Curriculum Overview - Iford Academy

Our curriculum is designed to prepare our pupils for a safe, happy and productive adult life.

Iford Academy balances developing pupils academic progress, (leading to qualifications) with their personal, social and emotional progress (leading to pupils who are able to interact with society in an appropriate and meaningful way). Simply put, balancing ‘currency’ (qualifications) and ‘character’ (ability to develop and maintain relationships).

Qualifications

At Key stage 4 the school offers a range of vocational Pathway qualifications including; Cookery, Construction, Business Administration, Heath and Fitness, E-Sports, Hair and Beauty, Digital Technology, Music, Art, Forest School Skills.

These subjects adapt yearly according to current pupil interests and ambitions.

The Careers Information Advice and guidance team work closely with pupils to match their post 16 ambitions with their current interests and options.

Personal development

Iford Academy feel that personal development is of equal importance to qualifications (there is no point in having the qualifications for a job if you haven’t got the skills to maintain professional working relationships!).

Pupils will also be involved in lessons that develop this through Careers and Personal Development lessons, Social Development activities and Life Skills (community-based learning) sessions which explore Leadership, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative and Communication and provide students with opportunities to explore their place in society.

The staff treat every moment in school as a learning opportunity and work closely with pupils to overcome challenges and embrace success equally.

As a result, our pupils make great progress from their relative starting points, achieving appropriate qualifications to meet their aspirations. Our pupils secure post 16 provision in a range of settings and are ready to embark on a safe, happy and productive adult life.