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Curriculum

At Holderness Academy we aim to develop the Holderness Learner to be: an Explorer, a Scholar, a Leader, and a Collaborator through our core values of being Aspirational, Resilient, Respectful and Kind.

These are at the heart of everything we do.  We set high expectations to ensure every learner excels across all aspects of academy life. 

Our intention is to ensure learners make exceptional progress and that the curriculum removes any potential barriers to learning, irrespective of social background, culture, race, gender or sexuality, differences in ability and disabilities. 

We want our learners to leave with knowledge and skills which will not only create excellent life opportunities and enable them to be successful in whatever career they choose, but will also prepare them exceptionally well for life beyond the academy and thus fulfilling our vision of Shaping Positive Futures.

At Holderness Academy, learners will: 

  • Have a curriculum that can be accessed by all, regardless of ability or social-economic background 

  • Experience a broad, deep and knowledge rich curriculum; 

  • Develop as a Holderness Communicator, to create active readers, skilled writers and confident speakers 

  • Be numerate; building and link numeracy skills across all relevant subjects 

  • Have high expectations for their behaviour and achievement; 

  • Enhance their cultural, social, moral, mental and physical development; 

  • Become a Holderness learner prepared for progression 

Key stage overview 

  • Key Stage 3 - Our three year Key Stage 3 curriculum provides learners in Years 7, 8 and 9 with an opportunity to accelerate their progress from Key Stage 2 by building on their skills and knowledge gained in the primary phase of their education. We recognise transition arrangements and communication with our primary colleagues are essential to avoid the ‘secondary school dip’ in progress in Year 7 and being part of a cross-phase Trust allows us to learn from the skills of our primary colleagues.  Our curriculum provides a critical breadth and balance to further develop skills and knowledge.  

  • Key Stage 4 - The flexibility of the Key Stage 4 curriculum provides opportunities for a bespoke curriculum to meet the needs and interests of individual learners. Our curriculum provides an opportunity for learners to follow a curriculum pathway that is informed by where they have come from in their academic life and where they aspire to be. Learners study a range of core subjects but also have the opportunity to specialise in a range of option subjects. In some cases we also offer external vocational options for those learners who would benefit the most.  

Experience a broad, deep and knowledge rich curriculum 

Our curriculum promotes excellence and high aspiration at all stages throughout the learners’ journey at Holderness Academy. At Key Stage 3 and 4 our subject and extended curriculum are designed to be broad and balanced, giving our learners an enriched programme with a range of different experiences. This is delivered through a skill and knowledge-based curriculum with content sequenced towards ambitious end goals for all at the end of each year, ensuring they have a deep understanding within and across a range of subjects for them to continue to build upon over time. 

Our curriculum, including our PSHE programme, dedicated ARRK (Aspirational-Resilience-Respectful-Kind) lessons, tutor programme, drop-down days, assemblies, guests and visitor agenda actively promotes learners Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education (SMSC) and a commitment to British Values.  

Religious Education is delivered within the Philosophy and Ethics curriculum and provides an opportunity for learners to debate key issues for life in modern society as well as the statutory requirements of Relationships and Sex education and other aspects of managing personal safety and risk. Learners are provided with an opportunity to demonstrate skills and attitudes in line with modern citizenship, the schools’ ethos and commitment to promoting a positive contribution to a pluralistic society. Our enrichment programme ensures all learners have access to appropriate Impartial Careers Information Advice and Guidance.

Be literate and numerate

The development of active reading, skilled writing and confident oracy through our Holderness Communicator initiative is a key part of our curriculum. We recognise how vital it is for our learners to build confidence in communication skills for their time at the Academy and beyond. We ensure learners have opportunities in all subjects to develop these skills through Disciplinary Literacy. Learners who arrive at the Academy with below expected maths skills will be the focus for incisive intervention to enable them to catch up quickly. The focus on literacy and numeracy will develop the Holderness Learner and allow them to access their next stage in learning. As we strive to be a ‘reading school’ learners are exposed to reciprocal reading skills across the curriculum; training their brain to read through summarising, clarifying, questioning, and predicting. A weekly library lesson provides the opportunity to complete AR quizzes to become word millionaires. Subject staff encourage students to read widely around their subject with a wider reading shelf in each classroom. 

Enhance their cultural, moral, social, mental and physical development

We aim to develop a curriculum that moulds the Holderness Learner to be respectful and to ensure that they are prepared for life in modern Britain. Learners are encouraged to show that learning is linked, where possible, to real world experiences. Learners are encouraged to participate in a range of sporting, cultural, community and charitable activities. Wherever possible, we develop our strong links with the community to enhance their learning with the use of business partners. 

Become a Holderness Learner prepared for progression 

A clear focus on the Gatsby benchmarks from Year 7, ensures our learners follow their Holderness Learner journey to secure their progression pathway beyond the Academy. We continually strive to develop the experiences offered to our learners. 

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