This policy provides an overview of William Ellis School’s vision for curriculum entitlement and forms the basis for all departmental curriculum planning and development.

Aim

William Ellis School aims to provide an education that enables all pupils to reach their full potential and take their place as full, active members of society with the abilities to be able to contribute to it and benefit from it.

To do this, the curriculum that we provide aims to be broad, balanced and relevant to all pupils and differentiated to meet their individual needs. It will allow pupils to develop a wide range of skills, concepts and knowledge and equip them for the next stages of their development, whether academic or
vocational. The individual is at the heart of the curriculum.

We aim to:

Ensure that all pupils strive for excellence through:

• an emphasis on the skills of literacy, numeracy and communication
• providing a curriculum that is relevant to all pupils
• identifying particular needs and providing resources to address them, including appropriate extension for more able pupils
• recognising and valuing the different talents of pupils
• creating a stimulating environment which celebrates pupil achievement and encourages excellence
• providing suitable resources to enable staff to deliver the curriculum in the most effective way.

Develop assessment and monitoring strategies which inform planning
and ensure pupils make good progress through:

• insisting on high standards of work
• involving pupils in assessment and evaluation of their work so that they are aware of what is expected of them
• using assessment to plan future learning based on challenging targets
• ensuring progress is monitored continually
• keeping parents fully informed of both achievements and targets for improvement
• giving informed advice regarding options taken and post–16 routes for pupils.

These aims are embedded in the School’s commitment to provide
equality of opportunity for all pupils through:

• providing a community which recognises and values the contributions of all pupils and their communities
• developing strong links with the school community and actively seeking to involve them in the life of the School
• developing a 14–19 curriculum that offers pathways and progression for students of all abilities
• giving unbiased advice to pupils and parents regarding options and career choices.

Governors' Annual Review: Autumn Term