'The school is ambitious for pupils' success. It has created a broad and challenging curriculum that spans a range of academic and vocational subjects. All pupils learn this strong curriculum, regardless of their individual SEND.'
'Staff use their strong subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum consistently well.'
Ofsted, 2024
Intent
Our curriculum is designed to support pupils to develop the core knowledge, skills and attributes needed for adulthood and personal growth. We aim to make learning enjoyable and offer a wide range of subject areas in which they can achieve success. Through these rich and varied experiences, we intend to instil pupils with curiosity, confidence, and independence to set the direction of their own learning journey.
Our thorough and robust induction process will inform our team of age-related progress indicators so we can place pupils in groups that are supportive and coherent with each other. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our classrooms, where a range of learning needs, experiences and abilities come together. We identify pupil misconceptions within each subject area and ensure any gaps in learning are effectively targeted through teaching and learning as well as 1:1 intervention where applicable.
Implementation
At Teenage Kicks, we have developed a rich and ambitious curriculum designed to instil the best possible life chances for every pupil. Vocational learning forms a key part of our approach, giving young people the opportunity to flourish through real-world experiences and to explore areas linked to their future career interests. Alongside this, all pupils access our comprehensive Personal Development programme, which focuses on high-quality careers advice, the development of essential life skills and the strengthening of personal values. This ensures pupils are well-prepared for adulthood and confident in making informed decisions about their next steps.
Our curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to achieve a wide range of meaningful qualifications, including GCSEs, Functional Skills, Entry Levels and AQA awards. We recognise that pupils learn differently and may be working at varying levels, so we implement a flexible and personalised model that meets learners where they are and supports them to progress. Teenage Kicks also prioritises independence within a nurturing environment, with a maximum of six pupils per classroom to ensure focused support and strong relationships. Additional learning zones throughout the building enable pupils to work independently or regulate their emotions when needed. All pupils engage in guided reading, have access to our school library, and enjoy visits to Failsworth Library to choose books that support their reading development and foster a love of reading.
Impact
Ascertaining the impact that teaching and learning has upon our pupils is a critical aspect of our practice. Pupils are awarded points at the end of every given lesson to promote and embed a positive culture within school. These points are then calculated on a weekly basis and the top performing pupils will then receive a reward at the end of the week. Pupil progression is monitored to set targets and ascertain the impact learning has had upon them.
Our qualified teachers provide a termly report, outlining the impact learning has had upon all pupils at Teenage Kicks. Pupil impact is also measured against the outcomes of pupils’ EHCPs, attendance and punctuality, SEMH needs and post-16 attainment data. All pupils at Teenage Kicks can flourish and be the best versions of themselves in a specialised, nurturing and inspiring setting, with staff who do their utmost for everyone.
AQA Unit Award Scheme
The Unit Award Scheme allows all students to engage with learning and have their achievements formally recognised.
Students are rewarded with a certificate each time they successfully complete a unit of learning. They can build up a portfolio of certificates to evidence their skills, knowledge and experience.
The scheme boosts confidence, increases engagement and improves motivation, helping students to make progress on their lifelong learning journey.
Unit Award Scheme covers all topics from school curriculum subjects to life skills, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and work-related learning. Students can achieve an unlimited number of units each academic year, receiving certificates on-demand at any time throughout the year.