Key stage 4;

“Innovative curriculum” was the judgement following the HMI monitoring visit in January and our task is to maintain this excellent practice into KS4 and KS5. Following months of work to maintain the pioneering approach of the Petchey Academy, we have now devised an ambitious key stage 4 curriculum. We offered year 8 students a comprehensive support programme in order for them to make informed decisions about their options.  Students have now chosen their personalised pathways for key stage 4 and the timetable is currently being drafted.

Functional skills;

• The science department is currently running a pilot “Functional Skills” project with the year 7 cohort as part as the “Under the Stars” theme. Students are expected to incorporate elements of the three strands (level 1 based on QCA standard) within the project. The pilot will be reviewed and potentially introduced at key stage 3 from next year.
• Maths and Science departments working together on a series of coursework elements as part of the current year 8 theme incorporating functional skills. The work is based on sample material from OCR pilot.
• As part of the Petchey Portfolio, KS4 students will be expected to complete a project using any media of their choice accompanied by a rationale including two of the three key areas of functional skills.
• List of functional skills to be incorporated into the Petchey Portfolio for the student to evidence. The group is currently working on finalising the list. This will be compared with national functional skills when pilot material becomes available. Any gaps will then be addressed. 

What are functional skills?

The 14 to 19 and Skills White Papers in England announced the introduction of new 'functional-skills' qualifications English, mathematics and ICT for young people and adults.

Functional skills are practical skills in English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT) that allow individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life.