Curriculum Overview

The Park School Curriculum Intent:

Our vision is for every learner to reach their unique potential, develop independence, self-advocate, and be their authentic self. We strive for our students to become valued members of society, successfully navigate adulthood, and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

At The Park, we provide a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum. It follows the National Curriculum where appropriate and is adapted to be inclusive and meet the diverse needs of our students. This enables every learner to access learning at their individual level, sparking curiosity, promoting a love of learning, and preparing them for the next stage of education and life.

Our mission, Ambition, Nurture, Flourish, runs through all that we do. We nurture students by providing the right level of support, we encourage ambition by setting high expectations and raising aspirations, and we enable every learner to flourish by celebrating individuality, success, and progress.

Life skills are woven throughout the curriculum to prepare students for adulthood, alongside a focus on personal development and individual EHCP outcomes. This ensures that each learner is supported to become as independent as possible and to make a meaningful contribution to society.

The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge, skills, and character, allowing learners to apply what they know with increasing confidence, independence, and resilience. A creative and practical approach ensures that learning is engaging, challenging, and accessible. 

Guided by our values of Partnership, Ambition, Resilience, and Kindness, we work together with families and the community to provide rich opportunities and memorable experiences that broaden horizons and inspire ambition.

Reading is a priority across the school. Daily opportunities are built into the curriculum to promote a love of reading for pleasure, while consistent strategies across all subjects ensure that reading is taught and supported effectively.

Our curriculum is dynamic and continually evolving, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs and strengths of our learners. It provides not only academic knowledge and life skills but also helps our students develop the character, confidence, and resilience to thrive beyond school and into adult life.

If you have any questions about the curriculum at The Park, please contact Mark Rose, Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Lead.

 

The Park School Curriculum Offer:

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Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

In Years 7, 8 and 9, students follow an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum designed to spark curiosity and build strong foundations for future learning and personal growth. They study core subjects English, Maths, Science, and ICT alongside a rich range of creative, practical and personal development opportunities including PE, History, Geography, RE, PSHE, Life Skills, Music, Drama, Food Technology, and Art. 

This wide offer allows every learner to explore their interests, develop essential skills, and experience success across academic, creative, and practical areas. 

By the end of Key Stage 3, students are confident, resilient learners, well-prepared to make informed choices as they move into Key Stage 4.

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Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

In Key Stage 4, our curriculum enables students to deepen their knowledge, gain qualifications, and prepare for adulthood. All learners continue to study English, Maths, Science, ICT, PE, Life Skills and Food Technology, with the opportunity to specialise further by choosing between History or Geography, and Drama or Art. Students also benefit from Social Studies to broaden their understanding of the world. 

In Year 11, students access either a College Link Programme or ASDAN Preparation for Adulthood, ensuring a smooth transition to their next steps. Our KS4 curriculum is designed to combine academic achievement with the development of independence, resilience, and confidence, empowering every student to flourish in further education, training, employment, and life beyond school.

Students at our school have the opportunity to work towards qualifications that are carefully matched to their individual strengths, needs, and aspirations. We provide a flexible and inclusive offer that includes GCSEs, Entry Level Certificates, BTECs, ASDAN awards, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). This bespoke approach ensures that every learner is challenged at the right level, able to celebrate success, and equipped with meaningful outcomes that prepare them for their next steps in education, training, or employment. By tailoring qualifications to each student, we enable all learners to gain recognition for their achievements and to leave school with the confidence, skills, and accreditation they need to succeed in adulthood.

Across all year groups, life skills and real-world learning are woven throughout the curriculum. Students are given opportunities to connect their classroom learning to future careers and independent living through practical experiences, school trips, visiting speakers, and enrichment activities. These experiences broaden horizons, build confidence, and inspire ambition, ensuring that every learner is well-prepared to thrive in life beyond school.