Upper School

Carew Academy offers all of its Upper School pupils a core suite of curriculum subjects that are meaningful and relevant in 21st Century Britain, whilst having a range of additional curriculum subjects that pupils can choose to study. This ensures that pupils can focus on subjects that interest them and that pupils leave Carew with the skills and confidence to be successful in their adult lives.

Subject Weighting

There are two groups of ‘Options’ subjects for pupils to choose from:

Students can choose one from each group. These are all interesting and attractive subjects with a strong practical emphasis and all are accredited. We are delighted to have introduced GCSE P.E. and GCSE Photography to the Options available to pupils in the Upper School. Our students have a wide range of choice about what they learn. This means that they can develop their particular talents in an enjoyable and highly personalised curriculum.

Pathways

Obtaining the best possible outcomes for our students is one of our highest priorities. We have developed a pathway system that lets us support the whole range of needs and talents that our students display.

Skills for Life

Here the emphasis on developing independence and life skills. This pathway would normally lead to the 6^th form. Here we would develop the social and physical skills to build the resilience and ability to need less help from those around them, as such allowing out students to lead a fulfilling and dignified life post Carew. This is a very practical pathway that concentrates on, among other things, being able to buy things from a shop, deal with money, develop travel training skills, make phone calls and use a computer.

Skills for Work

Here the emphasis is on developing the skills to be able to achieve a meaningful work placement or job. This includes developing the necessary English, Maths and IT skills to gain employment. The social skills to lead or work as part of a team and the practical experience of regular work experience. Our Year 11 and 6^th Form students on this pathway take part in at least one day of work experience or a college course every week. Carew Academy enjoys strong relationships with a number of local Alternative Providers.

These include Carshalton College, as well as SILC (Skills and Integrated Learning Centre)where pupils can work towards accreditation in Basic Construction, learning skills such as plastering, bricklaying etc. In addition to that we have strong links with our friends at Sporting Chances, who provide pupils with opportunities to work towards sports coaching/fitness accreditation. Possible outcomes on this pathway are staying on at our 6^th form, further college courses and, increasingly, apprenticeships.

Skills for Further Education

Here the emphasis is on developing the necessary English, Maths and IT skills to access a higher level college course. This is for our cohort who are particularly academic, but sometimes require a little extra time to achieve the grades necessary for applying to a college course, or perhaps socially and emotionally they are not ready to attend a local post 16 college. When this is the case they will stay with us for another two years at 6^th Form where they will follow a more academic curriculum as well as benefiting from the greater freedom and responsibility of a 6^th Form rather. Alongside this the students develop travel and independence skills as well as volunteering around the school and in the community.

PSHE and RSE

The purpose of Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) is to provide knowledge and understanding of how the human body changes during puberty and the processes of human reproduction, within the context of relationships based on love and respect. It should develop understanding and attitudes which will help pupils to form relationships in a responsible and healthy manner and to appreciate the value of stable family life, including the responsibilities of parenthood and marriage.

The key aims of RSE are to:

Provide accurate and relevant information about physical and emotional changes that children and young people will experience through their formative years into adulthood.

1.Establish an awareness of the importance of stable family life and relationships, including responsibilities of parenthood and marriage.

2.Foster self-awareness and self-esteem.

3.Develop a sense of responsibility and respect for themselves and others.The RSE sessions will include watching video clips from the RSE programme of study and input from the class teacher. All teaching materials are appropriate to the age and emotional maturity of pupils concerned and the teachers will aim to present the programme in an objective, balanced and sensible manner.

The programme will cover:

Love, marriage and relationships, including LGBT
Consent
Safer internet use
Puberty and Menstruation
Personal hygiene
Reproduction

Theme Days

We hold whole-school ‘Theme Days’ approximately every half-term linked to an aspect of the Humanities subjects (Religious Education, History and Geography). These have a strong focus on practical, hands-on activities and experiences. This enables us to provide high quality learning in those important subject areas, delivered through memorable and fun learning experiences.

The Arts

We are very proud of our Artistic departments here at Carew. Our students have the opportunity to learn an instruments such as the piano, drums and guitar. We hold termly concerts, a yearly talent show and a summer production. Our students benefit from opportunities to take part in drama, music and dance, both within the curriculum and as after school clubs.

Our Art department is incredibly successful and regularly achieves incredible results at GCSE. We strongly believe that the arts are of great benefit to our students. We aim to value our students’ artistic contributions and celebrate their talents.

Summary

The Upper School Carew Academy curriculum has been carefully structured to provide a curriculum that is:

• Broad and balanced
• Engaging and interesting
• Focused on the individual needs of each pupil
• Able to develop academic, functional, vocational and creative skills

We will nurture, encourage and listen to every voice in our community, including pupils, parents and carers, friends and staff. Maximising the potential of every pupil will be placed at the heart of all decision making.   All young people will be valued for their individual contributions and their talents celebrated. We will support all pupils to leave as confident and independent individuals, armed with the necessary skills to ensure that they can advocate effectively for themselves. We will support pupils to pursue their ambitions, attain full social inclusion and achieve a high quality of life.