Curriculum

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Faculty Leader: Miss L. Dorrian

Art and Design lessons at Friars endeavour to provide pupils with the opportunity to explore, create and experiment in a developmental, yet relaxed, environment.

Pupils attend the well-resourced Art rooms for one lesson per week although the Art leader, Mrs T. Underwood, supports staff across the school so that art activities can be regularly accessed throughout the curriculum as well.

We are always interested in making pupils aware of where our ideas for pieces of art might come from and learning about the history of art and artists in a fun way. Pupils are continually encouraged to communicate their feelings about their own artwork and that of others in a positive, productive and informative manner.

Key Stage 3 Topics

Year 7

• Exploration of the Primary and Secondary colours using different mediums.
• Drawing, shading and watercolour techniques are worked on through the study of ‘Natural Forms’.
• Transferring the look of fabric: Tie and Dye/Batik.
• Simple printing and pattern techniques are discovered.

Year 8

• Drawing, shading and watercolour techniques are built upon through close studies and individual design.
• Collage, 3D design and clay work.
• Appliqué.
• Press printing method and experimentation.

Year 9

• Lino printing method and experimentation.
• Silk Painting.
• Digital photography using computer software.
• Art Appreciation using a range of mediums.

Key Stage 4

• Lino printing method and experimentation.
• Silk Painting.
• Digital photography using computer software.
• Art Appreciation using a range of mediums.

Careers Leader: Mrs J. Lee

At Friars Academy we are committed to ensuring our students experience a careers curriculum that establishes a growing knowledge and awareness of the world of work and what they, as young people, can aim for as they prepare for adulthood and Post 16 and 18 transitions. We offer a range of opportunities and experiences so that our students can start to build their own future pathways, incorporating the development of life skills, social and emotional development and independent living skills. Our programme embeds careers, enterprise skills and work related learning across the curriculum.

We are committed to supporting and equipping students, their parents and carers, our staff and governing body with the necessary information to embed a strong understanding of careers at Friars Academy that will help them to prepare for their future.

Contact careers: careers@friars.northants.sch.uk

Useful Links

Our Careers Programme

• Friars Academy Year 7 CEIAG
• Friars Academy Year 8 CEIAG
• Friars Academy Year 9 CEIAG
• Friars Academy KS4 CEIAG Programme of Study
• Friars Academy CEIAG Opportunities Mapped to The Gatsby Benchmarks 2024
• Friars Academy CEIAG Entitlement Policy CEIAG Entitlement Statement
• Next Steps

Local Offer

• Citizens Advice Bureau Benefits Info – Check your rights and get support on various benefits available
• Disability Rights UK – A charity that specializes in giving support and advice to people with disabilities
• Local Offer (northamptonshire.gov.uk)  Training and opportunities Support for Parent
• Providers (futuredestinations.co.uk)

Jobs

• Apprenticeships.gov.uk
• Careerpilot
• Department for Education
• Futures for You
• GetMyFirstJob
• My World of Work
• NCS
• SEMLEP
• Start
• The Prince's Trust

Gatsby Benchmarks

• Gatsby Benchmarks- What are they?

Destinations

Where do our student go when they leave Friars Academy?

Students at Friars Academy have a variety of destinations for their post 16 and 18 choices, including further education colleges, training providers, and 6th forms.

Making post 18 choices is supported by an Adult Transitions worker who works individually with families.

Data is collected from students regarding their intended destinations, September Guarantee (where they have received offers from) and their final destinations from enrolment. This can be shared with the appropriate authorities and agencies as required by Statutory Guidance requirements.

Friars Academy Destinations

Faculty Leader: Mrs A. Williams

Pupils have access to one Computing lesson each week in the Computer suite which is equipped with thirteen computers and an interactive Smart board. Pupils are given their own login to access the network and are provided with their own email accounts. They are encouraged to be responsible users of the network and the equipment throughout the Academy as each classroom has two networked computers and an interactive Smartboard.

ICT is used in every curriculum subject throughout the Academy. Should teachers wish to use ICT as part of their lessons, whether for research, creating documents or accessing educational applications, we have year group sets of laptops which can be booked and used by individual classes for use across the curriculum. We are also fortunate to have a well-equipped sensory room which can be used throughout all curriculum areas to help bring topics alive and give pupils a memorable experience, helping to engage them in their learning.

Pupils receive feedback within lessons from both their fellow pupils and staff so they are aware of the levels they are working at and how to improve their work.

Computing is divided into 3 strands: Information Technology, Digital Literacy and Computer Science. All year groups cover these three strands throughout the year to provide a broad and balanced Computing curriculum.

Key Stage 3 Topics

Year 7

• Familiarisation of the Academy Network, introduction and evaluation of software available and developing mouse and keyboard skills.
• Creating a presentation including digital photography and research on the internet.
• Coding - Creating simple games.
• What is a database? Inserting graphs and creating clear databases.
• Logo - Giving commands to an onscreen turtle.
• Online safety and emails.

Year 8

• Word processing skills, online safety and emails.
• Logo Programming - Using commands and repeat commands to control a device.
• Databases - Using a sort and filter tool to extract information. Creating a graph.
• Coding - Creating games using conditional commands.
• Modelling - Changing variables within a spreadsheet.
• Online safety and digital photography.

Year 9

• Online safety, research via the internet and use of a range of software. To learn about the effects of Cyberbullying and how to deal with it.
• Coding - Using Minecraft Education Edition.
• Editing photographs and creating special effects.
• Databases - Creating and interrogating, creating pie charts and using the sort/ filter tools.
• Programming - Following onscreen instructions to create a moving toy using motors and sensors.
• Online safety and uses of Word. Writing letters, creating and editing tables, SmartArt charts.

Key Stage 4

Pupils work towards completing units for AQA accredited awards. These consolidate and further develop the skills they have learnt in KS3.

All groups cover a range of Computing strands focusing on some or all of the following:

• Databases.
• Spreadsheets.
• Graphics Based Programs.
• Coding and Programming.
• Digital Photography.
• Use of Microsoft Office software.
• Emails.
• Online Safety.
• Research.
• Functional Skills.
• Work related documents (CV, Personal Details).

They will be given the opportunity to undertake ICT related work experience in Year 11 if felt appropriate.

Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that will enable pupils to feed themselves and others affordable now and later in life. Pupils learn to apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. They are taught to the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes and to understand where food comes from.

Key Stage 3 Topics

Year 7

• Pupils investigate dairy foods, vegetables, other cultures dishes, self- sufficiency and ICT in food technology.

Year 8

• Pupils learn about staple foods, seasonal food, food around the world and how to use small electrical equipment.

Year 9

• Pupils learn about proteins in food, vegetarian alternatives, cooking for others and production methods.

Key Stage 4

The pupils follow an internally accredited course: Everyday Food and Drink Preparation. This course is intended to give the pupils more independence when choosing ingredients and gives them essential life skills.

Previously, pupils had the opportunity to meet with specialists from local supermarkets who have run sessions on healthy eating.

At Friars Academy, we aim to prepare our students to face challenges in their adult lives. Our bespoke curriculum area ‘Curriculum for Life’ is integral in enabling students to become healthy, happy and responsible members of society. Curriculum for Life includes: Personal, Social, Health and
Economic Education (PSHE); Relationships and Sex Education (RSE); Careers Guidance (CEIAG); LIFE Skills; Social and Emotional Aspects of Literacy (SEAL); Social, Moral, Spiritual, Cultural Education (SMSC) and Helping Pupils Achieve More (previously Every Child Matters).

PSHE (including aspects of CEIAG)

The PSHE Programme aims to develop the following skills:

• The ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
• Talk about their own attitudes and values.
• Take responsibility for their own actions
• Begin to recognise the moral dimension to a situation.
• Begin to understand the long and short term consequences of their actions for themselves and others.
• Develop for themselves a set of socially acceptable values and principles and set guidelines to govern behaviour.
• Recognise their values and attitudes may change over time.
• Behave consistently in accordance with their principles.

RSE

RSE is taught within the PSHE curriculum. This may be in lessons or form learning time. Biological aspects of RSE are taught within the science curriculum, and some aspects are included in the Ethics
curriculum. Pupils may also receive stand-alone sex education sessions delivered by a trained health professional.

The teaching of RSE at Friars Academy is respectful of all cultural and religious differences. RSE 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.

Life Skills

Our curriculum includes a range of opportunities to develop life skills through the experience of daily activities both on and off site. There is a strong emphasis on working in partnership with families to ensure the teaching of life skills supports the transition of skills in school, at home and in their future lives.

Life skills are an essential to pupils’ present and future pathways because:

• They ensure pupils can be independent and responsible members of the community.
• They enable pupils to understand what makes for good relationships with others.
• They develops respect for others
• They enable pupils to be aware of safety issues.
• They develop positive and active members of a democratic society.
• They strengthens pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem.
• They enable pupils to make informed choices regarding personal and social issues.
• They help to develop good relationships with other members of the school and the wider community.
• They develop pupils knowledge and understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle.

Life skills can support understanding in other curriculum areas by providing a context and perspective for study and by providing specialist skills to allow this to take place.

Helping Pupils Achieve More

We address ‘Helping Pupils Achieve More’ outcomes by offering a range of opportunities:

Be Healthy
We provide a secure and stable environment where pupils can make informed decisions about their physical and emotional health. The academy ensures that pupils are constantly supported in a safe and nurturing environment where all pupils have a voice.

Stay Safe
We provide a secure and stable environment where pupils feel cared for. The academy ensures that pupils are constantly supported in a safe and nurturing environment where diversity and difference is celebrated.

Enjoy and Achieve
At Friars Academy, we want all our learners to enjoy their Life skills lessons by actively participating in a range of engaging approaches to learning -Thinking Skills, practical experiences, work experience opportunities, decision-making exercises, OSL experiences, visitors, community work, role plays and debates. We constantly evaluate our practice by listening to the pupil and staff voice.

Make a Positive Contribution
At Friars Academy we develop self-confidence, responsibility, and enterprising behaviour in lessons. All pupils actively contribute to decisions affecting the school community. Clear and consistent boundaries mean that pupils make important decisions about their own behaviour and positive
behaviour is expected, encouraged and rewarded in its own right and as an expression of social consciousness and moral responsibility. Recognition of individual worth and development of improved self-esteem are at the heart of everything we do. Pupils learn to express their views with confidence,
while listening very well to the opinions of others. Pupils develop knowledge and understanding that will enable them to become informed citizens and valued members of their community.

Achieve Economic Wellbeing
At Friars Academy, our pupils develop skills that will contribute to their future economic and personal well-being. Life skills teaches pupils a range of skills that will support them now and in the future.

SEAL

SEAL themes are covered in assembly times, social time and across other areas of the curriculum. It forms an integral part of curriculum for Life and the ethos of the academy.

SEAL has 5 main areas:

1. Self – awareness
   Is about knowing your emotions, recognising feelings as they occur and being able to tell them apart.
2. Managing feelings
   Is the ability to handle feelings so they are relevant to the current situation and you react appropriately.
3. Motivation
   Is about ‘gathering up’ your feelings and directing yourself towards a goal, despite self-doubt, apathy or impulsiveness.
4. Empathy
   Is the ability to recognise feelings in others and tune into their verbal and non – verbal cues.
5. Social skills
   Is about handling interacting with others, sorting out conflict and negotiation.

Faculty Leader: Mr M. Bodicoat

We aim to make Design and Technology an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. Embedded in all areas is the importance of Health and Safety. This is an integral part of each lesson.

Product Design

The pupils experience a broad range of technical and practical skills needed to perform everyday tasks confidently. They learn to use this knowledge along with applying mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art skills to design and make a range of useful products. We have a growing number of links with local industry, which provide additional resources for use within the school, and opportunities to see real-world design and manufacturing in action.

Key Stage 3 Topics

Year 7

• Pupils learn to use the tools, machines and equipment safely.
• Students are introduced to a range of materials and learn a variety of ways in which to cut, shape and join them.
• Examples of products they can make include: pencil holders, calendars, wheeled wooden toys and bug hotels.

Year 8

• Pupils start to focus more on Design Criteria and use different materials and production techniques such as heat-forming acrylic (plastic).
• Some of the products they create include a puzzle game, tin-can robots and an acrylic pen holder.

Year 9

• The pupils investigate structures and movement, through levers and pivots, to build toys with moving components and rubber-band powered vehicles.
• Other projects may include key racks, mobile phone holders and storage boxes, and the use of CAD/CAM to cut and engrave their products.
• Electronics is introduced through basic circuits and prototyping.

Key Stage 4

At this stage pupils are taking more responsibility for their own designs and selection of materials and tools. More work is done on mechanisms such as automata, electric motors and more advanced electronics. Projects may be linked to a particular theme, a need within the school or at home, or a connection with local industry. More advanced techniques such as metal-working, enamelling, vacuum-forming, and electronics may be included in the project fabrication process as required. The emphasis is on independent work and applying previous knowledge.

Key Stage 3 Topics

Year 7

Christianity:

• God: What do Christians believe about God? – What do I believe?
• What are the key principles of the Christian faith?
• Why are these ideas so important to Christians?
• How do Christians practice their faith?

Islam:

• Allah – oneness.
• Faith.
• Worship / belief in action – the five pillars.
• Behaviour attitude and ethics.
• Family life.

Judaism:

• What do Jewish people believe?
• How do Jewish people pray?
• To know about the Synagogue.
• To know how Jewish people worship.
• To know about the Jewish Sabbath.
• To know about Jewish festivals.
• To be aware of Jewish family life.

Year 8

Famous People with a Faith:

• Identify famous people who they know of.
• What do we want to know about chosen people?
• How do we research?
• What can we find out to begin with?
• What faith does he / she follow?
• How is their faith shown in their life?
• Main features of their faith.
• How can I present my information to others?

Christianity:

• Christian Ways of Life: What challenges do Christian ways of living present to people like me?
• What influences people in making decisions?
• How do I forgive others?
• What does Christianity teach about forgiveness?
• What is meant by reconciliation?
• Martin Luther King.

Hinduism:

• Oldest Religion.
• Hindu worship / gods / idols.
• The Mandir.
• Stories and festivals i.e. Krishna, Rama and Sita.
• The importance of family.

Year 9

Where Have We Come From and Where Are We Going?:

• What do people who have a faith believe about how the world began?
• What do the major faith groups believe about how the world began?
• What beliefs do people who are not religious hold?
• Can we extend our understanding of Humanism?
• What do Humanists believe about key life events?
• To know what reincarnation is and which faiths believe in it
• To know which faiths believe in Heaven?
• Is a belief in Heaven important to us?
• What do people believe in they do not believe in an afterlife?

Buddhism and Values:

• What can Buddhism and Christianity teach us about values?
• Why are values important?
• What values do I have?
• Why are these values important to me?
• How do I show that I have these values?
• Do you have to be ‘religious’ to have values?

Sikhism:

• The Gurus.
• The Gurdwara.
• The Guru Granth Sahib.
• The 5 Ks.
• The Sikh way of life.

Key Stage 4

Diversity in Society:

• To know what diversity means.
• To identify diverse groups.
• To identify how groups may differ from one another.
• To identify different practises in relation to these differences.
• To identify a similarity between a number of groups.
• To identify a contribution of a group to society.
• To indicate an advantage of living in a diverse society.

Religion and Ethics- Part 1:

• Are animals important to us?
• How should animals in different settings be treated?
• Do animals have less rights because they are ‘only’ animals?
• Should all animals be protected?
• What do we think about testing on animals?
• Is it right to interfere with nature to help people have a baby?
• Is IVF ethical?
• What do Christians believe about IVF?
• Why might people choose to have a saviour sibling? Is this ethical?
• Is surrogacy ethical?
• What problems can occur with surrogacy?

Stories of Faith (The Holocaust and Beyond):

• What can we learn from stories shared by Christians, Jews and Muslims?
• The Holocaust.
• ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ in Cambodia and Bosnia.
• How can genocide be prevented?

Religion and Ethics- Part 2:

• • Why do people choose to have an abortion?
  • What is the Christian view of abortion?
  • When may abortion be necessary, if ever?
  • Euthanasia – what is it?
  • Should euthanasia ever be allowed?
  • How does Christianity approach euthanasia?
  • To consider the arguments for and against euthanasia

Key Stage 3 Topics

Students receive one 45-minute lesson of Music each week. The Music curriculum is based on the three areas of; listening and appraising, performing (solo and ensemble) and composing. Students learn about a range of styles of Music. They sing, learn how to play traditional instruments and also develop their Music Technology skills.

We have a well-resourced Music Department facilities including 6 iMacs with USB Keyboards and our own School Radio Equipment. We are also very fortunate to have a range of instruments such as; keyboards, guitars, drums, ukuleles, steel pans, as well as a selection of percussion instruments, including a Samba Kit.

Year 7

• Elements of Music
• Keyboard Skills
• Rhythm
• Ukulele
• Hip Hop
• African Drumming

Year 8

• Stomp
• The Blues
• Reggae
• Radio
• Steel Pans
• African Drumming

Year 9

• Film Music
• Audio Editing
• Electric Guitar
• Drums
• Samba
• Arts Award

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, some students work towards the Bronze Arts Award. This qualification consists of four strands:

Part A: Take Part

Students participate in a range of musical activities, from listening to composing and performing.

Part B: Be the Audience

Students watch and review a performance (live or pre-recorded). They write a review and share it with their peers.

Part C: Arts Inspiration

Students research a musician, singer, band, actor, author, artist etc. that they are interested in. They find out about what they are famous for and explain why they are inspired by them.

Part D: Skills Share

Students plan and prepare a mini ‘lesson’ for their peers to showcase the skills that they have learnt.

The course is assessed internally which is then externally moderated. Since being introduced at Friars Academy, there has been a 100% pass rate.

We have also recently introduced the AQA Unit Award Scheme which allows students to gain further accreditations in Music.

Career / Progression Opportunities

Participation in Music and Drama lessons will provide students with an experience that demonstrates they have a passion for the Expressive Arts; that they can be a team player, they can stand up in front of other people and present their thoughts or ideas with personality and are willing to approach new ideas with an open mind. The confidence and communication skills learnt through Music and Drama will go a long way in helping our students when making new acquaintances or talking to potential future employers. Using the skills, growing confidence and experience gained in Expressive Arts, students are encouraged to perform in the annual talent show.

Extra – Curricular Opportunities

• • Music club takes place on Thursday after school.
  • Choir club takes place on Friday Lunchtimes.

Forest School Leader: Mrs J. Hamilton

We are very proud of our Forest School at Friars, and although it is in its ‘sapling stages’, it is growing fast, and our students are blossoming as a result. 

Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to all aspects of life, wellbeing and learning. Here at Friars Academy every child is given the opportunity to engage in Forest School sessions where they have a chance to engage with the natural world around them in whichever way they wish. Sessions are designed to encourage play and supported risk-taking. We tend to focus on communication and teamwork and on developing confidence and self-esteem, but we also provide them with life skills and, most importantly, remind them of the joy of play. 

Video From Forest School Association

"Play is our brain's favourite way of learning." -Diane Ackerman

Humanities at Friars Academy is a combined study of History and Geography, with expansion out of these topics into general areas of life. It helps pupils to make sense of their surroundings and the wider world.

Why is Humanities a valuable element of the Friars’ curriculum?

Humanities can enhance a child’s education by:

• Developing their knowledge of their local community
• Developing practical ‘real world’ skills, such as direction, recognising time, understanding the news, the voting process and many more.
• Providing opportunities to make connections to areas of industry within Northamptonshire
• Preparing students for when they leave Friars and having applicable knowledge relevant to them to do so.
• Empowering all young people to become active global citizens
• Preparing children for the world of work with their skills of analysis and synthesis
• Stimulating an interest in, and a wonder, of the world around us
• Helping students to understand that there may be more than one way of tackling specific real life problems

At Friars Academy we believe that…

Children need to understand their immediate environment in order to develop knowledge of their own role in society. At Friars we aim to develop children’s understanding and appreciation of their home locality by learning about its origins and the forces and influences that affect their lives. Our children’s learning is based largely on direct experience and practical activities; an extensive use is made of the school, its grounds and the immediate local area, as well as sites further afield.

Humanities taught at Friars is topic based, and where possible, linked with other subjects. The nature of the subject ensures that there are plentiful links with other subject that offer the pupils at our School the chance to further develop key skills and understanding in a wider range of contexts.

The content of Humanities taught at our Academy is covered by the following units:

Key Stage 3

Year 7

• Humanities Skills
• Kings and Queens
• Into the Wild

Year 8

• WW1 and WW2
• Roots
• Royal Family

Year 9

• Significant People of the UK
• Technology
• Sport Around the World

Key Stage 4

Year 10

• Languages
• Conflict Resolution
• Government
• Around the World
• Travel

Year 11

• Languages
• Citizenship
• International Relations
• Environment
• Travel

Connection to Other Subject Areas

Maths

• Coordinates
• Grid references
• Map reading
• Handling data
• Graph interpretation
• Data representation
• Science

English

• Literacy and language skills
• Development of speaking and listening skills
• Comprehension
• Expressive Arts
• Dramatisation of geographic events, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, nuclear war etc.

I.C.T.

• Core ICT skills of using and manipulating core programmes e.g. drawing graphs, finding images, presenting work,
• SMART board resources
• Analysis of images
• Geographic Information Systems
• Satellite images from Google Earth etc.

Citizenship/PSHE

• Life skills from field work and residential opportunities
• Global awareness of environmental damage
• Awareness of their own environment and how to improve it
• Recycling

Pupils also will have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities including:

• Understanding the importance of remembrance (Wellingborough War Memorial)
• Making Morrison shelters (WW2)
• Theatre Visit: Horrible Histories 3D (WW1)- Where possible
• Evolution of Wellingborough (Wellingborough Museum)
• County links to monarchy (Althorp House)
• Connections with local industry (Weetabix, Doc Martens)
• Caring for the environment (local community)

KS4 Leader: Miss L Dorrian

The curriculum for Key Stage 4 pupils becomes more individualistic as pupils begin to study courses with an emphasis on learning useful skills and gaining awards and qualifications alongside developing attitude, personal and social skills important in learning and at work.

We feel we provide a wealth of opportunity including skills for life and work, vocational and subject-based learning, and personal and social development.

Our curriculum is enhanced by the deep rooted support of the sports specialism embedded into lessons and the Work Related Learning opportunities that our young people experience in developing their self-confidence and communication skills.

At Friars we feel that good behaviour and a positive attitude towards work is important and that everyone is entitled to work in a safe, supportive environment in order to feel valued, independent and an active learner. Pupils follow a Rewards System and continue to join in with celebration/rewards assemblies where appropriate

Independent Living

• Meal preparation.
• Kitchen hygiene.
• Budgeting and using money.
• Personal hygiene.
• Personal safety and self-care.
• Healthy living and exercise.
• Managing a household.
• Hobbies, interests and creativity.
• Accessing the community and transport.

Work Experience

This currently includes one day a week of real-world experience working at The Shop, a traditional sweet shop, in Kettering. Students experience a full working day with tasks including:

• Health and safety in the workplace.
• Workplace hygiene.
• Customer service.
• Handling money.
• Functional numeracy, literacy and speaking and listening opportunities.

Numeracy and literacy are addressed throughout the delivery of our bespoke courses as well as the use of Social Stories and Colourful Semantics to support and encourage development of communication and understanding.

Our programme of study is continually developed and reviewed in order to deliver content that is both relevant and interesting to our learners with opportunities to individualise accreditations according to needs.

Faculty Leader: Miss E Jones

At Friars, Science continues to be a subject that appeals to a wide ability range of students, its practical nature and inherent “wonder” encourages the use of imagination, verbal contribution and promotes good behaviour because the students want to see “what happens next”.

At Friars, Science continues to be a subject that appeals to a wide ability range of students, its practical nature and inherent “awe and wonder” encourages the use of imagination, promotes good safe behaviour because the students want to see “what happens next”.

Learning safely in the lab is a valuable experience for all students at the school. Students feel comfortable in the lab as well as daring to stretch their skills, knowledge and confidence in science. Learning from investigations and “trying things out” within a safe and secure environment develops their greater understanding of the world around them and promotes increased self-esteem. Science at Friars contributes much to “educating the whole child”.

The aim for Friars Academy is to provide a curriculum which is challenging, interesting and enjoyable, fostering a desire to learn.

Key Stage 3 Topics

• Students follow the new science curriculum from Sept 2016
• Study Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Improve their scientific enquiry through investigation.

Key Stage 4

Students follow the new OCR Science Entry level course from Sept 2016

• Biology topics include the human body, plants and the environment.
• Chemistry topics include chemical reactions, elements mixtures and compounds and the Earth and atmosphere.
• Physics topics include forces, electricity, magnetism and light.
  Improve their scientific enquiry through investigation.

In addition, science teaching at Friars Academy aims to support cross-curricular skills:

• to aid language development
• to aid the development of literacy and numeracy skills
• to help pupils to follow instructions and to work systematically
• to make a contribution to the development of information technology capability
• to help pupils to learn to work co-operatively with others

The rigour of safety procedures and scientific method provide an environment where the students learn to feel comfortable in as well as daring to stretch their skills, knowledge and confidence. Learning from mistakes and trying again with greater understanding is key in many of the investigations we perform at Friars. Science at Friars continues to succeed on many levels and so contributes much to “educating the whole child”.

Special Educational Needs

All pupils at Friars Academy have a statement of special educational needs.

The coursework for science is matched to the National Curriculum Programme for the pupil’s key stage as far as possible and is taught in ways appropriate to the pupil’s ability. Some material has been selected from earlier key stages where it is thought necessary, to enable pupils to progress and demonstrate achievement.

The Friars Academy Programme of Study is intended to provide breadth and balance of experience. There is built-in progression of knowledge, understanding and skills but also the opportunity of reinforcement for those pupils who need to work at a slower pace.

For some pupils, including those with severe learning difficulties, alternative coursework of a more limited nature is required. Breadth and balance of experience remains important and areas of study will complement those covered in the main programme.

Faculty Leader: Mrs R. Belson

At Friars Academy we passionately believe in the positive impact that Sport and Leisure can have on young people’s lives. High quality teaching and extra-curricular activities create an environment that inspires all pupils to succeed and reach their full potential.

• "The Academy provides students with a wealth of opportunities in Sport and Leisure and meets with a high level of success in competitive sport. It takes a lead role locally in promoting sporting achievement and has gained prestigious awards for the contribution it makes.”
• “Students throughout the Academy make outstanding progress in Sport and Leisure and gain a wide range of skills.”
• “Involvement in sporting activities contributes a great deal to students’ confidence and ability to work as a team, especially for the many older students who train as sports leaders and help with events that are organised for other schools.”

Curriculum

The Friars Family believe that Sport and Leisure is more than just another lesson. We think that alongside developing physical skills, sport can help us to understand and practice our school values of honesty, integrity, kindness, resilience and respect. All students participate in three lessons each week, including a health and wellbeing lesson where students get to experience alternative sports and a fitness lesson, utilising our well-equipped fitness suite.

We deliver a range of team and individual sports-based activities to practice core skills and to develop leadership skills. We treat each child as an individual nurturing and encouraging their personal development through accessing a variety of opportunities. We welcome healthy competition both within the academy and on tour, taking part in various regional competitions.

We look to encourage every single student to achieve their own personal impossible by encouraging everyone to strive for success through hard work, commitment and humility. We believe that the best part of the game is the ability to play.

Key Stage 4

As students move into Key Stage 4 we focus on developing their leadership skills at varying levels, depending on their ability. As students prepare to leave Friars Academy towards the end of year 11, we change our focus to supporting them in understanding the benefit of a lifelong participation in sport and how they can be physically active outside of education.

Extra-curricular Activities

Our school ethos is that Every child should be given Every Chance, Every day. The Friars Family look to instil a passion for sport and exercise, alongside an understanding of the health benefits of an active lifestyle. We hope that these lessons will encourage a wider participation in our extra-curricular activities and lead to a passion for Sport and Leisure that lasts beyond our student's time at Friars, leading to an active and healthy lifestyle. These are lessons that we feel are key to a happy and successful life.

Within lessons we engage with outside community sports groups, conducting taster sessions of various inclusive sports, and provide signposting to sports and leisure activities operating within our wider community. Details of our extra-curricular timetable and community clubs are available below:

Athletics-

• Kettering Athletics Club
• Northampton Athletics Club
• Wellingborough Junior Athletics Club

Cricket-

• Earls Barton NCCC
• Kettering Town NCCC
• Northamptonshire NCCC
• Wellingborough Sports and Social Club

Tennis-

• Earls Barton Bowls and Tennis Club
• Kettering Tennis Club
• Northamptonshire Lawn Tennis Club
• Wellingborough Tennis Club

Competitions

The Sport and Leisure department feel that participating in sports competitions and fixtures against other schools is a valuable experience for our students. We provide competitive opportunities in a variety of sports for students of all abilities. We participate in competitions at a county, regional and national level.

Lead Inclusion School

Friars Academy has been the lead inclusion school for Northamptonshire since 2011.

"A network of sixty Youth Sport Trust lead inclusion schools from across England have been established, each selected for their recognised expertise in engaging young people with special educational needs/disabilities (SEND) to compete, participate and lead through Sport and Leisure. They are inclusion champions and are visionaries for what high equality, meaningful and inclusive school Sport and Leisure should look like for every child.

They work to empower teachers to be more inclusive in their practise, provide meaningful competition and competition pathways for young people, raising their aspirations and providing inclusive leadership opportunities.”

Youth Sport Trust