Curriculum Overview

The Crosby High Curriculum

At Crosby High we are determined that all pupils have a curriculum that is right for them. We have a curriculum offer that is based on a secondary model whereby pupils move around the school for each lesson and are taught by a subject specialist and supported by one teaching assistant; we also have a curriculum offer based on a primary model which is more class based and allows for children to have a main class teacher supported by as team of teaching assistants where learning is thematic and over learning across all areas of the curriculum helps these pupils make progress.

In the Key Stage 3 secondary model  the taught curriculum  is structured around 25 lessons of 55 minutes duration each week where all subjects required to be taught in KS3 (National Curriculum) are delivered by subject specialists. There are an additional 5 shorter lessons of 25 minutes (period 4 each day) whereby form teachers work with their class on personal targets (PJP’s; personal journey platform; Monday) reading development (ERIC; Everyone reading in class, Tuesday and Thursday) basic maths skills (Wednesday Workout) and  a rewards assembly (Friday)

On Wednesday afternoons all pupils in Y7,8 and 9 (both class based and in the secondary model) learn through a programme called Building learning Power (BLP) This is all about learning in a different way to develop key skills such as self esteem, self confidence, resilience and determination. Teachers plan lessons which support both personal development (PJP’s) but that is also focused on EHCP’s (Education and Health Care Plans) outcomes for each child.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum overview; secondary model 

Example of a KS3 secondary timetable

* Lunch KS3 Dining room 12.15-12.45pm   Break 12.45pm -1.10pm 

In the Key Stage 3 class based model  the overall number of lessons remains 25 full length lessons and five shorter lessons however timings are not as precise and there are no bells for the change of lesson in the class bases so that learning can continue if it is supporting pupil progress. On the whole all lessons are in a base room which reduces movement for these pupils which is supportive for their learning. There is a greater focus on the core subjects particularly English and Maths which are taught every day and there is a greater concentration of linked facts as teachers plan through themes across the year. The curriculum entitlement is accurate however by careful planning objectives are grouped together for different subjects and the teaching can be more streamlined and more supportive for pupils learning. As a result of class based provision and the deployment of specialist teachers the focus on developing literacy and numeracy skills is continuous and embedded throughout the curriculum.

BLP (Building Learning Power) is the same in the class bases on Wednesday afternoons and this allows class based pupil to work with other classes or year groups as well.

The main difference in our class based provision is that the majority of subjects are planned and delivered by one teacher who is a specialist teacher in this model of delivery (eg a primary practitioner who can teach all subjects.) Subject specialism at KS3 is in music, food technology and IT/computing.

 Key Stage 3 Curriculum overview; class based  model

Example of a KS3 class based timetable

 * Lunch KS3 Dining room 12.15-12.45pm   Break 12.45pm -1.10pm

In the Key Stage 4 secondary model the taught curriculum is again structured around 25 lessons of 55 minutes duration each week where all subjects required to be taught in KS4 (National Curriculum) are delivered by subject specialists. There are an additional 5 shorter lessons of 25 minutes (period 4 each day) whereby form teachers work with their class on personal targets (PJP’s; personal journey platform; Monday) reading development (ERIC; Everyone reading in class, Tuesday and Thursday) basic maths skills (Wednesday Workout) and  a rewards assembly (Friday) At KS4 however the focus is end of key stage accredited outcomes enabling our pupils to transfer to their post 16 provision having achieved as highly as possible for them. All the core subjects of English, maths, science and IT/computing deliver a range of accredited courses from entry level to GCSE or functional skills; the courses are chosen to suit the ability of the child whilst at the same time being challenging for them as we have very high expectations of all our pupils. Foundation subjects that are statutory and part of the KS4 secondary timetable are RE, PE and Citizenship; PSHE is also delivered as a stand alone subject. Six lessons are for options work which is currently a diploma in skills for further learning and employment.

 Key Stage 4 curriculum overview; secondary model

Example of a KS4 secondary timetable

In Key Stage 4 class based provision lessons are devised from a curriculum audit whereby the core subjects of English and maths are prioritised with 5 lessons each (10) science, IT/ computing, and PE have 2 lessons each (6) Options choices need six lessons (6) (* science is also delivered through the option * alternate weeks the class have specialist food technology as part of their accredited option.)  Other subjects delivered at KS4 are statutory and have an allocation of one lesson each (Citizenship. PSHE and RE (3) There are five shorter lessons for PJP and key skills work as for the rest of the school at period 4 (5)

As for class based provision at KS3 the main difference is that the majority of subjects are planned and delivered by one teacher who is a specialist teacher in this model of delivery and can teach all the required subjects. Subject specialism for a class based KS4 class changes according to specialist staff but is usually in IT/computing, food technology and PE.

Again , as for class based provision in KS3 there is no restriction to the time of the lesson when teaching the core subjects, for example if learning is happening and children are engaged in a maths lessons the teacher may allow it to continue. The following day it may be there will be no maths as so much time was allowed the day before so another subject can have the time allocation.  The curriculum audit in terms of ratio of time spent on subjects remains the same as the secondary model. (see secondary audit of subjects)

A final key difference is that only statutory foundation subjects are specifically taught  (Citizenship, PE and RE,) the rest of the curriculum time is directed at suitable accredited options programmes that are chosen annually and directly link to the cohort of pupils needs and support in the best possible way their post 16 transition. This year the class based option course is “Skills for Working life” and is accredited at Entry Level 1 ,2 or 3 depending on the ability of the child. As a result of a class based provision literacy and numeracy skills and learning are continuous and embedded throughout the curriculum.

 Key Stage 4 curriculum overview; class based model

Example of a KS4 class based timetable

 * Break 12.15 -12.45pm   Dining Room 12.45pm -1.10pm