Our Curriculum

School closes on Friday 26th May 2023 for the half term holidays. School reopens on Monday 12th June 2023

 

The curriculum at Thomas Ashton School falls into three broad categories:

  • Core Curriculum

  • Topic-based or project-based Curriculum

  • Creative / practical curriculum

 

Throughout each of these categories run three key themes: the ‘Arts’, Citizenship and Enterprise.

The essential skills for a successful life demand competence in reading, writing, communication, numeracy, ICT and personal and social skills. At Thomas Ashton School we place significant emphasis on the core areas of literacy, numeracy and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). We take a ‘baseline’ assessment for every individual pupil when they first arrive at school, and then we seek to extend them as far as we can.

Every morning is dedicated to the learning of these essential core skills. Although some ICT will be delivered through dedicated sessions, in the main ICT is used as a tool that both staff and pupils learn to use to enhance the learning and teaching experiences.

‘Breadth and balance’ is also important to enable pupils to learn about the world in which they live. Topic/project based work allows for the exploration of the Humanities in a way that is both relevant and interesting. Religious Education and Citizenship give pupils the opportunity to understand the community and the society in which they live and to reflect on broader issues which both govern and influence their lives.

The creative / practical curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to express themselves and to find their hidden talents and strengths. We have purpose-built rooms for Science, Food, Music, Art and Design and Design Technology, and each offer our pupils the chance to develop skills for work as well as skills for life. They help in the development of confidence and self-esteem. The indoor and outdoor and off-site sports programme enables our pupils to grow physically, to develop healthy lifestyles, to be competitive, to learn to co-operate and to be personally challenged.

 

Our whole curriculum aims to give enjoyment, excellent learning experiences and a strong foundation for future personal development, be it academically, socially or emotionally. Pupils learn about themselves and the world in which they live. They are given daily opportunities to make a difference to their own lives as well as to the lives of others. Our curriculum not only focuses on the acquisition of core skills, it provides experiences and opportunities through our delivery of the Arts and Enterprise for our pupils to enrich their lives and to find their own pathway towards a rewarding and satisfying lifestyle.