Our curriculum maps are documents that map out subjects, topics, areas and themes across the academic year. They are sequenced building blocks and provide structure from which medium-term plans are created.
These plans are constantly in review by the class teacher but re-visited annually in readiness for the following academic year. This is to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and appropriate for the cohort and context.
Core Subjects
English
We intend for our students to cultivate their sense of self, to develop a unique voice and understand that their voice has value and will be listened to. Equally, we aim for our students to value the voices of others. Students must first learn to communicate their own story in order to interact with the stories of others. We intend for our students to thrive independently in society; to be ‘active citizens’, to be able to interact with the world which they are a part of and to communicate effectively with those around them.
Through our English curriculum we encourage our students to develop preferences, explore interests and find creative outlets. We intend for our students to use literacy as a means to give life to their own views and ideas, a mode of communication which allows for exploration, artistic expression and freedom of speech.
Maths
We want all students to enjoy Maths and support them so that their self confidence in using numbers grows. The aim of the curriculum is to give them mathematical skills that prepare them for adulthood. These include money, time and simple fractions. At a higher level, this means understanding percentages so that can understand the interest on a loan or whether they are getting a good deal on sales or area so that they calculate the amount of carpet they need to buy. As students get older, we support our students to gain mathematical qualifications that will give them the currency to move forward into college or work.
PSHE
The intent of our PSHE curriculum is to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every young person. At Birch Wood school, PSHE is at the heart of our school curriculum and underpins classroom activities including assemblies, tutor time, educational visits and extra-curricular clubs.
Birch Wood’s PSHE and Citizenship scheme of work aims to equip pupils with essential skills for life; it intends to develop the whole person through carefully planned and resourced lessons that develop the knowledge, skills and attributes young people need to protect and enhance their wellbeing. Through these lessons, pupils will learn how to stay safe and healthy, build and maintain successful relationships and become active citizens, responsibly participating in society around them.
The school’s resources are fully in line with the learning outcomes and core themes provided by the PSHE Association Programme of Study which is widely used in schools in England and is recommended and referred to by the DfE in all key documentation relating to PSHE provision in schools. The scheme covers all the required objectives and follows the three core areas of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. It fulfills the requirements of the 2020 Statutory Relationships and Health Education, setting these learning intentions in the context of a broad and balanced PSHE curriculum
Science
Foundation Subjects
Food, Art and Design
Art & Design including Photography
Cooking
Design
Food for Life
KS3 Food, Art and Design Rotation:
Subjects and Courses 2023-2024:
Drama
Humanities
ICT
Physical Education including MATP
Religious Education
Early Years Foundation Stage
At Birchwood we want to provide an enabling environment which engages and inspires pupils to develop Characteristics Of Effective Learning that will last a life time.
We recognise in the Early years that children are ‘learning to learn’ and need opportunities to develop foundational skills within a nurturing environment. These principles interact with and reflect Birch Wood’s child centred approach to learning, which incorporates each child’s Education Health Care Plan