent

In the Home cooking skills department our aim is to equip the students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy cooking at home. The students will gain an understanding of how to economise when planning meals to cook at home.

This unit will allow students to transfer the skills learnt to other recipes to continue to cook for themselves, friends and family. The Home Cooking Skills units are based on the proposition that being able to cook is an essential life skill which we hope will empower the students to make changes that will have benefits to their health and wellbeing.

At the end of this course the students will gain a BTEC Home Cooking Skills Level 1 qualification. Also with the Home Cooking Skills, this will give the students some idea if they would like to continue in the catering industry, and maybe make a transition to KS5 to continue in gaining a higher level of qualification in the hospitality industry.

Objective of the Qualification

Develop knowledge and understanding of how to cook meals at home

• In this unit the students will be introduced to basic cooking skills by following recipes for simple dishes
• The students will develop a wide range of practical skills and apply independently
• The students over time will confidently use kitchen basic( food cupboard basic and equipment
• The students will experiment with a variety of kitchen appliances, hand stick, stick blender, hand held mixer, free standing mixer and deep fryer .
• The students will learn knife skills,  how to use sharp knives safely and correctly 
• The students will learn about organising, preparing, weighting ingredients

Develop an understanding of how to economise when planning a meal

• The students will learn about the importance of food choices for a healthy diet. Buying the correct food which is still nutritional but also value for money
• The students will learn about food storage, how to store food correctly in the fridge, and cupboard management.
• The students will learn about nutrition, the Eatwell well guide; and the  five a day
• The students will learn about food labeling; use by date, best before date and the color coding.

Develop ability to transfer skills learnt to different recipes

• The students will learn how to follow recipes independently.
• The students will gain understanding about adapting recipes to meet the needs of others, and also their own preferences.
• Watching the teacher demonstrate and applying skills as independently as possible during the practical lesson

Developing an ability to inspire others by transferring the knowledge gained and passing on information about home cooking

• The students will be encouraged to pass on information and inspire others to cook or bake the recipe they have tried out.
• The students will learn how to share information about recipes, by using different forms of communication. E.g. written, email, cook with family members

Qualifications that are taught:

• BTEC Home cooking skill level 1 Award
• BTEC Home cooking skills Level 2 Award

Intent

Citizenship Studies is a multifaceted subject that allows pupils to explore the actions of citizens within their communities. More specifically, the subject provides pupils with an in-depth look at the economic, social, cultural and political elements of being a citizen.

The main focus of Citizenship Studies is to provide pupils with a platform that will encourage them to become active citizens, who are able to take part in democratic processes and engage with society in a respectful manner.

Pupils will be provided with the information that will give them an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the principles of democracy and social justice, and the importance of active participation in the political process. Alongside this, pupils will be able to engage in constructive discussions with peers and develop critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills, thus allowing them to scrutinise political and social issues from a plethora of standpoints.

Overall, Citizenship Studies intends to foster a sense of agency, social responsibility, and civic engagement among students, preparing them to become thoughtful and engaged citizens who can contribute to a just and democratic society.

Qualifications that are taught:

AQA GCSE

PSHE Intent

The PSHE department at Beckmead College aims to provide a coherent programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education to our KS4 and KS5 students. 

We deliver this programme using the ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network), an awarding body whose programmes and qualifications offer flexible ways of developing and accrediting personal, social and work-related abilities which helps students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to stay healthy and safe now and prepare for their futures. 

ASDAN's programmes and qualifications are widely recognised by teachers and other educators for providing an engaging curriculum that empowers students through personalised learning and choice.

PSHE at Beckmead college promotes personal development by helping pupils to build their confidence, resilience and self-esteem, and to identify and manage risk, make informed choices and understand what influences their decisions. It provokes challenging questions about health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world. 

The ASDAN units that will be covered in KS4 (Year 12) are: 

• Emotional Wellbeing
• Respectful Relationships
• Keeping safe and healthy

The ASDAN units that will be covered in KS5 (Year 13) are:

• Tobacco and Drugs
• Financial Choices
• Living in modern Britain

Qualifications that are taught:

ASDAN Entry Level 3 / Level 1 Unit Awards

PSD Intent

ASDAN qualifications allow learners to explore a range of engaging topics at different levels. The PHSE curriculum is a certificate of achievement which allows learners to develop skills needed for adulthood and to become an active citizen. The PSD curriculum provides qualifications from entry level up to level two. It is an accessible qualification for those with SEN. The vision of the curriculum is to build confidence when making healthy and safe choices, develop their independent skills needed for employment and adulthood, including managing their own financial decisions, understanding healthy and safe relationships, identifying risks to personal safety and seeking support if in need. Learners will explore their career and future, begin to create c.v’s and apply for jobs linked to their skills and abilities.  The Curriculum will support learners to problem-solve and develop team-working skills. 

Intent

It is the vision of Beckmead College, that our students will leave ready with thorough knowledge of the many paths available to them. They will be informed and enthusiastic about the road ahead with the skills and confidence to continue their journey with success. It is also the overall aim that at Beckmead College we will encourage the students to meet the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, through a well- planned career programme.

Career and Work Experience Coordinator: Gina Higgins, ghiggins7@beckmeadtrust.org

Gatsby Benchmark 1 - Stable career programme 

• To provide a broad, balanced and impartial education in careers and future pathways that empowers students with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

• Support with completing applications, CVs, personal statements and preparation for interviews

Gatsby Benchmark 2 - Learn about the Labour market

• To embed into the curriculum opportunities for students to develop and use employability skills that will allow them the flourish in the world of work.

• To provide opportunities to develop key employability skills which would be highly valued by employers.

• Give career advice and guidance to support with decision making between different pathways

Gatsby Benchmark 3 - Addressing the needs of our students

• To provide comprehensive and accessible careers provision which supports the needs of all students.

• To provide coordinated support from external agencies including the local authority where students are vulnerable, have special educational needs or at risk of becoming NEET

Gatsby Benchmark 4 - Linking our curriculum to Careers

• To make links between subject areas and careers education to  ensure that students see how their academic studies can link to future study and employment.

• Provide students with access to a range of careers education and work- related opportunities, for e.g., employer assemblies, workshops and careers fairs.

Gatsby Benchmark 5 - Employers & Employee Encounters

• To make links between subject areas and careers education to ensure that students see how their academic studies can link to future study and employment. Attending the apprenticeship seminars/ workshops. 

• To continue to make links with local employers and community organisations to develop employability skills and to increase awareness about the labour market and employment opportunities available

Gatsby Benchmark 6 - Experience of Workplaces

• To continue to make links with future employers, where the Year 10 & Year 11 students can gain work experience throughout the academic year.

• To provide meaningful encounters with employers and employees, this may also include workplace visits.

Gatsby Benchmark 7 - Further and higher education encounters

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be fully prepared for their next stage of education whether they choose to go on to university, a college or an apprenticeship.

• Careers related learning and opportunities to motivate students to achieve academic success and aspiring to achieve challenging targets

• Encourage students to consider all options available to them at post 16, which could include academic and vocational pathways, apprenticeships, and other opportunities from post 16 providers. 

Gatsby Benchmark 8 - Personal Guidance

• To provide comprehensive and accessible careers provision which supports the needs of all students. 

• To help students develop into reflective individuals who are empowered to choose their own path through an awareness of their personal qualities and goals. 

• To give students the opportunity to grow their own networks and develop their cultural capital through careers activities and events which broaden their horizons. 

• To provide families with relevant information about future pathways that helps them support children in making choices about their future.