Curriculum

"An excellent environment for my Daughter to thrive under both academically and socially". (Parent Quote).

In September 2012 Joseph Paxton Campus introduced a full time timetable. This includes five 50 minute lessons every day and a one hour enrichment session on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

This was a massive departure from the previous curriculum which allowed students in Key stage 3 to attend during the morning and pupils in Key Stage 4 to attend in the afternoon. Full time provision has had a positive impact on students and their access to education. It has extended learning opportunities, as we have been able to broaden both the subjects offered and content that can be taught. This has given greater opportunity for learning and achievement. More accredited courses in Year 11 means that students are well placed in applying for post-16 courses

The approach we take to the curriculum at JPC is to replicate, as far as we possibly can, the curriculum offer available at mainstream Wirral schools. This allows for a smoother transition back to mainstream for any student who is ready to do so. However, a vital part of our curriculum is built around helping students become more resilient, more independent and have improved social skills and confidence. Therefore, all courses are chosen and timetable decisions are made with these elements at the core.

Our Key Stage 3 is spread over three years, with GCSE/BTEC courses being offered to Y10 and 11 students. This allows us to help all students close the gaps that exist in their learning due to their health needs and the time they have missed from their previous schools.

Options subjects at KS4 vary each year, with the choices being made following an annual student consultation. We ensure that there is at least one GCSE option and one Vocational option in each block, allowing students to study a path that best fits their ability, learning style and expected future pathway.

Our current Key Stage 4 options are: 

For more detailed information about our Options courses, please click here.

The most important choice for all of our students is about their future pathway. Due to restrictions on the way sixth form providers are funded, it is essential that we work carefully with students and families to ensure that we steer them down a pathway that will give them the broadest range of choices for post-16 study. Consequently, we may actively steer some students to less academic routes if this is in their best long-term interests, even when we believe we could achieve more with them in the short term.

Ofsted: 'The curriculum has been revised, adapted and successfully meets the needs of all the students'.

'The curriculum is stimulating an interesting and has recently been extended to provide greater opportunities in music, science and drama'.

For further information on the general design of our curriculum, please contact the Deputy Headteacher, Ms Sarah Marrion. For all subject-specific enquiries, please see the named contact at the bottom of each subject page - available using the menu on the left.