Principles

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We believe that effective learning and teaching takes place at Crofton School when:

• It is underpinned by our Crofton School values: Kindness, ambition and diligence

• The curriculum is challenging and meets the varied needs of all students

• The curriculum provides opportunities for a wide range of interesting, balanced and relevant learning for students of all abilities

• All students have access to a curriculum that will prepare them for life beyond Crofton School

 

Intent

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At Crofton School we believe that teaching students about the challenges of learning are crucial for their development. The focus on mastery learning allows them to deepen their knowledge and develop their problem-solving skills. The KS3 curriculum builds on the foundations of the KS2 curriculum. We understand that progress is not linear and supporting students effectively when they are finding concepts challenging must be at the heart of classroom practice.

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We want to encourage students to be independent, developing skills and tools that will enable them to problem solve and find solutions. The focus on high levels of literacy and effective use of challenging subject vocabulary must be at the heart of planning lessons. We want to see students learning through effective talk to deepen their understanding of the curriculum, both with their teachers and peers.

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Students experience a balanced curriculum throughout their time. They are supported to ensure their transition from KS4 to post-16 is planned and they are informed of the wide variety of options available to them. We encourage students to study a broad range of subjects which extend beyond the basics of English and Maths. This includes opportunities to study the English Baccalaureate subjects alongside a broad range of other subjects.  Students across all Year groups study a comprehensive PDL programme to support all aspects of their personal development.

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In Years 7-9 all students are assessed against the Age-related expectations for that subject (ARE). ARE indicate the knowledge and skills that students should know by the end of each Year. When grading students against ARE standards teachers will take a holistic view of what skills and knowledge students have acquired.

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The ultimate aim of our curriculum during the students five years at Crofton is to ensure students are fully equipped to lead happy and successful lives. In the words of Matthew Arnold, the purpose of education is to share ‘the best that has been thought and known in the world’.