Our Curriculum Model Rationale and Entitlement

The architecture of our curriculum model designs the structure and allocation of our subject and wider curriculum delivery across each year group and key stage. Our curriculum model is designed to ensure we effectively deliver our Trust’s shared curriculum intent by providing a broad and balanced curriculum and rich educational experience. We also design our academy’s curriculum model to best meet the needs of our students and locality reflecting upon courses that support the local and national job market and those that have been positive destination subjects for our students. 

At Outwood Academy Bydales we want all students to leave our academy as well rounded individuals prepared for the world of work and their personal futures. We believe a broad and balanced curriculum for all supports this ambition; an ambition that underpins our vision to put students first, raise standards and transform lives. 

Our curriculum rationale reflects the value we place on developing our students’ personal growth and understanding of themselves, others and the world they inhabit. Our academy is committed to promoting positive mental health and physical well being. We believe the study of performance, enterprise and creative subjects supports this agenda developing our students’ health, wellbeing and self-confidence. By studying subjects that require them to think creatively, problem solve, be part of a team, and develop digital and cultural knowledge and understanding, our students will grow as individuals and enhance their employability skills in readiness for the world of work. 

Our curriculum model supports the facilitation of this suite of subjects through our Level 2/ GCSE Guided Pathway. An appreciation and experience of these subjects enhances our students’ global awareness; creativity; teamwork; performance, enhancing their enjoyment of school. Studying a curriculum that values creative, expressive and practical subjects further supports our students’ physical and mental health and sense of self and others into adulthood.  

Our curriculum rationale is reflected in our curriculum model through all year groups. Across year 7 to 9 a broad range of subjects are offered reflecting the entitlement of the national curriculum. In year 9 we begin to enable some personalisation in our students’ entitlement by providing more opportunity for depth and breadth in their subject study. Students make a selection from the Guided Pathways to study Level 2 / GCSE across selecting from Art and Design (GCSE), Computer Science (GCSE), Music (GCSE); and technical awards including Engineering (BTEC) and Performing Arts (BTEC), and vocational awards including Enterprise & Marketing, Hospitality & Catering and Sport & Coaching Principles.  Personalisation, in year 9, is complemented by our determination to ensure a strong entitlement to the full EBacc subjects. As part of this commitment we require all students to study History, Geography and a Modern Foreign Language across years 7 to 9 with all students selecting to study either Geography and/or History at GCSE level.  The educational offer at Outwood Academy Bydales  promotes a broad and balanced curriculum throughout all years that enables every student to fulfill their potential with the aspiration to move forward with their educational experience with local further education providers and then onto higher education.