Subjects Offered

Listed below are some of the main subjects and supports that we offer as part of our curriculum. Please click on any subject to find out more about it. If you are after more detailed curriculum maps, they are at the bottom of this page. Subjects include, but are not limited to the following list:

Art, Craft and Design

Art, Craft and Design

Art, craft and design.

AQA define this subject as learning across a variety of experiences and through various processes, tools, techniques, materials and resources to generate different kinds of evidence of working and outcomes. Here at Northease, students are introduced to a range of art, craft and design including:

. Fine art: for example, drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, lens/light-based media, photography and the moving image, printmaking, mixed media and land art.

. Textile design: for example, art textiles, costume design, constructed textiles, printed and dyed textiles, surface pattern, stitched and/or embellished textiles, soft furnishings and/or textiles for interiors.

. Three-dimensional design: for example, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery and body adornment and interior design.

. Photography: for example, portraiture, location photography, studio photography, experimental imagery, installation, documentary photography, photo-journalism, moving image: film, video and animation, fashion photography.

At the end of Year 9, students can opt to follow a GCSE course where they are allocated three periods each week during Year 10 and 11. We offer three different subjects at this level: Art and Design, Textile Design and Photography. Students follow the AQA specification and develop their own personal investigations centred on topical issues and subjects of interest, working to individual strengths.

Students that have a particular interest and flair for the visual arts, are able to choose to study all three subjects as GCSE options.

The Art Department team are committed to bringing hidden talent and undiscovered potential out into the light. The emphasis is on inspiring our students and unlocking their potential so that they can create unique and personal work. Many of our students go on to further develop their artistic endeavours at college.
Photography

Photography

AQA define photography as the practice of producing images using light-sensitive materials such as photographic film, or digital methods of development and production to create static or moving images. Here at Northease, students are introduced to the following areas of photography:

. portraiture

. location photography

. experimental imagery

. documentary photography

. moving image: film, video and animation

The Visual Arts Department here at Northease provides a caring and supportive environment in which each student can feel confident to develop their ideas, creativity and skills across a broad range of media and disciplines.

Art, Craft and Design is taught across all age ranges at Key Stage 3. Students are introduced to a range of materials and artist references feature throughout the course to help develop student's knowledge of a range of modern and contextual artists to inspire their own interpretations.
Textile Design

Textile Design

Textile Design

AQA define textile design as the creation of designs and products for woven, knitted, stitched, printed or decorative textiles that might have a functional or non-functional purpose. Here at Northease, students are introduced to a range of textile design including:

. art textiles

. constructed textiles

. printed and dyed textiles

. surface pattern

. stitched and/or embellished textiles
Drama

Drama

Drama is a creative and cross-curricular subject which gives students the opportunity to develop the co-operative and evaluative skills involved in performance, along with the social and empathy skills they need for their life outside school. All students have the chance to put these skills into practice during school productions and showcase events.

Our GCSE Level 1 and Level 2 Drama programme is broad and stimulating, covering theoretical and practical aspects of play-writing, creativity and performance. At Northease, we focus on using drama to develop and support the students creative, speech & language and social skills throughout their time with us. We work closely with the therapies team to support and develop skills to support their academic, creative and emotional needs. Students are encouraged to learn technical aspects of theatre which can lead to a GCSE in lighting, costume or sound design.

We place great importance on the use of drama as therapy for children who need extra support and regularly use in house technologies to enhance their experience with us.
English

English

Here at Northease Manor, English is taught as a core curriculum subject with every child from Juniors upwards receiving regular lessons, plus daily reading and literacy intervention sessions throughout the school. We recognise, that to develop reading, writing, speaking & listening skills effectively, students must be given a wide range of contexts in which to consolidate their skills and understanding, which is why we place a strong emphasis on English within our whole curriculum.

We place a strong focus on literacy, ensuring that every student receives adequate support in line with their EHCP. The English department uses a variety of techniques to engage, inspire and meet our children's academic and creative needs in class. Our classes are small, equipped with computers where possible and where needed. All teachers are skilled in their differentiation skills and are sensitive to the needs of each child.

We want to equip the students at Northease with the confidence to speak clearly and have a firm foundation in social skills. The literature they read is taught in creative ways, and in year 10 the focus is on the Edexcel exam board iGCSE where they learn to write speeches, letters, write creatively and compare literary devices and themes in poems and unseen texts.
HE - Home Economics

HE - Home Economics

The Home Economics department provides a safe environment where in the early years all students can learn about nutrition and how the food they eat affects their health. All lessons are multi-sensory with the use of visuals, teacher demonstration and hands on practical experience.

Being able to cook is an essential life skill and if students choose this as an option for later, they will follow a BTech Home Cooking skills course. They will develop and improve their practical skills by following recipes and learning how to use kitchen equipment safely. This is underpinned with knowledge about sourcing food, nutrition, hygiene and food safety. The course aims to give learners the skills and confidence to enjoy cooking at home, to continue cooking for themselves and explore ways to pass on their knowledge of cooking skills to others. To date there has been a 100% pass rate in Level One and Level Two for all students entered.
History

History

History at Northease will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils' curiosity to know more about the past. We aim to equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, form arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people's lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

This is achieved through thorough studies of British History - from Medieval times through to the World Wars - alongside key global events such as the Atlantic Slave Trade, The American West, The Weimar Republic, and the Civil Rights movement. Our History Department believes that by providing a secure knowledge of the events of the past, we can help our students forge a greater path in the future.
ICT and iMedia

ICT and iMedia

The ICT department combines creative digital media and IT skills to give the students a firm foundation and understanding of IT. These IT skills are also transferred to support other areas of their education.

In KS3, knowledge of students' skills, strengths and interests allows for individual personalisation of projects, supporting them with learning new skills. These projects include spreadsheets, databases, coding, website design, animation and sound and video production.

At KS4, the department offers Cambridge Nationals' vocational qualification in Creative iMedia. This course uses the creative digital media covered in KS3, putting in it into a business perspective. In addition to this, there is also an opportunity to continue along the IT skills route, with level 1 and level 2 functional skills in ICT.
Mathematics

Mathematics

In Year 6/7 students practice and develop skills with numeracy, including knowledge and understanding of place value; written methods for the 4 operations with both integers and decimals; mental calculation strategies, including times tables; understanding of fractions and percentages; estimating and rounding. Students also study more functional aspects of maths such as: working with weights and measures; telling the time; reading timetables; interpreting information displayed in charts, as well as basic data handling skills. The basics of both Algebra, and Geometry, are introduced.

In years 8 and 9, students continue to build on prior knowledge, extending their work with fractions and percentages, and using ratio and proportion to solve problems. Students learn how to simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions, as well as solving equations, and using formulae. They learn how to solve practical problems involving area, perimeter, and volume, and make accurate constructions including measuring and drawing angles. Probability and statistics are covered in practical contexts, and students learn how to read, draw, and interpret information in charts, tables, and graphs.

In years 10 and 11, Students follow either the Functional Skills pathway, or IGCSE. As well as building on their knowledge, the emphasis is on problem solving skills and applying the concepts gained in previous years.

Assessment

The Edexcel Functional Skills assessment consists of one externally marked examination, which allows the use of a calculator for part of the paper. The exam is taken 'on demand' when the student is ready. There are two levels of entry: Level 1 and Level 2.

The Edexcel Mathematics IGCSE assessment consists of two externally marked examinations, both of which allow the use of a calculator, taken at the end of the course. There are 2 tiers of entry: Foundation (grades 1-5) and Higher (grades 4-9)
Duke of Edinburgh

Duke of Edinburgh

Duke of Edinburgh or D of E as it is commonly known goes beyond the traditional classroom learning environment and students engage in learning through experience in real-life situations.

The programme allows each student the freedom to choose from an abundant range of activities allowing them to develop their skill in topics and areas they have a specific interest in. The Award is accessible from 14 years up and is highly valued among employers, colleges, and universities because it shows that students have gained many of the important life and practical skills they will need when they leave school.

Students at Northease will achieve their DofE Award by completing a personal program of activities in four sections:

• Volunteering

• Physical

• Skills

• Expedition

This means the award is unique and different for everybody as they take ownership of their award while planning each section and working through it. DofE teaches pupils critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, independence, and teamwork. It helps them to forge friendships, build resilience, and gives them pride in their achievement.
Touch Typing

Touch Typing

Learning to use the keyboard effectively and competently is an important skill for any child nowadays, but at Northease, we place even greater importance on developing these skills. Being able to type without looking at the keyboard, and using this multi-sensory approach, enables students to start to prepare for exams and the real world early; but being able to focus on what is in front of them instead of worrying about their spelling or handwriting is becoming an important skill. Learning these skills early is important for our students, who we are focused on giving the best opportunity in exams in their near future.
Physical Education

Physical Education

Sport is an area of huge strength here and although our students vary greatly in ability, everyone enjoys something and there's plenty of encouragement, plenty of enthusiasm and plenty of choice.

With such extensive grounds there's room both for the most common major sports and also for a host of some more unusual ones. In fact we offer a far wider range of sports and physical activities than will be found in schools that are many, many times larger than we are.

The main sports here enjoy their own dedicated pitches and facilities, and these are football, rugby, athletics, cross country, swimming, gymnastics and dance. Going beyond that, we have boccia, new age kurling, golf, frisbee, flag football, hockey, health related fitness, netball, water polo, cricket, personal survival, table tennis, Gaelic football, stool ball, rounders, futsal, tennis, basketball and softball.

Sport can be competitive but the Northease style is to support one another, so rivalry is friendly and as long as someone wins everyone is happy!
PSHE - Personal, Social, Health and Economic

PSHE - Personal, Social, Health and Economic

All schools were required to teach PSHE education from September 2020. This includes Relationships Education at key stages 1 and 2, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) at key stages 3 and 4, and Health Education in both primary and secondary phases.

Our curriculum covers the following strands:

Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World

These expectations are set out in the Department for Education's guidance for schools on relationships education, RSE and health education

Our Relationship and Sex Education provision is appropriate for our pupils based on their:

Age, Physical and emotional maturity, Religious and cultural backgrounds and Special educational needs and/or disabilities

Many of the strands are covered in our holistic approach to PSHE across the school, through Therapies, Life Skills, Maths, ICT, Horticulture, Forest School, Geography, Citizenship, assemblies or tutor time, PDT and Protective Behaviours.
Science, ASDAN and Biology

Science, ASDAN and Biology

Science is taught using a range of interactive resources, including interactive media, games, demonstrations, video and practical experiments. The Scientific Method is used throughout as it offers an objective methodology for scientific experimentation that results in unbiased interpretations of the world. The subject vocabulary and core concepts are also linked to the Mathematics curriculum to reinforce learning and fundamental cross-curricular principles.

At GCSE the pupils can either take the Combines Science Trilogy, a standalone ASDAN Science qualification or a Biology GCSE. The subject content for Biology includes Cells, Bioenergetics, Inheritance, evolution and ecology. The subject content for Chemistry includes 8. Atomic structure and the periodic table, the properties of matter, Chemical changes, Energy changes and Chemistry of the atmosphere. The subject content for Physics includes Energy, Electricity, the Particle model of matter, Atomic structure, Forces, Waves, Magnetism and electromagnetism.
Study Support

Study Support

Study support is learning activity outside normal lessons which young people take part in voluntarily. Study support is an inclusive term, embracing many activities - with many names and many guises. Study support at Northease is differentiated dependant on the needs of the student. Tutors work with their tutees to help support emotional based learning and study skills. We have a dedicated Enrichment sessions that are accessible to all. Additionally, we have a team of learning mentors who work with individuals to improve young people's motivation, build their self-esteem and help them become more effective learners.
Engineering Design and Technology

Engineering Design and Technology

Engineering Design

The Engineering Design is an option available from Year 9 onwards at Level 1 and Level 2. The subject covers the product research, design and production of electronics, transport, aeronautic and robotic products.

Students explore the requirements of design briefs and specifications for the development of new products and find out how to perform effective product analysis through both research and practical experience of product assembly and disassembly procedures. This helps students to develop skills in critical analysis and an understanding and appreciation of manufacturing processes, design features, materials used and the principles behind good design.

Students develop their knowledge and skills in communicating 2D and 3D design ideas, and use computer-based presentation techniques and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Students produce a model prototype and test design ideas in a practical context, and evaluate the prototype against the product specification and consider potential improvements to features, function, materials, aesthetics and ergonomics in the final product.
Life Skills

Life Skills

Life skills was introduced to the curriculum by the Occupational Therapy department to address some of the functional aspects of school life that our students commonly find difficult to master. It offers the students a relaxed, nurturing environment in which to practice the skills required for daily participation in school life be it aspects of learning, socialising, dressing for PE or eating lunch to name but a few. Numerous topics are covered within life skills and the program is tailored to the needs of each group of students depending on their individual strengths and areas for development. Some of the topics covered include;

Sensory awareness and helping our minds and bodies prepare for learning using the 'Zones of Regulation' curriculum.

Dressing - mastering tricky fastenings such as buttons, zips and poppers; sequencing getting dressed and tying our shoelaces for PE; and tying our apron strings for Home Economics.

Eating and Drinking - using cutlery effectively, making drinks and healthy light snacks.

Social Participation - participating in group conversation and discussion, respecting others views, helping each other to overcome challenges and celebrate achievements

Problem solving and creative thinking - finding ways to overcome challenges, sharing strategies

Using money to make simple purchases
ASDAN

ASDAN

ASDAN is an education charity and awarding organisation that provides accredited curriculum and a range of courses to engage and empower Northease Manor students. Through flexible, motivating and meaningful curriculum our students discover their abilities in accessible and relevant portfolio-based course material. The material is activity-based learning at a range of levels suitable to ability and need.

ASDAN provides nationally approved qualifications based on employability, interest, and personal and social development from entry level 1 to level 3 certifications. Recently, students have chosen for example, animal care, environmental issues, and certifications of personal effectiveness which are equivalent to GCSE standard awards.
Enrichment
Enrichment

Our children know there is a whole world beyond the classroom. We encourage them to remember they are a part of the world - not apart from it.

With this in mind, when lessons finish, from 2.45pm students can pursue their interests in a wide variety of co-curricular activities available.

Each day pupils will participate in an enrichment activity of their choice. The activities being offered are designed to enhance student learning experience and provide them with knowledge and skills needed for the future.
- Exposes pupils to a wide range of experiences.
- Provides pupils with extended opportunities to pursue interests and passions.
- Complements our academic process through developing well rounded individuals.
- Provides pupils with opportunities not readily available to them in the community.
- Enables pupils to explore new interests.
- Provides memorable experiences.
- Enables students to build upon skills such as communication and team-work
We're also committed to teaching them about their community beyond school. Through charity initiatives, the JLT and fund-raising, we ensure our children learn to make a meaningful difference.
Geography

Geography

The Northease Geography syllabus aims to encourage pupils to use a range of geographical skills to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. This includes: places, their locations and patterns; processes, including environmental change; and the concept of sustainable development.

At KS3, we do this through studying the UK and its place in a broader global context, before moving on to study large-scale ecosystems (Tropical Rainforests, Hot Deserts and Polar Regions), Map Skills, Rivers and Coasts, Weather and Climate and finally Climate Change. The AQA GCSE syllabus builds on these skills and takes the learning into more depth, providing a truly worthwhile and meaningful qualification to take into further education.

At a time when the future of the planet is at the forefront of discussions online and in the media, the Geography department is a safe place to ask questions and discuss the big issues of the day.
Citizenship

Citizenship

GCSE Citizenship Studies has the power to motivate and enable young people to become thoughtful, active citizens. Students gain a deeper knowledge of democracy, government and law, and develop skills to create sustained and reasoned arguments, present various viewpoints and plan practical citizenship actions to benefit society. They will also gain the ability to recognise bias, critically evaluate argument, weigh evidence and look for alternative interpretations and sources of evidence, all of which are essential skills valued by higher education and employers.

In addition to the course content, the students undertake a "Citizenship in Action" Module where they conceive and carry-out an investigation into any issue from the course content. This is an incredibly worthwhile undertaking, providing some real-world experience and instilling a sense of community spirit.
PFA - Preparation for Adulthood
PFA - Preparation for Adulthood

The Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) course starts in Year 8. The pathways for PfA are in four sections:

Developing Independence
- Travel Training
- Basic cookery skills
- Personal care
- Money management
- Problem solving
Employment:
- Careers guidance
- CV's
- Application forms
- Interview support
- Skills for employment (writing letters/emails)
Good Health:
- Balanced diet
- Exercise
- Personal care
- Information for helplines
- Mental health support
Friends, Relationships and Community:
- Exploring the community
- Going to shops
- How to use a library
- Signing up to classes
Of course there is our comprehensive 6th Form which you can also look at by clicking this sentence.
Design Technology

Design Technology

Design Technology

Design Technology is studied from Year 5 and is available as a GCSE option from Year 9. The students design and manufacture a wide range of products from toys, frames, jewellery, model buildings and clocks to lights, pet habitats and furniture. DT covers a range of content, including new and emerging technologies, energy generation and storage, developments in new materials, systems approach to designing, mechanical devices, materials and their working properties.

The iterative design process allows the students to re-design and improve work throughout the projects and the personalisation of the projects is built into the schemes of work. The opportunity to use a range of hand tools and machines is provided and the option to focus on areas of interest allows students to specialise in an area of manufacturing.

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GCSE 1 9 Levels equivalence

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Subjects Offered

Art, Craft and Design

Photography

Textile Design

Drama

English

HE - Home Economics

History

ICT and iMedia

Mathematics

Duke of Edinburgh

Touch Typing

Physical Education

PSHE - Personal, Social, Health and Economic

Science, ASDAN and Biology

Study Support

Engineering Design and Technology

Life Skills

ASDAN

Enrichment

Geography

Citizenship

PFA - Preparation for Adulthood

Design Technology