Key Stage 3 Functional Curriculum 2023
Vision
The vision for Ashley High School’s new functional curriculum is to provide a broad and balanced education through the National Curriculum and accredited qualifications, delivered in a way that focusses on functional skill development necessary for enhanced participation in society as adults. There is a focus on practical learning, independent living, life, vocational and employability skills all delivered in a therapeutic learning environment.
Key Stage 3
Ashley School is committed to full National Curriculum coverage and its programmes of study. The commitment however, must be consistent with the EHCP which may prioritise particular subjects or key areas of learning.
| Curriculum Area | Description | Delivery |
| English | The Key Stage 3 English curriculum aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to use and apply English in everyday life. It covers Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening and Communication. | X 3 Lessons Per Week |
| Maths | The Key Stage 3 Maths curriculum aims to enable students to gain confidence and fluency in, and a positive attitude towards Mathematics. Problem solving is embedded into the Maths curriculum using practical situations in order to understand the importance of Maths in everyday life. | X 3 Lessons Per Week |
| Science | The Key Stage 3 Science curriculum aims to enrich the lives and prepare our students for science in the wider world. Students should gain a broad knowledge of science concepts and learn to investigate and think critically. They should develop a range of skills including accurate measuring, collecting and interpreting data, and evaluating the suitability of their methods. Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT underpin and complement many of the key processes in science. | X 2 Lessons Per Week |
| ICT | The Key Stage 3 ICT curriculum aims to develop a range of ICT skills and focuses on a wide variety of technologies. Students are taught skills in word-processing, databases, spreadsheet modelling, the internet, E-Safety / Cyberbullying, Powerpoint presentations, desk-top publishing and computer programming. As well as using a wide range of software programs, students use a range of multimedia including iPads and Scanners. | X 1 Lesson Per Week |
| Food Technology | The Key Stage 3 Food Technology curriculum aims to inspire, challenge, and develop independence while equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create, cook, and evaluate their own dishes. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life. Students also have the opportunity to develop key employability skills by running the school snack bar and to develop communication and interaction by serving customers and dealing with requests. | X 2 Lessons Per Week (Rotated with DT) |
| Design Technology | The Key Stage 3 Design Technology curriculum aims to nurture creative, design and practical skills, whilst promoting and developing independence. Students will be taught the skills and knowledge required to use a range of tools and equipment safely and appropriately. | X 2 Lessons Per Week (Rotated with FT) |
| PE | The Key Stage 3 PE Curriculum aims to foster a positive attitude towards participation in and an appreciation of sport and physical activity. It aims to develop skill, knowledge and understanding of the value of physical exercise and its promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle. It provides coverage of the NC Physical Education Programme of Study | X 2 Lessons Per Week |
| Preparing for Adulthood |
The Key Stage 3 Preparing for Adulthood curriculum aims to equip our young people with the tools and skills that they will need to lead a fulfilling adult life. The programme focusses on 4 pathways: health, community inclusion, independent living and employment. We work with other local agencies and professionals to ensure that our students receive the best information and guidance to help them make well informed and realistic decisions. The Preparing for Adulthood programme provides full coverage of the PSCHE & Citizenship NC Programme of Study including the statutory elements of PHSCE (RSE). Learning opportunities are delivered across three core themes:
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X 3 Lessons Per Week |
| Practical Learning | They Key Stage 3 Practical learning curriculum aims to help students to become as independent as social as possible by engaging them with practical learning activities including forest school, coastal school, gardening, enterprise, global learning and learning outside the classroom. There is a strong focus on the development of key essential skills including practical literacy and numeracy, communication (speaking and listening), teamwork, leadership, problem solving, creativity, staying positive and aiming high. | X 3 Lessons Per Week |
| Wider World | The Key Stage 3 Wider World curriculum is all about engaging students with the world outside the classroom and home. The strong emphasis on developing a wide range of skills for students to thrive in the wider word. It provides coverage of NC History, Geography and MFL Programmes of Study. | X 2 Lessons Per Week |
| Creative Studies | The Key Stage 3 Creative studies curriculum combines the subjects of Art, Music and Drama to form an exciting approach to developing creativity that builds on their strengths and interests. Creative studies takes a multi-sensory approach which benefits students with learning difficulties and sensory impairments. It provides coverage of NC Art and Music Programmes of Study. | X 2 Lessons Per Week |
| Beliefs and Values | Beliefs and Values aims to develop the personal and social skills needed by students to play a role in a modern multicultural society. It provides coverage of PSCHE and RE NC Programmes of Study. | X 1 Lessons Per Week |