Curriculum

Our whole-school approach to writing is based on high-quality literature sometimes using adapted versions. By utilising high-quality books and creative teaching methods such as art and drama, this approach aims to engage and motivate students in their learning. It also enables students to deepen their understanding of texts, providing meaningful contexts for writing. Reading aloud is a key part of the English lessons. This strategy ensures all students have access to quality texts and allows teachers to model expressive and fluent reading.

Our comprehensive whole-school teaching approach to writing aims to improve students' overall writing standards. It fundamentally teaches students how to be writers – not just how to write. It supports students in generating ideas, drawing upon their reading, and writing confidently for various audiences and purposes. The goal is to transform students into independent and expert writers by focusing on basic English skills such as grammar, handwriting, spelling, and punctuation (GHASP), and the main aspects of quality writing known as VCOP (vocabulary, connectives, openers, and punctuation).

Over time, students gradually build their bank of well-known texts, supplemented by picture books, novels, poems, and non-fiction books. This living library of language equips students with the words they need to express themselves.

All areas of maths are covered within our curriculum, including calculation, data handling, shape and space, geometry, measurement, and mental maths. students are regularly taught problem-solving skills and given opportunities to apply these to real-life contexts.

We use practical activities, hands-on resources, visual examples, mathematical games, and problem-solving activities to develop fluency in mathematical and reasoning skills. Whole-school maths challenges take place each term and include real-life problems which motivate, enthuse, and celebrate the use and application of various mathematical skills.

Where necessary, our students use multisensory, individualised interventions to help them develop key skills in maths.

Our Science programme at Beckmead Park Academy fosters a sense of wonder about natural phenomena. We encourage our students to be naturally curious about the world around them, enabling them to develop and use a range of skills to work scientifically, including questioning, researching, and observing for themselves. Scientific language is taught and built upon as topics are revisited in different year groups and across key stages.

Each year, we hold a whole-school Science Week based on various topics such as Famous Women in Science or Sensory Science. During this week, we explore the topic through a range of hands-on and engaging science experiments.

Our KS3 curriculum includes engaging English lessons centred around a specific text to read and analyse as a class. We explore traditional texts, poetry, Shakespeare, and various genres, enabling the students to articulate their responses and develop analytical skills.

Our KS3 lessons are tailored and differentiated to support our cohort of students, many of whom have extensive gaps in their reading and writing. Individualised interventions focus on SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar) sessions, comprehension skills, and reading. One-to-one reading interventions are implemented for students who find reading difficult or have dyslexic difficulties.

At Beckmead Park Academy, our aim is to nurture a passion for English and enrich our learners with the experience of writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. We also celebrate special events such as World Book Day, Poetry Week, and Roald Dahl Day.

In Key stage 4 all students will be taking an English qualification and based on their particular needs they will follow one or more of the pathways outlined below:

GCSE English Language - AQA

The GCSE course gets students to explore creative reading and writing, look at the Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives and includes a non-exam assessment as well as formal exams.

Entry Level English Language ‘Step Up’ - AQA

This qualification sits alongside the GCSE English Language so has the ability to be co-taught. This supports our differentiation at KS4.

Functional Skills English Level 1 / 2 - City & Guilds

The English Functional Skills qualifications are designed to equip learners with skills such as comparing the ideas and presentation of texts, writing for a specified audience and purpose, and communicating and adapting language. They’re assessed in three units (Speaking, Listening and Communication; Reading; and Writing).

Our Mathematics curriculum covers all key areas, including calculation, data handling, geometry, measurement, and mental maths. We focus on teaching problem-solving skills and providing opportunities to apply them to real-life contexts.

Students engage in practical activities, hands-on resources, visual examples, mathematical games, and problem-solving challenges. These methods help develop fluency in mathematical and reasoning skills. Whole-school maths enrichment  challenges take place during the year, incorporating real-life problems that motivate and celebrate the application of various mathematical skills.

Where necessary, our students receive multisensory, individualised interventions to support the development of key maths skills. These interventions ensure that all students can progress confidently and achieve their full potential in mathematics.

Our Key Stage 4 Maths offer is based upon students particular needs they will follow one or more of the pathways outlined below:

GCSE Maths - Edexcel

The GCSE course is built to enable students to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems. Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions as well as comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

Functional Skills Maths Level 1 / 2 – City and Guilds

The Maths Functional Skills qualifications are designed to develop the learner’s ability to represent situations using mathematics, analyse calculations, solve problems and interpret mathematics to explain situations. They’re assessed in a single, external test.

Entry Level Maths - City and Guilds

The Maths Entry Level Certificate provides basic and relevant mathematical skills and is suitable for students of all ages. It can build confidence in maths, especially with lower ability students. The assessment is on demand, so students can complete assignments when they’re ready, helping to keep them motivated.

Science is an innovative and engaging subject that encompasses learning across the three disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The Science Programme of Study covers all elements of the National Curriculum.

In Biology, topics such as Cells, Structure and Function of the Human Body Systems, Health and Lifestyle, Ecosystem Processes, Adaptation, and Inheritance are studied in detail. Chemistry topics such as Particles and their Behaviour, The Periodic Table, and Acids and Alkalis are explored through practical investigations. In Physics, students discover their physical environment through topics such as Forces, Sound, Light, Energy, Electricity, and Magnetism, which incorporate multisensory activities for a better understanding of concepts and content.

With the knowledge gained at this key stage, students are equipped with the foundational skills and knowledge that are transferred to KS4, post-16, and beyond. At KS4, we study the AQA qualification, and students are given the opportunity to gain two Science qualifications: Entry Level Science (Single/Double Award) and GCSE Single Award Biology.

We continue to inspire and engage students with learning beyond the classroom through various outreach activities throughout the year.

In KS3, History focuses on some of the most significant moments in British and World History. Students are taught to investigate what happened in the past. Through a critical examination of primary sources, students develop their historical skills and their ability to uncover the truth. The overarching aim of studying History is for students to emerge as well-rounded, knowledgeable citizens. We ensure that the teaching of History is fun, and learning is supported through a wide range of exciting, interactive activities which bring the past to life.

In KS3, we study the key geographical processes that are shaping our world. Students are given opportunities to investigate both human and physical topics, such as rivers, ecosystems, and wealth. The study of places is also fundamental, and students learn about a range of diverse locations. At its heart, Geography is about understanding how to safeguard the world. Students are taught to focus on climate change, sustainable development, and environmental protection. They are encouraged to see that we are all responsible for our planet and its future.

In KS3, students are taught about hardware, computer systems and the World Wide Web in conjunction with basic programming platforms which spark their creative digital skills. Alongside our KS3 ICT curriculum, we regularly deliver online safety sessions and adapt these to meet the needs of all students.  

At Key Stage 3 and 4, our ICT curriculum builds on the foundational skills developed in earlier years and prepares students for more advanced study and application of technology. Students continue to refine their digital literacy, computational thinking, and practical ICT skills through a variety of engaging and challenging activities.

Throughout Key Stage 3 and 4,  students are encouraged to work independently and collaboratively, applying their ICT skills to real-world scenarios. They develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management abilities, preparing them for future studies and the technological demands of the modern world.

In KS4 students have the opportunity to access qualifications, which run from Entry Level right through to Level 2. 

At KS3, all lessons focus on skill development, nurturing both fundamental and advanced skills to competently perform in a broad spectrum of sporting activities. We place great emphasis on creating a safe space for our students, with the support of adults, to develop and apply their social communication, interaction, and understanding skills. Additionally, we aim to increase students' understanding of the positive benefits of exercise and a balanced diet. Where viable, students are offered the opportunity to use their PE lessons to learn to swim.

At KS4, PE lessons focus on students' health and encouraging positive behaviour in adult life. This progression ensures that students not only develop physically but also acquire important life skills and an appreciation for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 At Beckmead Park Academy, our secondary RE curriculum builds upon the foundational knowledge from primary years. Following the Croydon RE syllabus, we focus on enquiry-based learning, encouraging students to pose questions and conduct their own research.

Students deepen their understanding of major world religions and develop a sense of identity and belonging, fostering respectful and sensitive attitudes. Our curriculum aims to create a culture of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding.

Through discussions, debates, and reflective activities, students enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills. The curriculum includes visits to places of worship, guest speakers, and interfaith projects, providing real-life learning contexts. Overall, we aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for a diverse and inclusive society.

Our secondary art curriculum inspires creativity and develops artistic skills, building on primary education foundations. Students engage in a wide range of techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art, while exploring various media.

We emphasise critical thinking and creative problem-solving through discussions, critiques, and reflective activities, helping students analyse and interpret art. The curriculum includes individual and collaborative projects, encouraging personal artistic expression.

Our aim is to nurture a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts, developing well-rounded, confident individuals who excel in artistic abilities and critical thinking.

In KS4, students will have the opportunity of taking an Art GCSE following the Fine Art AQA syllabus.

Our secondary cooking skills curriculum equips students with essential culinary knowledge and practical skills. Students engage in a comprehensive programme covering a range of cooking techniques, food safety practices, and nutrition principles.

Students learn to plan, prepare, and cook nutritious meals while understanding the nutritional value of ingredients and making healthy food choices. Hands-on activities and practical lessons build confidence and creativity in the kitchen, emphasising food hygiene and kitchen safety.

The curriculum explores the cultural and social significance of food, fostering an appreciation for global culinary traditions and promoting sustainable and ethical food practices. 

We continue to inspire a lifelong interest in cooking and healthy eating, empowering students to make informed and responsible food choices.

PSHE encompasses many areas of our curriculum at Beckmead Park Academy. Our curriculum reflects the needs of our students and supports them in developing the skills and knowledge to make safe and informed decisions. We provide numerous opportunities for our students to build their confidence and self-esteem, think creatively, take risks, work independently and collaboratively, and respect others.

We recognise that building and maintaining healthy relationships is often a challenge for many of our students, so supporting them in this aspect of life is key. Our relationships education teaches students about positive relationships, focusing on friendships, family relationships, and relationships with peers and adults. The teaching of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is at the centre of our curriculum and is primarily woven through our positive and nurturing ethos. While Fundamental British Values are taught during discrete lessons, we model them in daily management, organisation, and interactions.

Our health education aims to teach students to understand physical and emotional well-being so they can make informed decisions about their health and understand how physical and emotional health are linked. We emphasise that keeping healthy is not just about regular exercise. Social skills are taught discretely through circle time and are also embedded in all areas of school life.

In addition to stand-alone PSHE lessons, each class has nurture time, offering bespoke support based on the specific and often changing needs of their students to aid their development and help them gain the skills needed to thrive in adult life. At KS4, students complete the ASDAN PSD qualification to support their PSHE experience and prepare them for adult life.

At Beckmead Park Academy, we offer a range of vocational learning experiences across our different sites. To support Year 9 students' transition to Beckmead College in Year 10, they access vocational lessons for half a day on a weekly basis during the summer term. At the college, students participate in a carousel of subjects taught by vocational instructors. These areas include carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating, and multi-skills. The learning focuses on practical skills that will support them throughout life, providing essential experiences and opening pathways to further vocational qualifications.

Our vocational skills curriculum at Tharreo House provides students with essential practical skills and hands-on experience in various trades. Students participate in a range of vocational subjects, including carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating, multi-skills, and catering. These subjects are taught by experienced instructors who focus on skill development and real-world applications. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study Hair & Beauty, developing good hygiene practices and gaining skills that can lead to professionally recognised qualifications. Other subjects offered at Tharreo House include; Sociology, French, Statistics, Citizenship and Life Skills. 

Students are encouraged to think creatively, take risks, and work both independently and collaboratively. The vocational skills curriculum aims to provide experiences that open pathways to further vocational qualifications and prepare students for successful transitions into the workforce or further education. Our curriculum is designed to inspire a passion for practical learning and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their future careers.

As part of our KS4 offer, all students attend Beckmead College for half a day a week in Years 10 and 11. The college represents a more adult learning environment where students can get a taste of post-16 learning and acquire skills to prepare them for life and their next transition.