SUCCESS FOR ALL

Whole-School Curriculum Intent and Principles

Our Curriculum Vision

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At Smithills School, our curriculum is designed to be ambitious, inclusive and coherent, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or starting point, are supported to achieve highly and thrive. Our curriculum reflects our ethos of Success for All, providing pupils with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed academically, develop strong character and contribute positively to society.

The curriculum is underpinned by high expectations, strong subject knowledge and a commitment to equity, ensuring that every pupil has access to a rich and broad educational experience.

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Curriculum Intent

The intent of our curriculum is to ensure that all pupils:

· Acquire powerful knowledge that enables them to understand the world and succeed in further education and employment.

· Develop strong literacy, numeracy and communication skills across all subjects.

· Build cultural capital, through exposure to a broad range of subjects, ideas, experiences and perspectives.

· Develop character, resilience and independence, preparing them for the challenges of adult life.

· Understand how to live healthy, safe and fulfilled lives, making informed choices.

· Become responsible, respectful and active citizens who value diversity and equality.

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Our curriculum prepares pupils not only for examinations, but for life beyond school.

 

Curriculum Principles​

The following principles guide curriculum design and delivery across all subjects:

1. Ambition and High Expectations

Our curriculum is ambitious for all pupils. It is designed to challenge learners intellectually and support them to achieve their potential, with no artificial ceilings on success.

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2. Coherence and Sequencing

Learning is carefully sequenced so that knowledge and skills build progressively over time. Curriculum plans clearly identify what pupils need to know, understand and be able to do at each stage, ensuring progression from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 4 and beyond.

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3. Breadth and Balance

Pupils study a broad range of academic, creative, technical and vocational subjects. This breadth ensures pupils develop diverse talents, interests and pathways while maintaining strong core learning.

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4. Inclusion and Equity

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Teaching approaches, resources and support are adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged.

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5. Knowledge and Skills

Subjects are rooted in strong disciplinary knowledge, while also developing transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, creativity and critical thinking.

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6. Personal Development and Character

Personal development is central to our curriculum. Through Session 0, PSHE, enrichment and wider opportunities, pupils develop values, character and life skills alongside academic learning.

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7. Assessment for Learning

Assessment is used to support learning, not just measure it. Formative assessment informs teaching and helps pupils understand how to improve, while summative assessment provides clear checkpoints of progress.

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8. Preparation for the Future

The curriculum supports clear progression routes into further education, training and employment. Pupils are helped to understand careers, pathways and the relevance of their learning.

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Impact

As a result of our curriculum, pupils leave Smithills School as confident, knowledgeable and well-rounded young people, equipped with the qualifications, character and skills needed to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.