Curriculum
At Pennine School, we offer a broad, balanced, ambitious and engaging curriculum that is designed to meet the needs, interests and aspirations of all our pupils. Rooted in our PEAKS values of Providing Nurture, Encouraging Growth, Aspiring through Experience, Kindness and Resilience, and Supporting Achievement, our curriculum enables pupils to develop academically, socially, emotionally and personally, building the communication, independence, relationship and self-regulation skills needed to thrive in school, the community and beyond, preparing them for successful futures.
We follow the National Curriculum, ensuring that all pupils have access to a rich and meaningful educational experience that develops essential knowledge, skills and understanding across a wide range of subjects. Our curriculum is carefully adapted to meet the individual needs of our learners, recognising that every young person arrives with unique strengths, experiences and challenges. Through a trauma-informed and relationship-based approach, we create an environment where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
We believe that personal development is fundamental to learning and achievement. We are committed to nurturing curiosity, individuality and a lifelong love of learning. We encourage pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence while exploring their own values, beliefs and aspirations. Through positive relationships and high expectations, pupils are supported to understand themselves, respect others and contribute positively to their communities.
Our curriculum provides a range of pathways that enable pupils to experience success and achieve meaningful qualifications. Alongside National Curriculum subjects, students have opportunities to work towards:
- GCSE qualifications
- ASDAN qualifications and personal development programmes
- Functional Skills qualifications
- Entry Level Qualifications
- Personalised learning pathways which reflect individual interests, strengths and future destinations
Enrichment
At Pennine School, we recognise that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our enrichment curriculum is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and experiences that pupils need to succeed in education, employment and adult life. Through a wide range of opportunities, pupils build confidence, resilience, independence and self-awareness while discovering new interests and aspirations.
Our enrichment programme is structured around nationally recognised themes, with a particular focus on life skills, personal development and careers education. Pupils develop the practical, social and employability skills needed to navigate everyday life, build positive relationships and prepare for their future.
Our enrichment offer includes:
- Life Skills
- Civic Engagement
- Nature and the Outdoors
- Sports and Physical Activities
- Arts and Culture
Enrichment is brought to life through a range of engaging experiences. Some pupils participate in weekly Commando Joe's sessions, developing teamwork, leadership, resilience, communication and problem-solving skills through immersive character-led missions and challenges. Pupils also benefit from Forest School, where they build confidence, independence and a connection with the natural environment through hands-on outdoor learning. Our Food Technology provision enables pupils to develop practical cooking skills, understand nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and increase their independence in preparation for adulthood.
Pupils also have the opportunity to work towards a range of ASDAN qualifications, AQA Unit Awards and accredited certificates, recognising their achievements in areas such as personal development, life skills, employability, community engagement and preparation for adulthood. These nationally recognised qualifications enable pupils to celebrate success, develop transferable skills and gain formal recognition for their achievements, helping them to build confidence and prepare for future education, training and employment pathways.
Through these experiences, pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, broaden their horizons, contribute to their communities and raise their aspirations. By enriching learning beyond the classroom, we help pupils become confident, resilient and ambitious young people equipped with the skills, experiences and cultural capital needed to thrive in further education, employment and adulthood.
Through these experiences, pupils develop teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving and resilience. They are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute to their communities, broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations.
By enriching learning beyond the classroom, we help pupils become confident, resilient and ambitious young people, equipped with the skills, experiences and cultural capital needed to thrive in further education, employment and adulthood.
Careers
At Pennine School, we believe that effective careers education empowers pupils to develop the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their future. Through a personalised careers programme, pupils explore a range of pathways and opportunities while developing the employability, independence and life skills required for adulthood.
Careers education is woven throughout our curriculum and enrichment offer, providing opportunities for pupils to engage in employer encounters, workplace experiences, enterprise activities, careers guidance and preparation for further education, training and employment. Our programme supports pupils to identify their strengths, raise their aspirations and understand the opportunities available within their local community and beyond.
Aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks and the Skills Builder Framework, our careers provision helps pupils develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and resilience, ensuring they are well prepared for their next steps and future success.
Nurture Class
At Pennine School, our Nurture provision enables pupils to access a broad and ambitious curriculum within a highly supportive and nurturing environment. While pupils follow the curriculum appropriate to their age and stage of development, teaching is underpinned by the principles of nurture, recognising that social, emotional and cognitive development are closely linked.
Through strong relationships, consistent routines and a focus on emotional wellbeing, pupils are supported to develop self-regulation, communication, confidence and resilience. Learning is carefully adapted to meet individual needs, helping pupils feel safe, engaged and ready to learn. Our Nurture approach ensures that pupils develop the skills, knowledge and emotional readiness needed to succeed both in school and beyond.
Subjects
Year 5
At Pennine School, pupils in Year 5 follow the National Curriculum, providing a broad, balanced and ambitious foundation across all subject areas. Through high-quality teaching and carefully planned learning experiences, pupils develop key knowledge, skills and understanding while building confidence, independence and resilience. Learning is adapted to meet individual needs, ensuring that every pupil is supported to make strong academic, social and personal progress.
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Curriculum Overview Year 5 | [pdf 96KB] |
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Year 6
At Pennine School, pupils in Year 6 follow the National Curriculum, building strong foundations in English, mathematics, science and the wider curriculum. Through engaging and purposeful learning experiences, pupils develop their knowledge, skills and understanding while increasing their independence, resilience and confidence as learners. In addition to their academic studies, pupils access a rich enrichment curriculum, providing opportunities to develop life skills, explore new interests, engage with their community and broaden their experiences. Alongside academic progress, pupils are supported to develop the personal, social and emotional skills needed for a successful transition into Key Stage 3 and the next stage of their education.
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Curriculum Overview Year 6 | [pdf 96KB] |
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Year 7
At Pennine School, Year 7 provides a carefully planned transition from primary to secondary education. Pupils follow the Year 7 curriculum and access age-appropriate learning opportunities, while being taught through a nurturing primary-style model designed to support their individual needs. This approach helps pupils develop confidence, independence, organisational skills and positive learning behaviours before gradually transitioning to a more traditional secondary model. By combining academic challenge with strong pastoral support, we ensure pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
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Curriculum Overview Year 7 | [pdf 104KB] |
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English
At Pennine School, our English curriculum develops pupils' reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, enabling them to communicate confidently and effectively in a range of contexts. Pupils study a broad range of fiction, non-fiction and literary texts, helping them to develop comprehension, critical thinking and a love of reading. Through engaging and purposeful learning, pupils build the literacy skills needed for success in education, employment and everyday life. At the end of Key Stage 4, pupils have the opportunity to achieve either a GCSE English qualification or a Functional Skills English qualification, ensuring an appropriate and meaningful pathway for every learner.
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Curriculum Overview English | [pdf 95KB] |
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Maths
At Pennine School, our mathematics curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is delivered through the White Rose Maths scheme, providing a coherent and structured approach to the development of mathematical knowledge and skills. Pupils build fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through carefully sequenced learning that enables them to apply mathematics confidently in both academic and real-life contexts. At the end of Key Stage 4, pupils have the opportunity to achieve either a GCSE Mathematics qualification or a Functional Skills Mathematics qualification, ensuring an appropriate and meaningful pathway that supports their future aspirations.
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Curriculum Overview Maths | [pdf 107KB] |
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Science
At Pennine School, our science curriculum follows the National Curriculum, developing pupils' understanding of the world through the study of biology, chemistry and physics. Through practical investigations and enquiry-based learning, pupils develop scientific knowledge, curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while learning to apply science in everyday life.
Learning is carefully sequenced to build confidence and understanding, ensuring that all pupils can make progress from their individual starting points. At the end of Key Stage 4, pupils have the opportunity to achieve either a GCSE Science qualification or an Entry Level Certificate in Science, providing an appropriate pathway that recognises their achievements and supports their future education, training and employment aspirations.
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Curriculum Overview Science | [pdf 93KB] |
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PSHE & RSE
At Pennine School, our PSHE curriculum is delivered through the Coram SCARF scheme of work, providing a progressive and comprehensive programme that supports pupils' personal, social, emotional and health development. Through a wide range of age-appropriate topics, pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to stay safe, healthy and prepared for life in modern Britain.
The curriculum promotes positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, resilience, diversity, citizenship, financial awareness and healthy lifestyles. It also incorporates the statutory requirements for Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), ensuring pupils receive high-quality, age-appropriate learning that supports their personal development and preparation for adulthood.
Please note: Coram SCARF is currently updating its curriculum content to align with forthcoming statutory guidance. Curriculum overviews and content on this page will be reviewed and updated on a half-termly basis as revised materials become available.
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Curriclum Overview PSHE | [pdf 180KB] |
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