ABSTRACT

A ‘one size fits all’ approach to curriculum planning will always leave some students behind. This chapter’s focus is on optimising a school’s resources against the best fit models for a broad and balanced curriculum, integrating knowledge and skills. The OFSTED focus on a three-year KS3 curriculum, with the intent that students’ choices are not narrowed is explored through practical solutions to curriculum planning, staffing and what is relevant for the local context. KS3 curriculum is presented through a Pathways model: • an ‘Adaptive curriculum’; • a Work- Related Learning Model; • a ‘Halfway House’ model for Ebacc; • a blended Vocational/Technical Skills and Academic subjects model. • A costed Engage and Achieve Unit Academic support for students during KS3 and 4, re-engages those students who require ‘catch up’ in learning. • A KS4 ‘Pathways’ model focuses on students’ abilities and aspirations.

A ‘Mandatory Entitlement to Skills’ module is aimed at future-proofing the curriculum and preparing students for the world of work. We propose a two or three year KS3 with specific elements of the National Curriculum met in KS3, so importantly, for those who choose this as a GCSE subject, they gain a solid foundation that is extended and consolidated in KS4.