KS4
KS4-Curriculum-Gallery (ID 1001)
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Business
Business
Curriculum Overview
We recognise that a strong foundation in Business Studies is essential for future success in the world of work and offer a high-quality vocational and applied curriculum that is broad and engaging for all learners.
Therefore, we aim to support students to:- Develop their transferable interpersonal skills, including working with others, problem solving, independent study and personal learning and thinking skills
- Enable learners to enhance their English and mathematical competence in relevant applied scenarios and naturally occurring, relevant contexts
- Give learners opportunities to link education and the world of work in engaging relevant and practical ways
Assessment
The qualification provides an engaging, practical and relevant introduction to the world of business. It encourages you to explore the range of business types and understand the factors that influence success through analysing business models. It enables you to develop, enhance and apply your research, practical, communication and technical skills through creating and presenting a business plan for a realistic business start-up in your local area. You will study finance and analyse key financial statements (e.g. income statements and statements of financial position) reviewing their importance in the successful financial management of business.
You will study 3 mandatory units:
- Introduction to business by exploring how businesses operate, considering how market research helps a business to understand the market and investigating the use of the marketing mix (4P’s)
- Finance for business by understanding the costs involved in business and how businesses make a profit. Understand how businesses plan for success and how the measure that success and identify areas for improvement
- Enterprise in the business world by knowing how trends and the current business environment may impact a business, plan a new business idea and present a business model for a business start-up and a further optional unit which covers
- Promoting a Brand (marketing) by exploring the use of branding and the promotional mix in business and develop and promote a brand for a business
- Principles of customer service by understanding how businesses provide customer service and demonstrating appropriate customer service skills in different situations OR
- Recruitment, Selection and Employment by knowing about job roles and functional areas in business. Producing documentation for specific job roles and demonstrating interview skills and planning career development.
This level 2 course is graded either pass, merit or distinction, with one exam on the financial unit taking place, with various work-related activities and engagement with employers and practising of working skills through teamwork activities.
Links to Future Study and Careers
- The knowledge and skills acquired will support progression to a broad range of level 3 study, whether academic or vocational e.g. a BTEC National in Business or a BTEC National in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, A Level Business or A level Economics
- The vast majority of employers require learners to have certain technical skills, knowledge and understanding to work in a particular sector, but they are also looking for employability skills to ensure that employees are effective in the workplace.
Curriculum Map
Please clickherefor the BTEC Business curriculum map
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City and Guilds Construction
City and Guilds Construction
Curriculum Overview
The construction curriculum provides a comprehensive skills base and a sound understanding of key industrial practices for students with a keen interest in practical work in order to prepare them for a potential career in the diverse construction industry. Students have access to specialist facilities and high-quality technical expertise from experienced and skilled staff.
Students will complete units of study across a range of construction trade specialisms to give them a broad repertoire of skills to emerge as capable craftspeople, and alongside this develop their knowledge of key topics such as health and safety and the planning and management of construction work, leaving them able to make immediate progress into the industry should they wish to upon leaving Horizons Academy.
Assessment
- Exam Board: City & Guilds
- Qualification: Construction Skills 6219
- 100% non-examined assessment through completed written and practical tasks
Links to Future Study and Careers
The successful completion of this qualification, together with other equivalent qualifications, such as in maths and English and the sciences, could provide the learner with opportunities to access a range of qualifications including GCE, T levels, apprenticeships, vocationally related and occupational qualifications.
Curriculum Map
Please click here for the C&G Construction curriculum map
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GCSE Art
GCSE Art
Curriculum Overview
The Art & Design curriculum is stimulating and vibrant, embracing both two and three-dimensional work. We aim to encourage creativity and imagination. The creative process is a balance of thinking and acting creatively. It involves taking risks to progress and produce original outcomes.
The Art & Design Department celebrates the individuality of each student whilst taking their studies further into GCSE. Our curriculum has been designed to cater to all abilities and aptitudes for this subject and to guide our students to out-perform their initial capacity. A range of techniques, processes and methods, using traditional media and digital languages, will prepare our students to demonstrate creativity and confidently develop skill sets to create a body of work drawn from their experiences and surroundings.
Within the department we embed a basic skill set of formal elements: line, tone, shape and form, colour, texture and pattern. Students immerse themselves in the fundamental practical skills required to construct and deconstruct concepts and forms. This is achieved through the understanding of the formal elements and applying them into a series of visual works. Observational study is a core component of the basic skills and drawing from real things is a key starting point in many of the projects. Projects can vary from year to year but are linked to the basic skills.
We nurture creativity by helping students to establish original purpose and intention in their work - stimulating and rewarding curiosity and exploration by encouraging confidence and the willingness to take risks, building on intrinsic motivation and facilitating opportunities for choice and discovery.
We ensure students discover social and cultural diversity through the study of the issues that shape our own lives, our communities, beliefs and the wider forces of globalisation.
We create opportunities for all students to access an inclusive and personally differentiated curriculum appropriate to their individual aspirations. We develop the individual through independent and collaborative work often seen in the Art & Design industry.
Assessment
- Exam Board: Eduqas WJEC
- Qualification: GCSE
- Component 1 - Portfolio (60%)
- Component 2 - Externally set assignment (40%)
Links to Future Study and Careers
Students who study GCSE Art and Design can go on to study Art and Design A Level or a BTEC Level 3. These qualifications can lead to studying a wide range of subjects at university in specialised areas of Art and Design or onto exciting art based apprenticeships. Some universities require you to have a foundation degree in Art and design. It is therefore worthwhile looking at colleges and universities that have a good reputation for these. An Art and Design qualification is extremely flexible and highly valued in jobs such as architecture, graphic design, interior design and film, to name just a few. You may aspire to become an artist or photographer (including fashion, portrait or documentary), working in film – including stage and scene design, CGI, cinematography, games design or animation. Other career paths include web design, illustration, curator, working in advertising and branding, and art therapy.
Curriculum Map
Please click here for the GCSE Art curriculum map
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GCSE Biology
GCSE Biology
Curriculum Overview
The Science department will deliver a strong knowledge-based curriculum, providing opportunity for students to discover the excitement of Science and the phenomena surrounding the subject; it will aim to instil a desire for practical discovery, while fostering the inquisitive nature of students.
A strong focus will also be placed upon literacy. Teachers will be aware of the vocabulary demands of a topic and will make a conscious choice to focus on the words that students most need to understand. New scientific vocabulary will be taught explicitly and by using direct instruction and modelling, students will quickly gain insight into how these words are to linked to other aspects of science.
The department will also strive to provide a current foundation in the elements of scientific method, theory, applicability and laboratory practice that will encourage and inspire students to acquire an in-depth appreciation of the scientific endeavour. Students undertake experiments or view demonstrations where possible which, in addition to developing their practical skills, will also develop their ability to of hypothesise, predict, analyse, interpret and evaluate.
To fulfil this aim, the Science staff will provide a safe environment in which students’ views and personal aims are valued. Staff will encourage students to actively participate in their well-planned and highly differentiated lessons; where students of all abilities are given an appropriate level of challenge. Through a practically based course, skilled, deep and lifelong learning can be achieved, as students are prepared for the world of work and further study in the Sciences.
Assessment
- Exam Board: AQA
- Qualification: GCSE
- Paper 1: Written Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, Topics 1-4, Foundation and Higher Tier (50% of GCSE)
- Paper 2: Written Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, Topics 5-7, Foundation and Higher Tier (50% of GCSE)
Links to Future Study and Careers
The study of science develops many skills such as observation and enquiry skills, logic reasoning, critical analysis, teamwork and creative problem solving, all of which are sought after by employers regardless of the sector. Students completing GCSE Biology with a good pass can access all A-Level Biology, apprenticeships and vocational courses. After A Levels students can move into higher education, completing foundation and degree courses specialising in their area of interest. Science provides a foundation for many careers. For example: medical sciences (nursing, radiology, midwifery, surgeon, anaesthesiologist, pharmacist, sports science), engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace), architecture, food and drugs manufacturing or research, marine biologist, environmental science, botanist, agriculture, astronomer, veterinary science, hairdressing, teaching and many more.
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GCSE English Language
GCSE English Language
Curriculum Overview
Our intention is to inspire our students with a love of English to form roots that lie deep within them which will carry them successfully into their future lives. We want to inspire students to read widely, and deeply, to explore a range of cultures, experiences and opinions that stem from a wide range of social, cultural and political concepts. This will support them to not only form their own opinions of the world in which they live, but to develop their empathy skills, to make sure they are aware of the opinions of others and accept those perspectives.
Not only do we feel the reading of fiction is imperative in developing the young people in our care, but we also seek to ensure that students feel confident and comfortable in reading a range of non-fiction, especially news articles and reports, to allow the opportunity to develop their own cultural capital and feel inspired to keep up with current affairs.
We wish to instil a curiosity within the students which means they seek to find answers and create questions through their breadth of reading. Through exposure to a range of texts from the Literary Canon and beyond, we aim to reveal to students the society in which they are growing up in and the societies that have come before. This reflection and appreciation for reading should help to end the cycle of poverty and disadvantage that some of our students unfortunately find themselves in.
Alongside their appreciation of reading, a love of writing must thrive. Written communication is vital to our students to ensure they can accurately, and eloquently, communicate their own thoughts and opinions. We will ensure students are able to write for a range of forms and purposes, to prepare them for future employment opportunities but to be able to articulate their own feelings to others. Communication is key to success and our students will build on, and master, their writing skills year by year. Students will also write in response to ideas and ideologies raised in texts which they have studied as we encourage students to form their own views of sociological and historical whilst being able to communicate effectively with others about it.
The final strand that will help build our students into English excellency is through the spoken word. Every lesson will have an opportunity for our students to communicate their ideas with others using support and guidance in how to ensure their mode of communication is effective. Students will also have opportunities throughout the year to debate topics of interest, deliver speeches to their peers or communicate their own work to others. We want to build a confidence within the students to use their voice as a method to ensure their opinions are heard and matter.
Assessment
- Exam Board: AQA
- Qualification: GCSE
- Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing (50% of final mark)
- 1hr 45 minute written exam
- Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (50% of final mark)
- 1hr 45 minute written exam
- Spoken Language Endorsement: students give a presentation in a formal context, responding appropriately to questions and feedback
Links to Future Study and Careers
Students who study GCSE Language can go on to study A-Level Language, exploring the wider world, society and the way we use language to communicate.
Due to the wide range of transferrable skills that it equips students with, English Language is highly valued in many career sectors, such as journalism, the media, the government and civil service, heritage organisations, conservation, teaching, archives, museums and galleries; any workplace sector which uses language to inform wider decision making and interactions with the wider world.
Curriculum Map
Please click here for the KS4 GCSE English language curriculum map
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GCSE Maths
GCSE Maths
Curriculum Overview
We aim to develop students’ mathematical confidence allowing them to solve a range of complex problems and critically analyse the world around us. We seek to expose them to the beauty of mathematics through a universal language which underpins many other areas of the curriculum. Mathematics fosters reasoning and problem solving, leading to mastery and logical thinking which builds students into well rounded and aspirational citizens of the future.
In order to be learned, ideas need to be understood deeply; they must not merely be passively received but must be worked on by the student, thought about, reasoned with and discussed with others.
Our curriculum will vary the way a concept is initially presented to students, by giving examples that display a concept as well as those that don’t display it. We will also carefully vary practise questions so that mechanical repetition is avoided, and thinking is encouraged.
Our philosophy is grounded in the quick and efficient recall of facts and procedures to allow students the flexibility to move between different contexts and representations of mathematics. Students should be able to connect new ideas to concepts that have already been understood. This ensures that, once understood and mastered, new ideas are used again in next steps of learning.
Assessment
- Exam Board: Pearson
- Qualification: GCSE
- Paper 1 – Non-calculator (Foundation and Higher papers – 1hr 30mins)
- Paper 2 – Calculator (Foundation and Higher papers – 1hr 30 mins)
- Paper 3 - Calculator (Foundation and Higher papers - 1hr 30 min)
Links to Future Study and Careers
Studying Mathematics gives you lifelong problem-solving skills and develops your ability to think logically and systematically. You will need a good GCSE in Mathematics to study A-Level Mathematics and Science, and you will need at least a Grade 7 to go on to study A-Level Further Maths.
Advanced Mathematics qualifications are highly regarded by employers and universities. They are often required or recommended. Studying mathematics helps you develop skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, which are valued by employers across many job sectors. Mathematics leads to a vast array of careers, including but not limited to Accounting, Finance, Research Science, Meteorology and Software Development, business management, psychology, banking, ICT, engineering and medicine, to name just a few
Curriculum Map
Please click here for the GCSE Math curriculum map
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Home Cooking Skills
Home Cooking Skills
Curriculum Overview
At Horizons Academy Bexley pupils are shown how to cook healthy, nutritious meals in a fun environment.
They are taught that food doesn’t have to be boring to be healthy.
Each term follows a different theme, for example healthy lunches or picnic food, whilst always considering nutritional value and cost of food.
At the same time, pupils are taught a range of preparation techniques such as the correct use of electrical items, hygienic food preparation and various cooking methods.
Assessment
Lessons are taught with the idea of highlighting British Values and Global Learning with dishes such as healthy stir-fry for Chinese New Year, pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and Jewish chicken noodle soup for Holocaust Memorial Day.
All pupils will work towards gaining a Level 1 and Level 2 BTEC in Home cooking skills.
Over the course of both qualifications’ pupils will:
- Learn basic cooking skills following the British Nutritional Foundation guidelines
- Develop an understanding of where food comes from.
Level 1 includes a practical main meal assessment.
Level 2 includes planning, preparing and serving a two-course meal assessment.
Pupils record their work in folders and build up a portfolio of evidence over the duration of the qualification.
Links to Future Study and Career
Pupils are taught life and social skills to help them become rounded individuals.
The BTEC L1/L2 Home cooking skills can lead to progression either at college or onto an apprenticeship.
Curriculum Map
Please click here for the BTEC Home cooking skills curriculum map
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NCFE Employability
NCFE Employability
Curriculum Overview
We recognise that a strong foundation in employability and employment skills are essential for future success in the world of work and offer a high-quality vocational and applied curriculum that is broad and engaging for all learners. Therefore, we aim to support students to achieve a certificate in Employability skills, while completing these qualifications, Learners may develop the knowledge, understanding and essential skills employers look for in employees. These range from familiar ‘key skills’ such as team working, independent learning and problem solving, to more tricky-to-measure skills such as:
- An appreciation for appropriate behaviour and dress
- Appropriate interpersonal skills
- Communicating with professional colleagues/peers and/or hierarchical seniors
- Supporting other aspiring employees
- Personal manners and deportment
- Understanding work practices and how different roles and departments function within an organisation.
Assessment
The qualification provides an engaging, practical and relevant introduction to the world of Employment and the skills required to be successfully employed. There are a variety of units that can be completed in an adaptive manner. 10 units have been chosen to enable the learners to achieve a certificate in Employability skills and develop a broad range of skills necessary to excel in the world of employment.
You will study various units and complete assignments for the individual units. Each unit carries a credit amount and 15 credits are required to achieve the full level 1 certificate in Employability.
The unit delivery is as follows:
- Understanding Mindset, (understand how mindset can improve employability) This is the only mandatory unit and once completed accrues 2 credits
- Managing your time (2 credits)
- Understanding personal finance (2 credits) Learners can achieve an award at this stage ut it is best to continue to the certificate and broaden their knowledge further
- Setting yourself targets (1 credit)
- Introduction to Independence (1 credit)
- Coping with Change (1 credit)
- Using telephones in the workplace (2 credits)
- Job and training search skills (1 credit)
- Writing a CV (2 credits)
- Interview Skills (1 credit)
Lessons are delivered in conjunction with our experienced careers advisor and learners will have access to a range of employers and work experience throughout the course.
Links to Future Study and Careers
The knowledge and skills acquired will support progression to a broad range of qualifications including:
- Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration
- Level 2 Diploma in Team Leading
- Employment in a wide range of sectors
They may also be useful to learners studying qualifications in the following sectors:
- Business
- Customer service
- Team leading and management
The vast majority of employers require learners to have certain technical skills, knowledge and understanding to work in a particular sector, but they are also looking for employability skills to ensure that employees are effective in the workplace.
Curriculum Map
Please click here for the NCFE Employability curriculum map
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RSHE
RSHE
The aims of relationships and sex education (RSE) at Horizons Academy Bexley is to:
- Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place
- Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene
- Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy
- Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships
- Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies
- Teach pupils how RSE relates to Horizon’s ethos and values
Our RSE curriculum is set out in the policy below, but we may need to adapt it as and when necessary.
We have developed the curriculum in consultation with parents, pupils and staff, and taking into account the age, developmental stage, needs and feelings of our pupils. If pupils ask questions outside the scope of this policy, teachers will respond in an appropriate manner so that pupils are fully informed and don’t seek answers online.
Primary sex education is not compulsory in primary schools – it is up to your school to determine whether you need to cover any additional content on sex education to meet the needs of your pupils. If your school decides to cover this, please include the following statement which you can add or adapt according to your pupils’ needs.
Primary sex education will focus on:
- Preparing boys and girls for the changes that adolescence brings
- How a baby is conceived and born
The delivery of RSE is a key focus at Horizons Academy.
The following outlines:
- How we teach RSE-related topics within our curriculum
- How we consider the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs
- When we teach the different aspects of sex education
RSE is taught within the personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum which has been split into RSE (Relationship Sex Education) and HE (health education). Biological aspects of RSE are taught within both the RSE curriculum and the science curriculum.
Primary:
Relationships education focuses on teaching the fundamental building blocks and characteristics of positive relationships including:
- Families and people who care for me
- Caring friendships
- Respectful relationships
- Online relationships
- Being safe
For more information about our RSE curriculum, see Appendices 1 and 2.
Secondary:
RSE focuses on giving young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds including:
- Families
- Respectful relationships, including friendships
- Online and media
- Being safe
- Intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health
For more information about our RSE curriculum, see Appendices 1 and 2.
These areas of learning are taught within the context of family life, taking care to make sure that there is no stigmatisation of children based on their home circumstances (families can include single parent families, LGBT parents, families headed by grandparents, adoptive parents and foster parents/carers, amongst other structures), along with reflecting sensitively that some children may have a different structure of support around them (for example, looked-after children or young carers).
We will also be mindful of the law and legal requirements, taking care not to condone or encourage illegal political activity, such as violent action against people, criminal damage to property, hate crime, terrorism or the illegal use of drugs - this will be covered more extensively in HE (Health Education).
For more information about RSHE delivery at Horizons Academy, please see our policy by clicking here
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Sport
Sport
Curriculum Overview
Designed for learners wishing to gain an introduction to a chosen vocation area. The Award offers the opportunity for learners to study a sector unit and plan for their next steps by completing the mandatory unit: Developing a Personal Progression Plan.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification and all units are internally assessed – giving learners the opportunity to demonstrate skills developed in applied scenarios. There is a range of assessment styles suited to skills- and sector-based qualifications at this level. All units are graded to encourage skills development and performance.
Links to Future Study and Careers
A Level or other Level 3 Vocational Physical Education qualifications build on your experience from GCSE to enhance knowledge and increase your understanding of the factors that affect performance and participation in physical education. The qualification looks to equip you with skills and knowledge required for higher education or the world of work.
Physical Education lends itself to a range of careers in sports and fitness as well as other industries that you may not have considered before. For example, did you know that many nutritionists, physical therapists and chiropractors have a degree in PE? Some careers that you could consider doing with PE include Sports Science, PE Teacher, Physiotherapist, Sports Medic, Professional Sportsperson, Referee/Umpire, Sports Manager, Sports Coach/Consultant, Sports Administrator, Sports policy at local and national level, Diet and Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and Choreographer.
Curriculum Map
Please click here for the BTEC Sport curriculum map
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VTCT Hair and Beauty
VTCT Hair and Beauty
Curriculum Overview
Horizons Academy aspires to ensure we offer an informative, creative and skilful understanding of the hair and beauty industry. This course aims to introduce students into the world of hair and beauty through informative and explorative knowledge as well as the development of creative skills in all hair and skin types. Hair and beauty units cover the following:
- Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector - Students will explore the career routes, services, roles and responsibilities with the industry
- Present a professional image in the salon - Students will develop their communication skills both verbally and non-verbally by learning how to communicate affectively and how to adapt their method of communication to any given audience and or situation
- Plaiting and twisting hair - Students will use their dexterity skills to create a variety of plaiting and twisting looks. (French/fish tail/rope plait/current and historical looks)
- Providing basic manicure treatment - Students learn how to prepare for, and provide, basic manicure treatments including the removal of any nail enamel, filing the nails, applying cuticle and hand cream and applying a basic finish
- Nail art application - Students will learn how to work hygienically and safely, and will be able recreate a 3D nail art design based on an agreed 2D designs
- Themed face painting - Students will research cartoon/fantasy face paint designs and gain knowledge of the tools/products and equipment used. Student will learn how to create a 2D design and reconstruct it into a 3D face paint design
The curriculum will help shape and inspire students to apply and link knowledge, understanding and being able to confidently merge the past and present whilst applying their own creative flair to their hair and beauty designs. Researching, planning, creating, evaluating and presenting design images are some of learning methods students will engage with whilst on the course. The course also ensures that students can demonstrate their skills and knowledge through both practical and theoretical settings establishing the underpinned knowledge and understanding required.
The use of learning technologies can be useful in developing independent learning skills, to support students in researching and recording industry related practices and be encouraged to develop confidence in their independent research skills, making effective use of both online and offline information sources to and consider their uses within hair and beauty products relevant linked industries, reinforcing key concepts while being challenged to develop both their industry related technical knowledge and understanding along with skills in digital literacy, English and Mathematics all applied to practical skills.
Assessment
- Exam Board: VTCT
- Qualification: Level 1
- 100% non-examined assessment through completed written and practical tasks
Links to Future Study and Careers
Successful completion of the Hair and Beauty course at Horizons Academy can lead to future study including level 2 and 3 course that are highly desirable for any career in customer services. A career in the hair and beauty industry can be very rewarding. The industry offers a variety of roles most being both social and creative. In a society which is both demanding and fast paced, hair and beauty has an essential place; in terms of its relaxing and therapeutic qualities and its ability to enhance an individual’s sense of calm, well- being and self- confidence. A qualification in Hair and Beauty covers a wide range of employment opportunities in one of the fastest growing industries. It includes jobs in salons, hotels, fitness centres, airlines and cruise ships, Beauty Therapy Management, Cosmetic Science, Media Hair and Makeup and many more.
Curriculum Maps
