Informal Curriculum - CMLN (Farnley) and CCA
The majority of students are learning at levels that make subject specific learning inappropriate therefore they do not access a formal Humanities curriculum. The topic theme may be used as a vehicle for personalised learning activities which widen engagement. Where appropriate, those who are able to develop some basic functional skills within these subjects, will have learning planned for on an individual and highly personalised basis.
humanities - Subject specific learning
Information on each subject can be found below:
Geography
History
RE
Modern Foreign Languages
How is geography delivered across our Pathways?
Semi-Formal Curriculum
Topic is the main vehicle that is used to delivery Geography and consequently is on rotation, dependent on the topic. Teachers follow a half termly topic which is incorporate in cross curricular activities. Teachers will plan from structured pathways planning where the lessons are highly differentiated to meet the specific needs of the pupils. Earlier pathways are very practical based and draw on the experience of the pupils. This develops the higher the pathway and builds on previous knowledge learnt. Pupils are assessed on skills and knowledge and this is used to develop and enhance the learning by looking at next steps for pupils.
Formal Curriculum - Priesthorpe
All year groups at Priesthorpe access three geography lessons per fortnight. At key stage 3, students explore the development of geography through time, celebrate our diverse world and investigate the fragility of the earth and the need for conservation and stewardship. Students are taught within the partnership class and access a differentiated version of the mainstream curriculum. At key stage 4, students have the option to pursue a GCSE qualification in mainstream geography, however the majority of West SILC learners continue to work within the partnership class towards achieving an Entry Level Certificate. The Entry Level involves assessment, fieldwork and a personal project.
Formal Curriculum - AIP
At Key Stage 3, Geography is taught once week. Units of work are designed to promote engagement and to help students to make sense of the world around them. The units are sequenced to build upon students understanding and knowledge of physical and human geography. The study of geography allows students to tackle the big challenges that face our world such as natural hazards, renewable energy and climate change. It also encourages student to understand cultures and societies different to theirs.
How is history delivered across our Pathways?
Semi-Formal Curriculum
Topic is the main vehicle that is used to delivery History and consequently is on rotation, dependent on the topic. Teachers follow a half termly topic which is incorporate in cross curricular activities. Teachers will plan from structured pathways planning where the lessons are highly differentiated to meet the specific needs of the pupils. Earlier pathways are very practical based and draw on the experience of the pupils. This develops the higher the pathway and builds on previous knowledge learnt. Pupils are assessed on skills and knowledge and this is used to develop and enhance the learning by looking at next steps for pupils.
Formal Curriculum - Priesthorpe
All year groups at Priesthorpe access three history lessons per fortnight. At key stage 3, students study our country’s history and its connections to the rest of the globe, spanning from Stone Age Britain to the post-war world. Learners are encouraged to develop interpretation skills and analyse sources of information in order to become independent thinkers and make sense of the world around them. Students are taught within the partnership class and access a differentiated version of the mainstream curriculum. At key stage 4, students have the option to pursue a GCSE.
Formal Curriculum - AIP
At KS3 learners take part in one History lesson per week where they join in in both practical and written sessions. At West 11 we aim to ensure that all students understand the need to learn about the past and enjoy exploring various time periods. Learners are able to explore different lands, time periods and events of the past through the use of virtual reality and a variety of other kinesthetic resources. We currently study both WW1 and WW2, the Middle Ages, Slavery, Suffragettes and complete an independent learning study. We teach students a range of topics that they can explore independently, ask questions about, link to current world events, and can gain a deeper knowledge of how the society they live in formed.
At KS4 pupils follow the AA GCSE History Curriculum Examination Board: AQA studying the subject five times a week. Topics currently covered include: The Inter-war years, 1918 – 1939, Britain: Health and the people c1000 to the present day and Norman England c1066 – 1100.
The skills developed in the study of this subject can be transferred to almost any career and include research and investigative skills, extraction of information from sources of evidence and consideration of all viewpoints.
How is religious education delivered across our Pathways?
All NC year groups
RE is taught on a focused themed day each half term. Pupils take part in a range of activities throughout the day centered around a main theme. This gives the pupils a broad sense of learning and a range of activities throughout the day. Activities are planned to cover a wide range of needs and experiences. Differentiation is taken into account and activities are planned with a range of different accessibility levels.
Teachers are able to plan for experiences that will develop and enhance their pupils interests and knowledge. Pupils enjoy these days as it is an opportunity for them to fully immerse themselves in the theme for the day and a main focus gives them clarity around what they are learning and experiencing that day.
Theme days give opportunities for pupils to share their learning with others as well as having visits and experiences from outside agencies and companies that develop, enhance and reinforce the theme.
Formal Curriculum - Priesthorpe
Key stage 3 learners have two lessons of RE per fortnight, while key stage 4 learners have one lesson per fortnight. At key stage 3, West SILC students are taught within mainstream classes where the learning is differentiated to meet their needs.
At key stage 4, core RE is taught within the partnership class, however learners continue to follow a differentiated version of the mainstream curriculum. There is also the option for students to study this subject at GCSE level. Students learn about a range of religions, differing world views and debate moral issues.