Curriculum | Future Education

Our Curriculum

Here at Future Education we fully appreciate that our students join us at many different stages within their journey of learning due to their SEND, SEMH needs and life experiences to date. At Future Education we understand our students need to feel ‘safe’ – emotionally, physically and intellectually in order to learn effectively and achieve that of which they are capable. We have designed our curriculum with this awareness, considering each individual student and what they need to have a rewarding, successful educational experience.

Accreditation

Students work towards gaining qualifications in a variety of subjects at a level appropriate to their individual needs, from functional skills entry level 1 to GCSE grade 9. Students study, achieve and are celebrated.

Physical, emotional and well-being learning experiences for all students through – Physical Education, Adventure Activities, Global Ethics and Personal, Social, Health and Economics (PSHE).

Vocational learning opportunities resulting in AQA Unit Awards to recongnise skills acquired through some or all of the following skills – construction including tiling, painting, plastering, paving, carpentry including external and internal woodwork projects, hair and beauty (including barbering), nail art and vehicle maintenance.

Creative opportunities leading to a variety of qualifications from AQA Unit Awards to GCSE; the Trinity Arts Award (bronze, silver and gold), or just for fun – Art, Photography, Music, Studio and Drama.

Recreational opportunities developing a broad range of life-long skills which build: relationships through shared experiences; social and emotional confidence; cultural capital and include – fishing, gym, football, film, cooking, table tennis, bouldering, piano lessons, gardening, music, arts and crafts.

The Core Offer

Underpinned by targeted therapy provision our curriculum enables students to experience success and joy in learning as well as acquiring the skills and qualifications they need to go on to lead happy fulfilled lives.

Our curriculum is implemented through carefully sequenced learning, high-quality teaching and adaptive practice. Teachers plan learning that builds knowledge over time whilst meeting the individual needs of pupils, including those with SEND and EHCPs. Regular assessment informs teaching and ensures pupils make strong progress from their starting points. Alongside academic achievement, the curriculum promotes literacy, personal development, independence and preparation for adulthood, enabling pupils to achieve positive outcomes both in school and beyond.

Physical, Emotional & Well-being

In PE all students are offered a variety of activities to try that they might never get the opportunity to. They are encouraged in teamwork, thinking skills, organisation and pushing themselves past their comfort zones. Students participating will also gain an understanding of the importance of fitness and exercise to stay healthy.

Adventure Activities

Adventure Activities is a pilot award that we are running. It is focussed on learning about the environment and adventurous activities. Students participate in activities such as climbing, kayaking and walking, as well as covering topics such as animals and plants, physical geography and first aid.

The aim of the award is to give students the opportunity for regular adventures and experience the beauty of the world and share this with others.

Students will have the chance to develop the following –

a range of important practical skills
resilience and self-reliance
awareness of wellbeing
physical fitness
understanding of risk
understanding and respect for the natural environment

PSHE

The PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) curriculum is centred around making the most of our students’ personal skills to enable them to become confident, resilient, happy members of the school and wider community. Through the main topic areas of: living in the wider world, relationships and health and wellbeing we focus on strengthening knowledge, skills and connections to keep children and young people healthy and safe, whilst preparing them for life and work. We strive to keep topics current to ensure that every lesson is relevant to their every-day lives and empowers them to tackle life challenges, beyond school, in an informed capacity.

Global Ethics

In Global Ethics we look at the moral principles that guide our decisions and actions. During these sessions, students engage in discussions and activities that help them develop their moral reasoning, empathy, and sense of fairness, as well as an understanding of different cultural and societal norms. The sessions provide a safe space for students to reflect on their own beliefs and how they align with an ethical framework. Some students will be working towards achieving an AQA accreditation in this subject.

Vocational

Construction

In construction students will be introduced and learn new skills in tiling, plastering, preparation and painting, as well as paving. They will work towards AQA Unit Awards building a portfolio that will give them an advantage for college.

Carpentry

Students will learn both indoor and outdoor carpentry, such as fencing. They will be familiar with all the various tools used and become adept at identifying and using the correct tool. For students wanting to take this trade up in the future, they will be able to start college with prior knowledge in this area.

Hair & Beauty

Hair and beauty covers barbering, styling hair, make-up and nail art. Areas covered by students is dependent on their interests and acquiring knowledge and preparing students for studying further in college. Students work towards building an AQA Unit Awared portfolio, which can be shown to colleges.

Vehicle Maintenance

Students will learn basic vehicle maintenance such as checking oil and water, tyre pressures, changing a wheel, changing bulbs; gain knowledge on the various components, and the general upkeep of a car and motorbike. This knowledge will prepare students with a stepping stone for further education.

Creative

Art

Throughout their personal creative journey with us, students are empowered to develop creative ways to communicate their thoughts and feelings about the meaning of the visual world around them. We support these journeys by giving students opportunities to experiment with a range of art materials, techniques and processes underpinned by an appreciation of artists both past and present. Our aim is twofold; to equip our students to consciously observe, record and question the visual world and to take ownership of their own creative outcomes as a response to it. Students work towards a GCSE in Art.

Photography

To facilitate students’ communication of thoughts and feelings about the visual world around them. To explore work in areas such as portraiture, documentary, photojournalism, environmental photography, still-life and experimental imagery. To develop skills in creative and practical problem solving, developing ideas through research, practical application, analysis and critical understanding. Our aim is twofold; to consciously observe, record and question the visual world and to take ownership of photographic responses to it. Students work towards a GCSE in Art.

Music & Studio

Media will equip students to create taking part in various activities such as radio production, film making, music technology, the practical science of capturing, recording and reproducing music and sound, using computers and other hardware devices. Future Education has an onsite professional music studio and radio station, high-tech equipment and software that offer wonderful teaching and learning opportunities. Students gain recognition through AQA Unit awards and work towards a Trinity Arts Certificate.

Drama

Drama is an introduction to the world of Performing Arts. Through games, vocal and physical exercises, and working together, our young people will have the opportunity to learn about Acting, Singing and Movement/Dance, as well as backstage and technical roles. Basic stagecraft, stage directions, tongue twisters, vocal scales, monologues, duologues and improvisation are just some of the areas we will cover as we build the confidence and skills of our performers. The lessons are guided by the interests and experience of the group, allowing us to be flexible in what the students are working towards, whilst gaining AQA Unit awards.

Recreational

Fishing

Relaxation, enjoying the peacefulness of being outdoors near water, the challenge of catching a fish, and the potential to connect with nature.

Gym

To improve physical health, positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and boosting mood.

Football

Fun, physical activity, social interaction and the challenge of the game.

Film

Entertainment, a way to relax, be stimulated, and connect with others through shared experiences and experience a range of emotions through engaging characters.

Cooking

Fulfilment in the creative process of creating delicious foods for themselves and others, and controlling ingredients and portion sizes for a healthier diet.

Table Tennis

Improve physical fitness, mental alertness and social interaction.

Cake Decoration

Use creative and motor skills to make cakes more memorable and visually appealing.

Piano Lessons

Develop musical skills, express creativity, improve cognitive abilities, relieve stress, enhance their sense of hearing, and enjoy the satisfaction of playing an instrument.

Nature and Ecology

Connect with nature, experience the satisfaction of watching plants grow, physical exercise and reduce stress.

Music

Learn musical skills, relieve stress, relaxation, express creativity.

Arts & Crafts

Develop fine motor skills, improve mental well-being, relax and express oneself through making things.

Spanish Language

One of the most widely spoken languages globally, making it valuable for travel and enhancing cultural understanding.

Get involved

There are many ways to get involved with us or our parent charity, Future Projects, please see the pages to the right for information about the rest of the charity, including accessing support at Future Support or volunteering with Future Radio.