The core curriculum: depth before breadth
English and mathematics are the foundation for every other subject and are critical to success at school and beyond. At King Solomon Academy, we aim to nurture strong, independent readers and children who are confident working with numbers in everyday life. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that children master essential knowledge in these core subjects.
Children are assessed regularly and, if a child has difficulty either with learning or with how to behave in class, we will intervene quickly. We provide individual support for every child who needs it.
At Key Stage 3 (age 11 - 14) we believe the pupil/teacher relationship is critical to the learning process. Therefore pupils will see four to five teachers a week. This is many fewer than they might do in a traditional secondary school, where they might see twelve or so. We believe this has many advantages for pupils, as their teachers really get to know them, and can make a real difference in their lives.
Pupils will be engaged in interesting cross curricular projects, with our outstanding teachers teaching related subjects together. This way themes can run across traditional subjects, which can be taught in a coherent and connected way. For example, physical geography could be taught alongside Science by the same teacher, making sure the ideas are connected in a way that they might not be if different teachers were used. Above all the goal at Key Stage 3 is to make rapid and continuous progress in the core skills needed to access a broadened curriculum, whilst also developing rounded pupils who enjoy extended active learning in music, the arts and sports.
At Key Stages 4 and 5 (14 yrs +) pupils benefit from a wider curriculum and pupils will experience more specialised teaching. We will provide a stretching and exciting learning environment which will inspire pupils to achieve outstanding academic results.
