KS4 Curriculum 2017 – information for pupils and parents

Contents

Introduction: Letter to Parents and Pupils

Section One:The Brier Curriculum Pathways

Section Two: Towards Independence

Section Three: The Duke of Edinburgh Award

Section Four:College

Section Five: Extra Opportunities

Dear Parents and Pupils,

Welcome to the Brier School Key Stage 4 prospectus for 2017-2018.

This booklet outlines the curriculum for Years 10 and 11. You will have been given details of the curriculum pathway that your son or daughter will follow, one of three precious stones: pearls, rubies, or opals. These differentiated pathways will enable pupils to have a rich diet of subjects to challenge and stimulate them. These pathways can also be personalised further to meet changing needs, and ensure that all pupils continue to receive an outstanding education.

Pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 will be taught in year groups for some subjects, but will also be taught in groups according to their gemstones for others.

Please share this booklet with your son or daughter, and support them as they get ready for Key Stage 4. You are welcome to contact the staff named below if you have any further questions.

We are very much looking forward to working with you to ensure that all pupils further develop their independence, build on their strengths and prepare for their futures.

Yours Sincerely,

R HintonA Whitnall S Troman

HeadteacherDeputy Headteacher Assistant Headteacher/ KS4 Leader

Section 1

All pupils will be assessed prior to entry to Key Stage 4 to determine which pathway and level of qualification they will follow. Pathways can be flexible.

Opals / Rubies / Pearls
College
Vocational / College
Vocational/Independent Living Skills / College
Independent Living Skills
Entry Level or Level 1/2 / Entry Level / Some Entry levels
Functional Skills / Functional Skills / Some Functional Skills
Further Learning & Employment / Independent Living / Independent Living
GCSE / Personal Progress
Duke Of Edinburgh / Duke Of Edinburgh / Duke Of Edinburgh


Pearls Pathway

Pupils will:

Work towards an Entry Level Functional Skills qualifications in English,
Mathematics and ICT.
Work towards achieving a Personal Progress certificate in communication, English
and Mathematics.

Work towards a selection of Entry Level qualifications dependent on
ability.

Complete units in different skills to achieve a Diploma in Independent Living.

Work towards achieving the Duke of EdinburghBronze Award.

Rubies Pathway

Pupils will:

Work towards Entry Level and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Mathematics and a Functional Skills qualification in ICT.

Work towards an Entry 1, 2 or 3 qualification in:

PE, Creative Craft or Art (GCSE if appropriate), Food Technology, PSE, History and Geography.

Work towards a Diploma in Independent Living.

Learn skills related to Computing, and the application of these.

Work towards achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Attend either Stourbridge or HaleowenCollege for half a day each week.,

Opals Pathway

Pupils will:

Work towards Functional Skills qualifications in English, Mathematics and ICT.

If a pupil achieves an Entry 3 during their time in Key Stage 4 they will work towards a Level 1 qualification in that subject.

Work initially towards Entry Levels in a range of subjects, and then work on Level 1 and/or GCSE qualifications if able to do so.

  • Science ->Leading to GCSE.
  • English - > Leading to Level 1 Functional Skills and GCSE.
  • Mathematics -> Leading to Level 1 Functional Skills and GCSE.
  • Art -> leading to GCSE.
  • Computing will be taught and a CLAIT qualification explored.

Achieve Entry Level qualifications in PE, PSE, Food Technology and Geography and History.

Work towards a certificate in Further Learning and Employment.

They will aslo work towards the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Complete college courses to achieve two Entry Level vocational qualifications. Subject studied in previous years have included: Animal Care, Horticulture, Hairdressing, Performing Arts and Travel and Tourism (subject to change in negotiation with local colleges).Some pupils may be able to access a two year Level One or Two qualificatication as well as, or instead of the Entry Level courses. These have included Animal Care,Performing Arts,Construction and Motor Vehicles. These courses only run if the minimum numbers are met.




The Duke of Edinburgh programme allows students to achieve an award that is an adventure from the start to the finish; offering new experiences and challenges that provide a sense of achievement and help to improve confidence. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well recognised and highly regarded by employers, colleges and universities.

The bronze award has four sections and students must show commitment by completing each in a specified

amount of time.

Physical – To improve physical fitness by taking part in physical activity that can also help students prepare fully for their expeditions. It is important for students to have an achievable aim to be able to work towards.

Skills – To develop practical and social skills ina personal interest. By choosing to develop and improve upon a skill students will be improving their self- esteem and independence.

Volunteering – Is about making a difference to people’s lives and changing things for the better. Students could do anything from helping around school, helping the elderly to completing conservation work.

Expedition – The expedition section often leaves students with many memories of their new experiences. During the Bronze Award they will complete two expeditions with a journey that will take them walking in the countryside, camping and having to work together as a team where there will be lots of decisions to be made. It is a challenge that the team will face together and have lots of fun and life experience along the way

Section 4

Stourbridge College

Pupils following the Pearl and some pupils following the Ruby pathway will attend the Independent Living Centre of Stourbridge College In Briereley Hill. They will have access to a fully furnished flat and a classroom.

Brier staff will deliver Independent Living units at the college. They will have the opportunity to practise carrying out a variety of everyday household tasks.

Pupils do not have to wear uniform and can bring money for a small snack or drink.

Pupils will travel to and from Stourbridge College in the school minibus.

Section 5