Curriculum

Within the department we aim to enable students to discover their own natural talents, helping them to progress with confidence in a supportive and safe learning environment. When we see a young person improving their skills and gaining satisfaction from what they have achieved, it’s a great feeling.
From brickwork to plastering, plumbing to electrical work; the BTEC “Introduction to Construction” qualification allows the Multi skills department staff to create a course that is individual to each student and focuses on their strengths and abilities. The course offers our students a two year head-start on other school leavers hoping to move into the construction industry whether through an apprenticeship or through further education.
The Multi Skills facilities are open to all year groups with the younger pupils able to participate in a wide range of practical activities in readiness for the BTEC Level 1 awards.

The Horticulture department offers the pupils an opportunity to not only work towards a qualification but to also develop the site as well as the department. The qualification is run through City & Guilds and is a Level 1 Diploma in Horticulture skills.

The qualification itself is split into three levels; this allows all learners to achieve a qualification dependent on their individual needs and abilities. Each level is equivalent to a number of credits. The qualification is a practical based qualification which is well suited to many of our learners. All pupils who take the course will come away with a qualification.

The three levels of attainment within the qualification are: Award (6 credits), Certificate (18 credits) and Diploma (37 credits). The course is run over twelve months and the pupils work towards specific units/credits. Each unit is then practiced by the pupil and then assessed internally towards the level of qualification they are working towards.

The department is very well equipped. We have a forty foot Polly tunnel, a greenhouse, a potting shed, a tool and store shed as well as all the tools and equipment necessary to run the full Diploma. The pupils learn all aspects of horticulture and grow their own vegetables, some of which are used by the school kitchen.

The pupils also develop the site and are responsible for all the construction work as well as repairs and upkeep of the department. They are also encouraged to make decisions on the purchase of plants and materials as well as the development of the site. This course is therefore very well suited to those pupils who prefer practical based qualifications.

Crookhey Hall School currently offers a combined humanities curriculum for Key Stage 3. Included in this topic based course are elements of Geography and History.

Physical, Human and Environmental Geography are studied in different topics e.g. Ecosystems: Rain-forests, Tectonic processes, Economic activity and tourism. Pupils gain an understanding of the world around them and how human interactions can affect the planet/place.

In the history topics pupils will be encouraged to discuss what they know about historical events and people. Topics included in the history part of humanities are the The Vikings, Making of the UK 1500-1750, Medieval Realms and World War II.

Pupils will be encouraged to take a wider view of the world around them and the history that has made us who we are, and the world what it is today.

At Crookhey Hall we embrace a whole school approach to improving literacy. We see it as central to our philosophy and commitment to help our pupils achieve their potential. As part of this commitment, the school operates the STAR assessment programme whereby pupils identified as requiring additional support receive one to one input from a team of teachers and support staff to target identified areas of difficulty. Literacy progression is carefully monitored by the school SENCo and support adjusted as appropriate. Pupils requiring additional support are provided with their own folder of work based on need and this is supported and driven by the school SENCo. All staff are required to provide input towards the IEP process and their maintenance and as such, there is a whole school drive to promote literacy as key to success across the curriculum.
At Key stage 3 we encourage pupils to be imaginative and explore the use of the English language using written and verbal tasks. Some of the previous topics used have been designing their own superheroes and writing a survival guide if they were stranded in a desert. The pupils that have taken part in these topics seem to have thoroughly enjoyed it and have learnt that they can express themselves better than they ever imagined.
At Key Stage 4 we offer a range of qualifications in English including Functional skills from entry level 1 through to Level 2, Level 2 being the equivalent of a GCSE Grade C. We also offer GCSE accreditation in this subject to all our pupils. Functional skills are offered to allow our pupils a head start when they leave Crookhey and enter a college, where all pupils undertaking a vocational diploma need a functional skills qualification, whether they have a GCSE in English or not. These qualifications work well with the vocational curriculum that Crookhey Hall offers.
The newly formed literacy team are keen to ensure that all the pupils who pass through Crookhey Hall are given the best possible opportunity to achieve a qualification in English and more importantly gain the literacy skills needed for life outside of school.

Our overall aim is to present Maths and Numeracy as a challenging, exciting, relevant and creative subject.  The Crookhey Hall School Maths department believes very strongly in enrichment, trying to provide the pupils with every possible opportunity to explore mathematics beyond just preparing for exams. Mathematics at Crookhey Hall School is a vibrant and popular subject.

In Maths, we strive to make sure that our students enjoy lessons while being encouraged and challenged at all times and always with measurable progress in mind. The students are offered material that allows them to think about Mathematics in a creative way, functionally and with heavy emphasis on Key Skills and Skills for Life.

Mathematics at Crookhey provides opportunities for pupils to develop and acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to the changing world they live, for example the key skills of:

• Communication
• Application of numbers
• IT
• Working with others
• Improving own learning and performance
• Problem solving
• Thinking skills
• Financial capability
• Enterprise and entrepreneurial skills

The subject is taught in a very structured way, so that previous learning is built upon and enhanced. The needs of those who find Mathematics more demanding are considered at all times. They are taught in very small groups and the caring and encouraging approach of the Maths staff allows the pupils to blossom and overcome any misapprehensions they may have previously had about the subject.

All pupils study functional maths alongside Entry Level and GCSE qualifications. These encourage pupils to demonstrate their mathematical skills in a range of contexts and for various purposes. They are essentially concerned with developing and recognising the ability of learners to apply and transfer skills in ways that are appropriate to their situation. These qualifications help give our young people the best possible prospects for the future. All the Maths qualifications we offer at Crookhey Hall are recognised and highly regarded by Further Education institutions, meaning our pupils leave in a fantastic position to access whatever future they may choose after leaving the school.

When pupils leave Crookhey Hall School, we hope their Mathematics lessons have helped develop and shape them to reflect understandings and processes that are meaningful, important and useful to individuals and society.

P.S.H.E is a part of the curriculum. Pupils should develop a range of skills over the key stages.

These include:-

Contributing sensibly to discussions and listening to the views of others

Researching and planning using a variety of sources and methods

Analysing and evaluating sources used, questioning different ideas and recognising bias

Questioning and reflecting on ideas, opinions and values especially when exploring controversial issues and problems

Developing key life skills

There are three core elements which define P.S.H.E, these are:

Personal Well-being – pupils will have opportunities to gain a better understanding of issues which may affect them and their decisions as they mature. It includes exploring lifestyle choices and behaviours and the effects on themselves, their families and communities.

Economic Well-being – pupils will gain a better understanding of personal finance including budgeting and exploring a range of products and services.

Citizenship – in citizenship lessons pupils will have a range of opportunities to explore and evaluate what it means to be a ‘citizen’. This includes exploring laws and how they are made and shaped by people and processes and the actions people can take to influence national decision making and beyond.

The programme in years 10 and 11 builds on the work done at key stage 3. The current assessment in P.S.H.E is through the  AQA Entry Level Certificates.

Relationships and Sex Education for Key Stage 3 and 4 focuses on giving young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds including:

• Families
• Respectful relationships, including friendships
• Online and media
• Being safe
• Intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health

These areas of learning are taught within the context of family life taking care to ensure that there is no stigmatisation of children based on their home circumstances (families can include single parent families, LGBT+ parents, families headed by grandparents, adoptive parents, foster parents/carers amongst other structures) along with reflecting sensitively that some children may have a different structure of support around them (for example: looked after children or young carers).

Pupils’ development in RSE is monitored by class teachers as part of our internal assessment systems. Pupil progress is tracked and monitored using our online assessment system SOLAR.

The science curriculum at Crookhey follows the following principles:
• Successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
• Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
The study of science stimulates pupils’ curiosity about the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. It is delivered to engage learners at many levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas.
Experimentation, discussions and modelling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thoughts.
We are also able to make strong cross-curricular links between science, horticulture and environmental studies, giving the curriculum meaning and relevance across a range of subjects.

The intent of the E-sports curriculum is to provide pupils with a broad, engaging and inclusive learning experience that builds confidence, creativity and digital skills. Through a carefully planned and practical curriculum, pupils explore the world of esports while developing teamwork, problem solving and communication skills in a safe and supportive environment.
The curriculum is designed to be accessible to all learners, particularly those with SEMH needs. Lessons are structured, predictable and broken into manageable steps so pupils can experience success and build resilience. Teaching is flexible and responsive, using practical activities, visual resources and clear modelling to support understanding. Pupils are encouraged to work independently at their own pace as well as alongside others, helping them develop positive working relationships and self belief.

E-sports learning supports pupils personal and social development by promoting respectful behaviour, emotional regulation and positive online conduct. Pupils learn how to communicate effectively, manage feedback and reflect on their actions in both competitive and collaborative situations. The curriculum also helps pupils develop transferable skills such as planning, organisation and digital literacy, which are valuable across subjects and in everyday life.
Overall, the E-sports curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils feel motivated, supported and valued. It encourages engagement through relevant and meaningful content while helping pupils build confidence, skills and aspirations that can support future learning, further education or employment within the digital and creative industries.

The Hair and Beauty Salon at Crookhey Hall School is a fully equipped professional salon. It has the facilities to offer all aspects of hair and beauty including; hair cutting hair styling and barbering, Perming and all colouring including tints and foils. Beauty treatments including eyebrow and eyelash tinting, eyebrow waxing, Gel nails, manicure and nail art. Skin treatments and Make-up for all occasions.

Pupils have a combination of theory lessons and practical lessons and follow the Pearson BTEC Level 1 Award/Certificate in Introduction to Hair and Beauty.

The courses have been developed to give learners the opportunity to: Engage in learning which is relevant to them and will provide opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

The 9-credit Pearson BTEC Level 1 Award provides an introduction to the skills, qualities and knowledge that may be required for employment in a particular vocational sector. The 15-credit Pearson BTEC Level 1 Certificate extends the work-related focus from the Pearson BTEC Level 1 Award and covers some of the knowledge and practical skills required for a particular vocational sector. The Pearson BTEC Level 1 Certificate offers an engaging programme for those who are clear about the vocational area that they wish to learn more about. These learners may wish to extend their programme through the study of a related GCSE, a complementary NVQ or other related vocational or personal and social development qualification. These learning programmes can be developed to allow learners to study complementary qualifications without duplication of content.

Pupils enjoy spending time in the Salon both during lessons and enrichment activities. It is an excellent resource for bringing students together and supporting one another in improving their outward personal appearances.