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Curriculum

Welcome to the Springwest Academy curriculum page. Here you will find information about our curriculum and approach to teaching and learning. If you have any questions, please contact info@springwestacademy.org.

At Springwest, we define learning as understanding + memory. We aim to deliver great lessons every period, every day, enabling students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed at GCSE and beyond.

Homework is an integral part of learning, providing opportunities to consolidate and practise key content. To learn more about our approach to knowledge acquisition and to access information on homework, please click here.

Believe

We provide an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum for all students, regardless of their starting point.

Our curriculum:

  • Places subject-specific knowledge and skills at its heart.
  • ​Builds systematically on prior learning to develop deep understanding and mastery.
  • Strengthens reading, oracy and numeracy.
  • Provides a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum.
  • Develops curiosity through The Wonder Years.

Includes an intentional Character Education curriculum, recognising the importance of both character and intelligence.

At KS4, students build on the foundations of KS3 through a rigorous range of GCSE and vocational qualifications, with broad option pathways supporting strong outcomes and successful post-16 progression.

Belong

Belonging is built into the daily experience of every student. We expect staff to deliver great lessons every period, every day, supported by consistent routines.

Our lessons:

  • Begin with a Do Now Activity (DNA) to retrieve prior learning.
  • Connect new knowledge to what students already know.
  • Provide regular opportunities to recall, practise and apply knowledge and skills.
  • Develop understanding and secure learning in long-term memory.

Our Character Education curriculum is informed by the Association for Character Education (ACE) and Jubilee Centre frameworks. Character is developed through the below principles:

  • Taught – explicit instruction and discussion.
  • Caught – positive culture and adult modelling.
  • Sought – opportunities to apply character independently.

Through consistent teaching and strong relationships, we aim to ensure every student feels known, supported and valued.

Flourish

We want every student to flourish academically and develop the confidence, knowledge and skills needed for future success.

Our curriculum enables students to:

  • Build a strong foundation of knowledge.
  • Think critically, communicate effectively and solve problems.
  • Apply knowledge with confidence and independence.
  • Develop resilience, curiosity and a love of learning.
  • Prepare successfully for GCSE, further study, employment and life beyond school.

Through an ambitious curriculum, strong teaching and high expectations, we give every student the opportunity to believe, belong and flourish.

 

What can students study at Key Stage 4?

Core subjects:

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Combined Science

Option Subjects:

Art

Dance

Early Years

Engineering

Geography

History

Hospitality & Catering

MFL

Photography

Religious Studies

Sport

Travel & Tourism

'It was an absolute pleasure walking into lessons and seeing the positive relationships between teachers and students.'

Visitor

'I often see your pupils in the morning when I'm taking my own kids to school and I'm really impressed with how polite, friendly and courteous they are. They are a real credit to themselves and your school.'

Member of the public

‘Springwest has created a culture where all students have a sense of belonging. Pupils have high expectations of themselves in terms of what they believe they can achieve in life beyond Springwest Academy. Behaviour was exceptional. Pupils clearly feel safe and accepted, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.'

Visiting Headteacher

'Students are complimentary about school life, behaviour and safety. They are confident that they are supported through a range of interventions and the consistent availability of staff including tutors, pastoral mentors and heads of year.'

External Inspector

'Anti-bullying Ambassadors from each year group support the staff team in promoting the positive ethos and culture of the school, and being firm that bullying in any form will not be tolerated.'

External Inspector

'We have had visits, superb visits, from Springwest Academy students in the past, and our residents have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the children.'

Derwent Lodge Care Centre