At Mascalls Academy we aim to provide a broad range of educational opportunities for all students regardless of their ability or background, to develop their potential to the full and to enable them to become confident, caring adults with the competencies necessary for success in adult life and life-long learning.
At Mascalls in KS3 we deliver a curriculum under the framework of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. The Middle Years Programme encourages students to become lifelong learners. It aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. We develop these attributes in our young people through our written curriculum by excellent teaching and learning and our bespoke pastoral programme. Students study a broad curriculum in the MYP across 8 subject groups:
- Language acquisition – the study of a foreign language
- Language and literature – English language and literature
- Individuals and societies – history, geography and RE
- Sciences – biology, chemistry and physics
- Mathematics
- Arts – art and design, dance, drama and music
- Physical and health education
- Design – design and technology and IT
Healthy Minds was also introduced this year. Healthy Minds draws together 14 evidence-based modules into a cohesive programme to enhance specific aspects of a student’s wellbeing and behaviour.
Students then continue their journey of learning in KS4 in GCSE/ vocational programmes in year 10 and 11. In key stage 4 we offer one of the widest range of option choices amongst our local schools, embracing the academic and vocational curriculums. All students will continue to study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science and PE. Students then have the following option subjects to choose from a range of GCSE and vocational subjects such as Fine Art, Art Textiles, Art Graphics, Photography, Product Design, Food and Nutrition, Dance, Drama, Music, History, Geography, Spanish, Separate Science, Sports Science, Computer Science, ICT, Media Studies, Film Studies, Sociology, RE, Business Studies and Design and Planning. Students choose four option subjects.
Students who decide to continue their educational journey at Mascalls will study a diet of A Levels or a combination of A level and vocational programmes. In key stage 5 we offer students several pathways through either a traditional academic route of A Levels, a mix of A Level and vocational courses or a purely vocational route with work placement, in total offering a range of over 30 subjects with addition to the further study of the GCSE subjects offered including Politics and Psychology. We also offer the 2:1:2 route in Construction.
Mascalls has an extensive thematic pastoral programme which follows the structured inquiry principles. This programme is delivered daily through advisory and assembly sessions in same year class groups/ bubbles.
We offer a wide range of activities, programs and learning experiences within the co-curriculum that complements what students are learning in school within the academic curriculum. Students have access to good quality educational experiences beyond the classroom walls through an extensive program of lunchtime and afterschool clubs, school educational trips which support learning in the classroom as well as the numerous performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
Subject leaders play an important part in the success of the curriculum by leading a regular programme of monitoring, evaluation and review and the celebration of good practice contributes to the ongoing commitment to evolve and improve further. All subject leaders are given training and the opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding, so they can support curriculum development and their colleagues throughout the school.