At Royds, we believe every learner is an individual with a unique personality and characteristics. Inclusion therefore lies at the heart of everything we do. Childhood is changing. Our learners are growing up in a world defined by fast paced technological development living increasingly online, in spaces adults sometimes struggle to understand. Our curriculum from Year 7 to 11 is built around our #LiveLoveLearn mission. We place great value on preparing our learners to thrive in 21st century Britain, not just academically but socially, emotionally, morally and culturally too.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum allows students the opportunity to study a broad and balanced range of subjects: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, a Modern Foreign Language, Art, PE, Technology (incorporating elements of Product Design, Textiles, Graphics and Food), Music and Drama. Our school values and the promotion of British Values are interwoven as an integral feature across the curriculum, but are taught more explicitly through our PSCHRE and assembly programme. Language and vocabulary development are taught specifically through our Cultural Literacy programme, which also addresses many religious and sociological factors, in addition to encouraging and developing reading for pleasure.

All Key Stage 4 students study an examined core curriculum of English, Maths, Science and Health. All students sit GCSE English Literature in Year 10. We have found that concentrating on one examined GCSE at the end of Year 10 helps to focus our learners, develop their maturity and heighten their awareness of the extent of independent learning required to aid the retention and retrieval of key knowledge and skills necessary for success. Success at the end of the year breeds confidence and belief for many – students have a model to replicate and understand the reality of the learning pit and the notion of small guided steps to success. For others, there is an early realisation if they haven’t worked hard enough of changes that are required in Year 11.

The Science curriculum is structured in such a way that allows learners who are capable enough to study triple in Year 11 whilst allowing students who require further consolidation to concentrate on core. This approach enables students three option choices to ensure a broad and balanced subject choice.

Compulsory Health studies is a key part of our #LiveLoveLearn Key Stage 4 curriculum. This incorporates practical PE for all, which is crucial as a medium for keeping students physically healthy and active but also a great medium for helping to relieve stress. Sports Science is also an examined part of the course because we feel the modules are essential life skills that are imperative for all students.

Each student is also part of a form group alongside students from their own year. They have a 15-minute form time every day which serves as an opportunity to consider their role as part of the school community and also to raise any concerns they may have with their tutor. These form groups are not generally used for academic tuition.

Anyone requiring further information can either get in touch with Mr Houghton (ahoughton@roydsschool.org), the Assistant Head for Curriculum and Assessment, or the relevant Head of Department.