Causeway School Learning and Leading Together

Curriculum Policy

Date Agreed by Governing Body: 16 January 2016

Signed by Chair of Governors:

Next Review Due:

Author: LHO

Date of Last Amendment:

Causeway Curriculum Vision

Our school curriculum seeks to enable all students to engage actively in thier learning process and to have real learning opportunities. Our curriculum is designed to raise aspirations and liberate all of our students to gain success and experience the fulfilment which arises from achieving beyond expectations.

The curriculum is what students’ do, how much time they spend doing it and the quality of what they are doing. The Causeway School curriculum is designed to marry intelligent curriculum design with mandatory government policy in order to provide each of our students with the opportunity to take part in deeply immersive learning, experience the potential for awe and wonder in education and, of course, make the greatest possible progress. It is a curriculum that offers choice alongside the provision for both specialisation and breadth of study. In order to motivate, support and ensure all students are thoroughly prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century world of work and the digital age.

We have sought to ensure that the defining features of an engaging curriculum are central to our planning and delivery:

Challenge

Progress

Differentiation

High quality feedback

This is reflected in a curriculum that sees fewer teachers spending more quality time with students. This is because less teachers and more time in subjects equals better relationships and greater depth of learning. Put simply, our curriculum engages our learners because of wider choice, stronger relationships and greater time. All of which generates our students’ sense of ownership of the curriculum.

Our curriculum builds on our students positive experiences in the primary phase. It actively supports them to become aspirational, confident and successful students.

Literacy and numeracy are the foundation stones upon which student progress is built. Students are taught in all subjects to express themselves correctly and appropriately and to read accurately and with understanding. Since Standard English, spoken and written is the predominant language in which knowledge and skills are taught and learnt, students are taught to use Standard English (see Literacy Mat in Appendix A).

In order to give our students the greatest possible opportunity to excel our curriculum includes an Accelerated Progress group in Year 7. This allows students who require a boost to their numeracy and literacy to receive focussed smaller group sessions. Students in these groups follow a primary model of being based in less classrooms with fewer teachers, they are taught by subject specialists to ensure the highest quality education. The Accelerated Progress group is fluid and once a student has made the necessary accelerated progress they join the full whole school curriculum.

As part of our commitment to provide a curriculum that gives students the opportunities to work on immersive projects with real world outcomes, Key Stage 3 take part in a project based

Real Leaning Week that sees them produce work for exhibition and engage in learning experiences involving the local community. (See Appendix B for examples of projects offered).

A central element to the outcomes students’ produce is the process of multiple drafting and the use of peer critique to refine and develop ideas (see Reflecting and Redrafting sheet in Appendix C). We believe that it is imperative students’ hone these key skills in order to create work of genuine quality and gain the resilience necessary to succeed in further / higher education and the world of work. In addition to this, such projects enable students to develop vital interpersonal skills by working collaboratively; they also enable the development of oracy skills through the requirement for verbal communication, feedback and presentation. This is a key element in our drive to ensure that students can express themselves confidently and appropriately.

The curriculum offer is reviewed annually and defined in the Options Booklet for Key Stage 4.

How we assesses our students

The Context

The removal of National Curriculum levels meant the removal of a restrictive system of assessment that had lost a great deal of trust amongst teachers as to whether it was fit for purpose. When deciding which path to take for our own life after levels we took into consideration the research that had been undertaken into the pitfalls and restraints inherent in levelling. For instance: the government’s 2013 review of the National Curriculum showed that it should focus on ‘fewer things in greater depth’; and in securing learning which persists, rather than relentless, over-rapid progression. In addition to this many educators already felt that levels provided too simple a measure of attainment and progress: a student could have

serious gaps in their knowledge, understanding and skills and yet still be claimed to broadly fit a level descriptor. This encouraged students to move on to new curriculum content without a secure grasp of the key areas of a subject.

It was imperative for us to create an assessment strategy that secured understanding of key ideas and essential knowledge by engaging with the detail of learning. To know that a student has understood what a metaphor is, or understands the equals sign, is the real stuff of education - not whether a child is ‘Level 3a’. Levels were highly general and we felt parents needed more detail on the strengths and weaknesses of their child in order to better support the child at home.

Also inherent in our approach was the consideration that old models of differentiation needed

to be replaced by ideas of ‘all children having access to all of the content of the curriculum,’

which actually returns to the original commitment of the National Curriculum. Students’ readily

grasping material can stay on the same key elements rather than rapidly moving on,

expanding and consolidating their understanding. Challenge does not always come from being

moved on, but rather by being presented with the new application of core ideas.

Our Response

To this end we have taken the opportunity to rethink and restructure how we categorise

student progress through the use of innovative assessment rubrics that provide a detailed,

accurate and parent friendly guide to student achievement. What this means in practice is a

system in which Years 7, 8 and 9 are assessed against GCSE criteria from the outset,

overcoming the peculiar disconnect that occurred in the old system of suddenly jumping from

level 4c or 5b to GCSE grade D or C.

We designed our rubrics in-house because it meant teachers really had to get inside the

content of what they were teaching in order to generate meaningful assessment criteria. As a

consequence we have implemented and embedded an assessment system that is driven by

detailed feedback to students, the opportunity for deep learning and thoughtful progression

through easy-to understand subject specific rubrics related to GCSE criteria; the use of best

work folders to evidence when students have achieved particular standards; and a five times

per year reporting cycle that gives parents the tools they need to support and consolidate their

child’s learning at home. In addition to this, we have identified 10 key skills that we feel are

central to young peoples’ development if they are to leave us equipped for success in the 21st

century work place. We assess how students are progressing in these skills by reporting on

them to parents as areas of strength or areas for development.

Overview

Below is an overview of the current (2015-16) curriculum at Causeway. This proposal takes into

consideration the needs of our learners, government requirements and the new headline measures.

These measures include Progress 8: every school’s floor target will be based on students’ progress

across 8 subjects, this involves the division of which subjects count in government measures into 3

baskets. Basket 2 can only contain: the Sciences, History, Geography, Spanish or Computer Science.

Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that as many of our students as possible study one of these

subjects at GCSE. The Progress 8 measure is a step forward as it recognises progress rather than

attainment and across a broader curriculum (8 subjects rather than 5).

2015-16 Current Curriculum

Core Humanities + MFL

Arts: Drama Music Art

Technology: Product Design Textiles Food Computer Science

Tota

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of

ho

urs

Number of teachers (If no split classes)

En Ma Sci PE Gg Hi MFL Project Based Accelerated Learning

Y7 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 6 25 8

Y8 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 25 9

Y9 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 25 9

En Ma Sci PE Option 1 Option 2

Option 3

Y10 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 25 7

Y11 4 4 5/6 3/2 3 3 3 25 7/9

Number of Qualifications

2 1 2/3 1 1 1 1 9/10

APPENDIX Ai

APPENDIX Aii

1. OFF THE WALL

Staff Members: Mrs Edwards, Mrs Castano and Ms Barrell

Cost per student: £50

Street art is big. Banksy has even now opened a theme park -Dismal land. Let's make our own art on a wall and decorate a dull brick back drop so it becomes an eye catching local centre piece. Explore Brighton and hunt for the hidden art that can be found on the streets. Take photos and build up a portfolio. We will then plan and design

something for this area - in school or in Langney. 3D or 2D; sprayed or sculpted; the possibilities are endless, the end result is timeless. Do you want to leave your mark? Join us and brighten up the streets.

2. I AM WHO I AM

Staff Member: Ms Cavallin

Cost per student: £10

Do you wish you were more confident? Spend the week exploring a wide range of activities specifically designed to improve your self-esteem, make you happier, go outside of your comfort zone and learn about yourself. We will try

yoga, meditation, Taekwondo, cooking, team building activities, working with and in Hazel Court, working with animals and exploring techniques for wellbeing and self-esteem. At the end of the project, you will own your own personal box of tricks to help you use the techniques learned throughout the week in your everyday life. Because you are worth it.

3. FAIR MAID AND FOUL FIENDS Staff Member: Mrs Alexander Cost per student: £15

What’s in a melodrama? Dramatic heroes, dastardly villains and damsels in distress all mixed into comedic fights and daring rescues. In this project we will explore Victorian melodrama in all its forms. We will research its origins and trace its development through commedia d’ell arte through mummers and mystery plays to Victorian melodrama. We will

look at examples of melodrama scripts and end the week with a performance of our own original melodrama. Along the way we will learn about stage fighting, script writing, melodramatic acting and sumptuous costumes. We’ll make a (melo) drama out of a crisis!

4. CAUSEWAY TO THE SUMMIT (THE SECOND PEAK) Staff Members: Mrs Sholl and Mr Wenham Cost per student: £220 (dependent on numbers)

Please not this project has 14 spaces. This project will provide you with the opportunity to test your body to its limits and reach new horizons. The Causeway School has already scaled the biggest mountain in Wales and now it is the turn of Britain's highest peak to be defeated. How do the terrains in different parts of our beautiful countries compare? The project will include an opportunity to stay in the Lake District and visit Scotland to culminate in a once in a lifetime

chance to scale Ben Nevis. This will be followed by a day spent on the "Harry Potter" steam train to allow you to experience the natural terrain from an unbelievable and historical form of travel. Are you as fascinated as we are about natural Britain? Do you have the Causeway schools key attributes to succeed in this challenge and are you physically capable of achieving the unimaginable? If so then join us on this journey to explore, compare and evaluate what makes Britain great! The cost for this 6 night project will cover all accommodation, food, transport and experiences. The exhibition will be a short film titled who needs a games console?

5. ITS NOT ALL MICKEY MOUSE

Staff Members: Mrs Price and Mrs Pavey Cost per student £220 (dependent on numbers)

Please note this project has 30 spaces. Have you ever wondered why the Disney brand is so successful? Why do people want to continuingly visit their theme parks year after year? On this project we will look at the creation and development of Disneyland Paris theme park. We will travel to Paris, staying overnight at a hotel and spend two days experiencing the park and evaluating what makes it successful. All travel, tickets and food is included in this trip. This

exciting adventure gives you an inside view of the marketing behind the Disney land brand. We will use our findings to create to a marketing campaign when we get back to school. We will present this in a variety of different ways producing a professional quality presentation at the end of the week. This is a unique opportunity to consider visiting Disneyland Paris through a travel and tourism perspective.

6. LONDON TO CAUSEWAY – OFF ROAD Staff Members: Mr Casebourne and Mr Hocking Cost per student: £50

Do you have the ability to commit to a project that goes further than one week? Do you have the capacity and endurance to complete an enduring event that will take longer than 6 hours to complete? Do you have the mentality to encourage others whilst focusing on yourself to complete a challenge? London to Causeway is a project that will train you to complete an audacious challenge. You will have to train hard and plan to complete a 75 mile off road event. You will start in the centre of London and cycle past many historical buildings and will cycle off road all the way back to the Causeway school. This will be an experience you will remember for the rest of your lives. Do you have what it takes?

REAL LEARNING WEEK: 20—24 JUNE 2016 FOR KEY STAGE

3 We are delighted to be offering some new projects and some projects which we already know are fantastic opportunities for students

for this years Real Learning Week. Please find below the array of projects we have on offer this June. Please discuss these options with

your child. They will be asked to submit their preferences during tutor time between Monday 2nd November—Friday 20th November.

Any further queries please contact vjenkins@causewayschool.org.

APPENDIX B

7. DRESS IT UP Staff Member: Mrs Prodger Cost per student: £10

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own clothes? In this project you will learn how to make a dress in a week. During the week you will select a pattern. We will visit the Woollen Mill so you can choose your fabric. You will learn how to interpret the instructions of a pattern, layout fabric, pattern cutting, dress construction, shaping fabric, inserting components and finishing techniques using appropriate tools and sewing machines. At the end of the week

you will have a chance to exhibit your fabulous fashion in either the gallery or a catwalk show.

8. SPAIN TRIP Staff Member: Miss Doyle Cost per student: £450 (dependent on numbers)

We are pleased to be able to offer an exciting opportunity of a residential 8 day (7 night) trip to Spain. This trip has been running for a number of years and it is an excellent experience that will involve: practicing their Spanish, making new friends, team building, responsibility and experiencing the culture of Spain. The trip offers an excellent opportunity for your son/daughter to practice Spanish in real situations. They will have the opportunity

to study the art, history and geography of Spain and to socialize with others in different surroundings. It is an opportunity for them to expand their learning of a foreign language. The itinerary for the trip includes visits to places such as Barcelona –Poble Español, Parc Guell, Barcelona Football Stadium, Besalu for a Geography Field trip and The Interactive Science Museum. We will be staying in a three star hotel in Lloret de Mar. All rooms have en-suite facilities and the cost covers full board accommodation with buffet style meals and packed lunches for days out. The total cost of this trip to Spain will be £450 per student.

9. GEOLOGISTS DREAM Staff Member: Mr Lea Cost per student: Estimated £800 (dependent on numbers)

Iceland is one of the most fascinating countries in the world with active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, erupting geysers and breath-taking glaciers, all wrapped up in a centuries-old Norse culture. You will experience the natural wonders Iceland has to offer and discover how these phenomenal sights are created. Students will be staying in a

Youth hostel in Reykjavik, cost will include accommodation, food and all excursions. A full itinerary will be shared in due course.

10. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Staff Members: Miss Cowderoy and Miss Webb Cost per student: £50

2645 feet up. 5 days of challenges. 3 cities explored. 1 dream created. During the course of the week, you will have the chance to see the world from a new perspective. From capturing the beauty of Eastbourne from above, to scaling the tallest building in Europe, or learning from experts how to overcome sky-high obstacles, you will learn how different

the world can be when you take a step back, along with learning new things about yourself. By the end of the week, you will create an exhibition piece of your choice – be it photographs of jaw-dropping views, a design for Eastbourne’s first skyscraper, or even a speech describing what goals you hope to achieve. If you’re planning on heading straight to the top, then The Sky’s the Limit is the project for you.

11. THAT’S CRIMINAL Staff Member: Mr Buchan Cost per student: £20

Pupils will investigate a crime scene, gather evidence and build up a case against one of the suspects. They will present this to the court on the last day and a verdict will be made. During the week they will have a visit to the True Crime museum in Hastings and will learn about the various techniques that the police use to identify people.

12. THEATRE COSTUME DESIGN Staff Members: Miss Netschepir and Miss Holden Cost per student: £100

Want the opportunity to design and create a costume for a new West End musical? Ever wanted to head off to London to explore the world of Theatre Design? To learn about the variety of outstanding costumes, from the weird to the wonderful? Why not take part in this exciting project? You will spend a few days researching ideas by entering the

professional world of theatre, before designing and making your very own costume for a new West End show.

13. CARRY ON CAMPING Staff Members: Mrs Townshend-Stevens and Mrs Clay Cost per student: £150 (dependent on numbers)

Want to have a fun packed week pushing yourself to your limits? Want to try abseiling, rock climbing, archery and other outdoor activities? Why not take part in an outdoor adventurous activities week. You will spend an amazing 3 nights camping in the beautiful countryside of East Grinstead. You will experience cooking meals on an open fire

and toasting marshmallows on a summers evening. You will enjoy the positive feelings of overcoming challenges and working as a team. Interested in pushing the boundaries? Come and join us on a thrilling week!

14. ADVANCED SHARP SHOOTERS Staff Member: Mr Baxter Cost per student: £65

This time we are focussing on advanced photography skills and require each student participating to have access to either a DSLR or a Bridge camera. If in doubt, ask first. We will have several themes running throughout the week, including: Wildlife Photography - We are very lucky to

have secured a session at The British Wildlife Centre in East Grinstead. We have 2 hours in the centre all to ourselves with a keeper and will be allowed into the cages with the animals to get up close and take some amazing shots. Street Photography - Again, following the success of last year’s trip we will visit London for the day to take in the sights. Portrait Photography - We will look at studio photography and build our own studio with lights and look at the art of portraiture. There will be an exhibition of our best work at the end of the week.

15. FROM SCREAM TO SCREEN Staff Member: Ms Carver and Ms Rawlinson Cost per student: £5

Ever wanted to star in your very own horror movie? Are you a budding film maker bursting with blood dripping ideas? Do you want to learn how to walk and talk like a deranged zombie? If so then this project is for you. You will be writing, directing and starring in your very own horror film. You will learn how to use the IPad or your phone to

capture horror filed scenes before learning how to use IMovie to cut it together with music and sound effects.

16. LET’S CELEBRATE WITH MACMILLAN – THE CAUSEWAY CATERING COMPANY Staff Member: Miss Leighton Cost per student: £15

Is a party a party without food, not in my eyes. For this project you will be creating dishes for a great picnic celebrating the money we have raised for Macmillian Cancer Support. You will be a researcher, a designer and a chef. Feel that you are creative, why not use that to design beautiful food….. Have you ever wondered where

ingredients that you buy from the shops come from? You will have the opportunity to go and pick your own. Buy your own ingredients and cater for a celebration of our hard work and the work of the Macmillian Cancer support. If you feel that you can rise to the challenge and want to be part of the event please come and join in the fun at Let’s Celebrate with Macmillian

17. C’EST LA VIE Staff Member: Ms Smith Cost per student: £50

Students will spend the week in a variety of settings learning a new language. They will meet speakers of the language as well as other bilingual speakers, explore the roots of and similarities

between different languages as well as investigating the roots of their own. This could include a day trip to France as well as exploring the Norman history of the local area. The final exhibition will be a French cafe.

18. FLANDERS FIELD PHOTOGRAPHER Staff Members: Ms McLeod and Mrs Stoddern Cost per student: £175 (dependent on numbers:

This project is to make a permanent digital memory of World War One. Students will investigate those who fell on the Western Front to find out the youngest soldier, first and last to fall in the fighting and to see if they had relatives who fought in World War One. We will then make a commemorative piece to take with us, as this project

includes a two day trip to Ypres and the Somme, which means that students have the opportunity to be at the Somme for the 100th anniversary of the battle that famously saw 60 000 British casualties fall on this day in 1916. Students will complete photography and research on the trip before returning to school and setting up a photography exhibition on ‘Flanders Fields’.

19. THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE Staff Member: Dr Reid Cost per student: £150

This course will evoke students’ curiosity about science in the natural world as they explore a truly inspiring learning location. Students will use real world learning as they are guided through a scientific enquiry, working together to plan: their method, Use fieldwork techniques to collect data, rigorously analyse their data, Present their findings to the rest of the group and evaluate their study. In addition to working scientifically students will Gain invaluable

insights into key biological concepts, Develop their personal and social skills, Engage with the environment around them. In short, this learning opportunity will enrich your appreciation of the natural world, in all its diversity, a world that lurks unseen, just out of view, and just beyond your door! Please consult the website below for more information on the rigorous nature of the assessment and evaluation of student progress, http://www.field-studies-council.org/outdoorclassroom. The connection to community would be on the final day: applying the skills acquired to sample and evaluate, compare and contrast the ecological community that exists in our local and much more urban habitat.

COSTS

Costs are based on the average cost and is dependent on how many students take the course. If any costs are reduced due to a large interest then refunds to parents will be made. Last Real Learning Week we made refunds relating to three projects.

20. HOMEMADE JEWELLERY Staff Member: Miss Turton Cost per student: £50

The project will be to use different materials to make necklaces, bangles and bracelets, we will be using traditional beads, resin, copper, silver and leather to construct some eye catching and new jewellery to be used yourself or to be given as presents to friends and family.

21. BRIDAL HAIR DESIGN Staff Member: Mrs Bedford and Miss Sims Cost per student: £20

During this project you will learn various plaiting, and hair styling techniques. This will enable you to create real life bridal hair styles. The project includes a trip to Sussex Downs College, where you will work in their training salon, and compete in a bridal hair competition against other students. By the end of the week you will have created your

own portfolio of beautiful style that would make hairstylist proud. 22. HOW TO BECOME AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER Staff Member: Mr Morrison Cost per student: Free

Why do you do what you do? Have you ever been given a C1, C2 and sent out of a lesson and wondered why? What makes a good teacher? All of these questions and more will be answered in a scintillating week long project. Where Mr Morrison will transform you into an outstanding pedagogical wizard. You will never look at

your teachers in the same way again. By the end of the week you will have planned and delivered an outstanding lesson to an audience of KS2/KS3 students.

23. CAUSEWAY TO THE COMMONS Staff Member: Mr Dunlop Cost per student: £25

Climb the greasy pole of politics for a week, seeing the faces behind the facades and the statistics behind the spin-doctors. Firstly, we will learn about how it all works, before taking the gravy train to London to see it all in action! Finally, showcasing our political knowledge and spearheading our own campaign for local or worldwide change. 24. GOLF Staff Members: Mr Dyer and Mr Finney Cost per student: £65

Would you like to spend a week learning one of the greatest games in the world? Would you like to be coached by a professional? Would you like to play for individual and team prizes in a competition at the end of the week?

Could you be the next Rory McIlroy or Tiger Woods?? Then join Mr Finney and Mr Dyer for a week of golf! You will have four days of coaching with a golf professional, have the opportunity to improve your technique whilst performing skill challenges each day, and play in competitions at two local courses. You will learn how to drive, hit irons, chip and putt and you will get to exhibit your skills in a Ryder Cup-style competition at the end of the week! It doesn't matter if you have never played or play regularly- this week will offer you the opportunity to gain or improve skills and will give you a taste for a game that may turn into a life-long passion.

25. FISHING Staff Member: Mr Delamere and Mr Castano Cost per student: TBC

We will spend the week exploring a range of fishing techniques ending with a tutorial course for student’s parents

26. THE EASTBOURNE BLITZ Staff Member: Mr Peckham Cost per student: £40

Students to plan and carry out an oral history project with the aim of uncovering and recording the experiences of

wartime Eastbourne from the survivors living in the local community. There will be a particular focus on memories of bombing and air raids in Eastbourne. This is a largely untold story and will provide the students with a genuine

opportunity to take part in a cutting edge research project and become pioneers in this particular area of local history. For the less historically minded it will provide an opportunity to develop media skills. They will create and present a short film that can be shown to an audience drawn from the community on the final afternoon. An anticipated outcome of the project will be that students develop a sense of local citizenship and forge connection and understanding across the generation gap.

27. HISTORY: FEMINIST ZINE MAKING Staff Member: Ms Pember Cost per student: £50 Have you ever felt frustrated by the dominance of men’s stories in our history books? Do you want to be part of a project that writes women and girls back into the story? Calling publishers, poets, editors, writers, artists, collage-makers, dreamers, doodlers and riot girls! We need YOU to join our zine-making team! Over the course of the week you will learn about women’s history in the 20th Century and produce a zine which writes women back into the

history books! You will visit St Hilda’s College at the University of Oxford, meet a prominent Professor of Women’s History and have a ‘zine-making’ workshop, all before designing and creating you very own ‘Herstory’ zine. Keen to zine? Join the ‘Herstory: Feminist Zine Making’ project!

APPENDIX C