Curriculum
Designed around the needs of each learner, our curriculum builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and equips pupils with the tools to thrive in the future.
Our Curriculum
At Silver Birch School, we believe that everyone has a personal best, and we play a vital role in helping each pupil achieve theirs. Every child deserves the opportunity and support to reach their potential, achieve well, and succeed beyond school.
Our curriculum is pupil-centred, ambitious, relevant, and engaging. We have high aspirations for all learners and aim for every pupil to leave us with a range of experiences, skills, and recognised qualifications that form a solid foundation for success in life.
Our school will be a positive, well-resourced place to learn and work. Facilities include a range of teaching rooms, including those which are subject specific, e.g. a Hair and Beauty room
Our Aims
We aim to:
- Deliver a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum, based on the National Curriculum, differentiated to suit individual pupils’ needs and interests.
- Provide a flexible framework for teaching and learning, allowing creativity and adaptation to take place.
- Ensure high-quality teaching and learning experiences for all pupils.
- Support pupils’ individual needs so they can access, enjoy, and succeed in school.
- Equip pupils with the experiences and skills needed for further education, employment, and to play active and fulfilling roles in society.
- Ensure staff are well supported through ongoing professional development, guidance, and collaboration to deliver excellent education and care.
For further information, please refer to our Curriculum Policy, available here.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9)
As appropriate to pupils’ needs, we will provide learning in the following subjects:
- English – Phonics in KS1 and KS2 where appropriate
- Maths
- Science; including elements from Biology; Chemistry and Physics
- Computing/ Information Technology (IT)
- Humanities, including History and Geography
- Design and Technology, including Food Technology
- Art and Design
- Music
- Physical Education (PE)
- Modern Foreign Language
- Personal, social, health, citizenship and economic education (PSHCEE)
- Relationships, sex and health education (RSHE)
- Religious education/ religious studies (RS)
We believe that where staff find regular opportunities for recognition, pupils become can taste success and become accustomed to achieving well in all subjects.. Most pupils will leave with a desire to work hard, achieve and succeed. This will prepare them well for the demands of Key Stage 4, as well as becoming independent and succeeding in life beyond school
Key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)
During Key Stage 4 our aim is for most pupils to work towards nationally recognised qualifications including as appropriate, GCSEs and vocational qualifications. Our curriculum and qualifications offer provides for all pupils, taking account of their individual special educational needs. Many will have a highly personalised curriculum at Key Stage 4. Please see our Accreditation and Qualifications framework.
We will provide learning in the following core and foundation subjects:
Core subjects:
- English,
- Maths
- Science: one or more of Biology, Chemistry and/ Physics
Foundation subjects:
- Computing/ Information Technology (IT)
- Sports Studies/ Physical Education (PE)
- Citizenship as part of PSHCEE
Pupils will choose at least one additional subject from the range below. This offer will be extended further as our vocational curriculum and work-related learning develop over time.
- Art
- Music
- Food Technology
- Design and Technology
- Humanities – Geography, History, or Religious Studies (R.S)
- Modern Foreign Language
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum offer will support pupils to complete a range of qualifications. These will include Functional Skills, GCSEs, vocational and life skills qualifications, such as Basic First Aid and Food Hygiene. We aspire for every pupil to achieve GCSEs and/ or nationally recognised qualifications.
Vocational Pathways
In addition to the National Curriculum, pupils have the opportunity to study a range of vocational courses designed to develop practical skills, confidence, and employability.
Our vocational offer includes:
- Mechanics – introducing pupils to vehicle maintenance, engineering principles, and hands-on workshop experience.
- Hair and Beauty – developing creativity, professional presentation, and customer service skills in a salon-style setting.
- Health and Social Care – focusing on understanding care, communication, and wellbeing across different age groups and needs.
- Construction – providing practical training in key trade skills such as carpentry, joinery, and basic building techniques.
These pathways help pupils gain real-world skills and experience that prepare them for further study, apprenticeships, and employment.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
All pupils receive age- and ability-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). This learning helps pupils to recognise, form, and maintain healthy relationships while understanding how to keep themselves safe.
Parents and carers can discuss RSE arrangements, including their right to withdraw their child from specific sex education elements, upon request.
For a full overview of RSE teaching by year group, please refer to our Relationships and Sex Education Policy, available on our website or from the school office.
Religious Studies
We aim to help pupils develop a broad and accurate understanding of the core values at the heart of major world religions. Through factual learning, pupils gain respect for different beliefs and cultures, promoting tolerance and diversity in line with British Values.
Our Religious Studies offer draws on elements of the local SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) framework.
We believe that learning about religion and culture is key to challenging prejudice, misconceptions, and discrimination. Parents wishing to withdraw their child from any Religious Education lessons should contact the Head Teacher.
Accreditation and Achievement
Our expectations are high. Pupils are encouraged and supported to complete a range of qualifications, including:
- Functional Skills
- GCSEs
- Equivalent vocational or academic awards
These achievements demonstrate each pupil’s progress and provide valuable credentials for their next steps.
Access to Examination Results
Due to the small number of pupils entering public examinations each year, individual results are not published online to protect privacy.
Parents and carers will receive detailed reports of their child’s progress, attainment, and any GCSE or equivalent results achieved. All families receive an annual progress report highlighting achievements and next steps for development.