Curriculum
The aim of our curriculum is to build a learning environment where every child feels that they count, that they are capable, connected to each other and their community, enables them to be comfortable in themselves, and in control of their future. Our curriculum reflects this aim, it is empathetic to the lived experiences of our students, aware of the barriers to learning that they may encounter, and responsive to their individual needs while remaining ambitious and preparing them for post-16 learning.
Underpinning our curriculum is the belief that reading is the most important skill a child can learn. We aim to support every student to:
- Develop an appreciation of reading and actively engage in reading activities.
- Develop the literacy skills needed for success in school and in their future.
Reading and explicit reading skills are taught in every subject. Emphasis is placed on learning, understanding, and using subject specific vocabulary, developing reading skills that make acquiring and retaining new learning possible, and improving understanding of subject specific and generic command words that make asking and responding to questions easier. Opportunities for individual, group, and guided reading are frequent, and all subjects engage with whole school reading initiatives and activities.
The curriculum at The Old Priory School is designed and organised so that students develop key literacy and numeracy skills, learn about the world around them, and develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
All subjects are taught through a skills and knowledge progression model and learning is thoughtfully sequenced to ensure students develop their knowledge, address gaps in learning, and become confident, independent learners.
The subjects taught at the main school site have been carefully selected to provide a balanced curriculum of core academic lessons, wider curriculum learning, and personal and social development. English, Maths, and Science are taught through the national curriculum with content chosen to be meaningful and relevant to our young people. Weekly Citizenship lessons support students to develop their understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens and gain crucial political literacy and knowledge of the wider world. PSHE and RSE are also taught through the Citizenship curriculum.
Key Stage 3 ASDAN lessons teach students the key skills of enquiry, critical thinking, and research that prepares them for the Key Stage 4 COPE course. The new Skills for Life course is taught as a weekly discreet lesson in addition to being supported across the curriculum and as part of the SMSC calendar. The course compliments the Pathway Planning scheme taught in Residential Homes and provides students with explicit teaching to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed for independence and post-16 living.
ICT is taught in all areas of the curriculum with a focus on developing functional digital literacy, staying safe online, competence with Microsoft Office applications, and familiarity with important online platforms such as Government websites.
PE is taught every afternoon, and we make use of the local Sports Centre, tennis courts, and football ground. A skills progression approach ensures every student can make progress from their starting point and develop a love and appreciation of exercise, sport, and fitness. An annual Sports Day is attended by parents and carers and students compete individually and in House teams as well as completing collaborative activities.
The Old Priory School places great import on Careers education and we have a comprehensive calendar of events, learning, skills development and lessons to support our young people to have ambitious and achievable further education and career aspirations. Dedicated Careers Days support students to understand the range of career opportunities and the routes to achieving them; modules and topics taught in ASDAN, Citizenship, and Skills for Life prepare students for working life, and discreet Careers lessons at Key Stage 4 refine knowledge and skills in preparation of post-16 life.
All students attend the Park Lane site to study Art, Construction Skills, and woodwork. Students are supported to use the Music Room and are taught basic music skills through a curiosity led and explorative approach. The Skills for Life curriculum at Park Lane makes use of the kitchen where students develop and practice essential cooking skills, make their own lunches, and learn the skills to manage, clean, and run their own kitchen. Key Stage 3 students attend Park Lane two days a week and Key stage 4 students once a week.
In Key Stage 4, Students complete GCSE and Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths, and Science, a COPE qualification in ASDAN, and a Skills for Working Life City and Guilds qualification that is cross-curricular.
Throughout the year, trips and off-site activities are planned to compliment and support the curriculum and the SMSC Calendar. Termly Foundation Days are designed to develop a stronger sense of belonging to the local community while providing relevant and relatable history and geography education. During the warmer months, the weekly Beach Club teaches children to respect and value our beautiful coastline while supporting the science curriculum. Cross curricular days out to places like Darent Valley enable students to further develop their understanding of classroom-based learning.
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