Curriculum
The curriculum at Bristol Brunel Academy aims to ensure that all students are successful Academically, Professionally, Socially, Personally and within the wider community: The Brunel Way.
Our curriculum focuses upon acquiring key knowledge and builds upon what students have previously learned. The content of our curriculum responds to the diversity of our cohort, seeks equity and is academically rigorous. We strive to ensure that our curriculum and implementation of it is diverse and representative of our whole community; our EDI champions are passionate in making this happen. To help equip students to keep themselves safe in school, outside school and in the future, safeguarding is an integral part of our PSHE curriculum.
In Key Stage 3 we intentionally provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which meets and, in some places, exceeds the National Curriculum. In our two-year Key Stage 4, option subjects are offered based upon student need, and our experience of where students are successful. Subjects are combined and provide opportunities for students to develop in specialist areas. We recognise the value of the EBacc and are working towards the government’s ambition.
The curriculum is delivered by subject experts who are given the autonomy to adapt the curriculum to our context and consider the needs of the students in their classes. We emphasise the importance of improving pedagogy through Subject Development Sessions, supported by research and national developments. Lessons are well planned and sequenced to ensure progression and that they are accessible to all.
Reading is a key area of focus within the Academy. Our approach to reading within the Academy falls within two strands – Whole school reading and reading interventions. Our aim is to ensure that all students possess the reading skills needed to access the curriculum presented to them as well as the opportunities open to them upon leaving the Academy.
Our enrichment programme encourages our students to look for opportunities to lead and work as part of a team, with the programme designed to develop a wide range of qualities and skills. Students are offered a variety of activities including the Duke of Edinburgh award, Inclusion Groups, sports teams, expressive arts performances and weekly clubs.
We encourage students to explore their future options and create opportunities for themselves by explicitly teaching careers through our responsive PSHE programme. Our Careers Education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) programme is interweaved across our taught curriculum, with our department based ‘Careers champions’ tasked with embedding CEIAG in our medium-term plans. At Key Stage 4, every student is offered independent careers advice from our level 6 trained Careers and Enterprise Coach. For every student, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, we aim to unlock future educational pathways and careers, which in turn lead to greater life chances.
Bristol Brunel Academy is a place where staff are enthused and encourage a love of learning in students. We have high expectations and want every student leaving BBA to be equipped with the right qualifications, skills and qualities – ready for a successful future.
For further information regarding our curriculum, please contact: Rebekah.Curtis@clf.uk
