Curriculum Statement
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is what our students learn. It includes all of the lessons, activities and experiences planned and delivered by the College within the timetable and outside of lessons. Through our curriculum we aim for all our students, regardless of their starting point, to be a part of an inspirational and empowering learning community that achieves ‘beautiful work’.
Inspire Empower Achieve
Our Mission:
Our purpose is to inspire a love of learning, empower our college community with the knowledge and skills to help them make meaningful choices and contribute positively to the world in which we live. To achieve excellence in all aspects of school life.At Thurston Community College we seek to provide an ‘ambitious and diverse’ curriculum that:
- Is broad and balanced, truly comprehensive and accessible to all students.
Embodies and ensures a deep understanding and respect for diversity. - Delivers opportunities for students to learn to be successful, to gain useful, transferable skills and acquire relevant knowledge.
- Ensures high standards of academic achievement where outcomes enable students to progress to Further Education and Higher Education.
- Promotes and develops character and the personal, social, spiritual, moral and cultural opportunities to promote a sense of moral and social responsibility.
- Ensures all students are able to thrive and develop as healthy individuals and good citizens.
- Ensures that all students are safe and understand how to stay safe.
Curriculum Principles
Rich in powerful and empowering knowledge and language.
- Powerful knowledge is knowledge that provides an understanding of our natural and social worlds. It helps us go beyond our individual experiences. Powerful knowledge enriches us with cultural capital.
- Knowledge can be defined as declarative (know how) and procedural (know how to). Knowledge can be further categorised within curriculum subjects. For example, many subjects have aspects of disciplinary knowledge.
- Skills (the capacity to perform) such as analysis, inference and evaluation are domain specific. They are enabled by a well-developed schema of knowledge within that domain.
- The curriculum specifies the knowledge that pupils will learn in detail. This should be outlined in subject curriculum plans.
- Vocabulary and language are important for pupils to articulate and apply their knowledge and to acquire new knowledge. Therefore, the vocabulary and language that is most important for students to learn should be specified within subject curriculum plans.
Coherently planned and sequenced.
- A well sequenced and coherent curriculum is important if pupils are to develop strong and enduring schemas.
- The order in which knowledge is taught needs to be carefully sequenced and planned. Careful consideration should be given to prior and prerequisite knowledge.
- Plans make explicit when knowledge is revisited.
Reduces workload through collaboration, shared planning and the use of high-quality resources.
- Curriculum planning makes it clear what needs to be taught, in what order and how it should be assessed. This is achieved through schemes of learning, subject assessment expectations and assessment calendars.
- A well planned and resourced curriculum enables teachers to focus on how to teach the curriculum and to check that pupils are learning it.
- Resources such as assessments, modelled answers, knowledge booklets, knowledge organisers, schemes of learning and core activities should be easily accessible to all teachers in a subject.
- Resources and assessments should be designed following research-informed design principles.
- Subject and faculty time is used to develop, debate and discuss curriculum plans and the best way to teach subject content.
The curriculum is organised into five faculties
Sports, Arts and Personal Development
This provides a holistic structure for understanding artistic expression, health and well-being. The dynamic nature of the expressive arts can engage, motivate and encourage learners to develop their creative, artistic and performance skills to the full.
PE-_and_-Arts-Faculty (ID 1048)
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Art
Art
Intent of Art
The aim of our curriculum for art and design is to ensure that all students are given a good grounding in the essential skills and disciplines our subject has to offer, with an opportunity to explore both 2D and 3D ways of working in order to meet the expectations set out in the national curriculum. It is also designed to ensure that as they progress through Year 7, 8 and 9 that their understanding of artists/designers/art from other cultures and art practices grows and develops, so that by the end of Year 9 (in readiness for GCSE) they are confident and independent practitioners who are able to take creative risks with materials and processes.
We believe that art allows students to learn skills for the wider world. Visual communication and visual literacy are key components of our curriculum. We challenge their perceptions of what art is and its place in society and how it can be used as a tool for social change. Our curriculum is based on a broad and diverse range of artists and art practices. This enables all students to feel included and be successful in their artistic endeavours, creating a sense of purpose towards the production of beautiful work. -
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Hello and welcome to the Performing Arts Department at Thurston Community College, where all staff are committed to creating a challenging, meaningful and inspiring learning environment while preparing students for their future careers.
"Arts education is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It's really the air many of theses kids breathe. It's how we get kids excited about getting up and going to school in the morning. It's how we get them to take ownership of their future" (Key research findings from Imagine Nations - Cultural Learning Alliance Report 2017).
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Physical Education
Physical Education
Intent of PE
We aim to develop with all students' through our PE programme and extra curricular provision a range of key concepts that enables everyone the opportunity to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activity. These concepts are embedded in our lessons, most notably at KS3, which aid student's understanding and development whilst supporting their progress when performing in a wide range of physical activities, either in individual or group scenarios.
Many of our students take up the opportunity to study PE at examination level in KS4-5 whilst we are keen with all non examined students in KS4 to explore pathways, accredited courses and options that maintains their engagement and commitment to being physically active.
We also aim to develop students' confidence and broad skills when physically performing, especially those of tactical awareness, decision making, teamwork, collaboration, leadership, competitiveness, creativity, and aesthetic appreciation.
Humanities and Social Sciences
This area of the curriculum seeks to awaken a sense of wonder, fire the imagination and inspire learners to grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom. These courses encourage learners to engage with the most important issues facing humanity, including sustainability and social change, and help to develop the skills necessary to interpret and articulate the past and the present.
Humanities-_and_-Social-Sciences-Faculty (ID 1047)
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Child Development
Child Development
Intent of Child Development
The mission of the Child Development subject within the Social Sciences Department is in preparation for their KS4 examination, to engage all students in a evidence based journey as set out by researchers, practitioners and experts in their field, in order to acquire knowledge regarding child development through the delivery of a challenging yet engaging relevant curriculum which is designed to contribute to the development of each student as a whole individual, with a keen awareness of child development and its implications for society. In preparation for their qualifications the Cambridge National in Child Development covers all aspects of child development and parental responsibility, from conception to five years. Pupils will develop the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to create the best conditions for a child's development and well-being.
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Geography
Geography
Intent of Geography
Geography underpins a lifelong 'conversation' about the Earth as the home of humankind. At Thurston Community College, the Geography curriculum contributes to a balanced education for all young people. Geography, therefore, is not a narrow academic subject for the few; it is relevant and fundamental for everyone because it is embedded in the future of our planet.
We aim to encourage a lifetime of learning about the world around us. Geography both fascinates and inspires: the beauty of the earth and its many ecosystems from the Arctic to the Tropics; the power of earth-shaping forces such as volcanoes and hurricanes - these prompt us to question our place in the world.
Geography deepens our understanding of many contemporary challenges: climate change, food security, hazard management - these cannot be understood without a geographical perspective.
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Health & Social Care
Health & Social Care
Intent of Health and Social Care
The mission of the Health & Social Care within the Social Sciences Department is in preparation for their Level 2 & 3 qualifications is to engage all students in the theory and real-life application. Opportunities will be given in KS4 and KS5 to explore career links with the subject matter. They will understand the role of health & social care in the world of work and how they can apply their understanding to roles in the wider community beyond the classroom. -
History
History
Intent of History
The Thurston Community College History curriculum helps to explain the world as it is by exploring the world as it was, in an intriguing and ambitious way. Understanding is developed around a spine of British History, but our enquiries proudly explore global, continental and local scales, emphasising the complexity of the past, and the constructed, contested nature of History. To this end, students progress their disciplinary thinking, exploring the past from multiple perspectives and viewpoints. We strive to make our curriculum representative of the inhabitants of the past, aiming to paint and understand the broadest possible picture and the details that illustrate it. These historical threads are combined and sequenced to craft a rich, broad and structured understanding of the past for every student. To achieve this we place scholarship at the heart of everything we do, building a culture of wider reading, and this applies equally to staff and students.
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Philosophy, Beliefs & Ethics
Philosophy, Beliefs & Ethics
Intent of Philosophy, Beliefs and Ethics
At KS3 students follow a programme of learning which splits the focus into the 3 main areas of study; One term students will study a philosophy followed by an ethics and finishing with beliefs every topic will be an inquiry based focus. ( the order may vary depending on year group)
At KS4 GCSE PBE is presented as an option, for which students opt to do. We follow the Edexcel RS full course ( specification B). Students use the religions of Christianity and Islam to study ethical and philosophical units of; Peace and Conflict, Crime and Punishment, Marriage and Family and Matters of Life and Death.
At KS5 we study the AQA Philosophy course, which covers a range of topics; such as moral philosophy, metaethics, epistemology, metaphysics of the mind and God.
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Psychology
Psychology
Intent of Psychology
The mission of the Psychology within the Social Sciences Department is in preparation for their GCSE and A level, to engage all students in a scientific journey as a psychologist, in order to acquire knowledge regarding the brain and human behaviour through the delivery of a challenging yet engaging relevant curriculum which is designed to contribute to the development of each student as a whole individual, with a keen awareness of human behaviour and its implications for society. In preparation for their GCSE and A level. Opportunities will be given in KS4 and KS5 to explore career links with the subject matter.
They will understand the role of Psychology in the world of work and how they can apply their understanding to roles in the wider community beyond the classroom.
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Sociology
Sociology
Intent of Sociology
The mission of Sociology within the Social Sciences department is in preparation for their A level, to engage all students in a evidence based journey as a sociologist , in order to acquire knowledge regarding society and human behaviour through the delivery of a challenging yet engaging relevant curriculum which is designed to contribute to the development of each student as a whole individual, with a keen awareness of human behaviour and its implications for society. In preparation for their A level. Opportunities will be given in KS5 to explore career links with the subject matter. They will understand the role of Sociologists in the world of work and how they can apply their understanding to roles in the wider community beyond the classroom.
English and Languages
Understanding language and how it can impact on our understanding of culture is one of the fundamental aspects of human communication. We learn through listening, reading, speaking and writing. Our learners study English, French and Spanish.
English-_and_-Languages-Faculty (ID 1044)
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English
English
Intent of English: At Thurston Community College, English is a creative and inspiring subject. Across students' seven year journey through English, they will explore a range of literary and non-fiction writing as a vehicle for developing a reflective appreciation of their world and its history.
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Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Languages
Curriculum Intent of MFL
Languages are an integral part of the curriculum. Learning a language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. It helps to equip students with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to thrive and succeed in life, thereby encouraging them to appreciate, understand and celebrate diversity. It provides them with the foundation for learning additional languages and enables them to study and work in other countries. Consequently the Languages curriculum makes a significantly positive contribution to business, industry and the economy.
Mathematics, Business and Computing
The development of mathematics has always gone hand in hand with the development of civilisation itself. A truly international discipline, it surrounds us and underpins so many aspects of our daily lives, such as architecture, art, music, money and engineering. While it is creative and beautiful, both in its own right and in its applications, it is also essential to understanding how information technology and computing can enhance our lives and the way we learn.
Maths-Computing-_and_-Business-Faculty (ID 1045)
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Business Studies
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Computing & ICT
Computing & ICT
Our aim is to develop students' skills and abilities in the diverse subjects of Computing and ICT to allow them to play an active role as citizens of the 21 Century. Digital is everywhere and has driven a paradigm shift in how society is structured and controlled - today's students will need to be highly skilled autonomous, resilient problem solvers able to direct and influence their own life story.
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Economics
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Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history's most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
Science and Technology
The importance of science and technology in our modern world cannot be overstated. Developments in these areas have always been drivers of change in society, underpinning innovation and impacting on everyone's lives economically, culturally and environmentally.
Science-_and_-Technology-Faculty (ID 1046)
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Design Technology
Design Technology
Intent of Design Technology:
The Design Technology curriculum at Thurston Community College is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students learn how to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others' needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing and art. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems both as individuals and members of a team. Students learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Students are taught to evaluate past and present design technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High quality design technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
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Science
Science
Intent of Science
Science at Thurston Community College should be a subject that opens the eyes of students to an explanation of the world around them.
Explored both through the individual disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and the very nature of how science works the students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand the world as it is now, and be able to face the challenges of the future.
The Thurston Community College Learning Journey
- Lower School: Key Stage 3: Years 7-9
At Thurston Community College Key Stage 3 is a three year programme which has been carefully crafted to ensure that students learn beyond the requirements set out by the National Curriculum. - Upper School: Key Stage 4: Years 10-11
At the end of Year 9, students opt for subjects that they will study in Years 10 and 11 and they complete those subjects by the end of Year 11. Our highly flexible two year curriculum delivered in Years 10 and 11 allows us to create personalised guided pathways for our students. -
Key Stage 5: Thurston Sixth
Students can study three, with some scope for four, A level equivalent courses. The curriculum offers a wide range of A levels and Technical Awards alongside other qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification.Our Post 16 curriculum is built upon and informed by a destination led approach. Advice and guidance is high profile and ensures that choices are informed and appropriate. A variety of opportunities are offered to support and prepare students for transition post 18.
There are also after school lessons in various different courses as well as many different extracurricular activities. Each subject area/course in the curriculum plays its own unique role. This is expressed through its:
- Intent - a clear understanding of the purpose of each course - its role and place in our curriculum.
- Threads of powerful knowledge - the key themes and skills throughout the course.