Key Stage 4 Curriculum- Preparation for Adulthood
Curriculum Intent
At Tiffield Academy, our Key Stage 4 curriculum is designed to prepare young people for adulthood by developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives. We recognise that every learner is unique, and our personalised approach enables individual strengths, talents and aspirations to be identified, nurtured and celebrated.
Our curriculum is centred around each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and supports the development of Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) outcomes:
What Do Pupils Study?
Our curriculum combines academic learning with practical life skills and preparation for adult life. Learners follow a broad and balanced programme that includes:
Core Subjects
- Functional English
- Functional Mathematics
- Functional Digital Skills
- Physical Education (PE)
- PSHE and Relationships Education
Preparing for Adulthood
- Careers and Enterprise Education
- Work Experience
- Travel Training (Year 11 - 13)
- Life and Living Skills
- Health and Wellbeing
All areas of Preparation for Adulthood, are supported by the ASDAN Personal Social Development qualification.
Option Subjects
Learners can access a range of vocational subjects and accredited courses, which may include:
- Arts Award Bronze and Silver
- ASDAN Small Animal Care
- Food Hygiene Level 1
- Additional vocational and interest-based opportunities
Option pathways are designed to broaden experiences, develop skills and help pupils explore future career interests and hobbies. Over time, the Key Stage 4 curriculum will change to reflect learner's pathways and vocational interests. The current offer is a reflection of our learner's interests when exploring the world of work.
Careers and Work Experience
Preparing learners for their next steps is at the heart of our Key Stage 4 provision. Career's education is woven throughout the curriculum and supported through:
- Enterprise projects
- Employer encounters
- Workplace visits
- Work experience placements
- Volunteering opportunities
- Community and social action projects
- Independent Careers advice
Where appropriate, learners have opportunities to participate in both internal and external work experience placements, helping them develop confidence, independence and employability skills.
Accreditation and Qualifications
We offer a range of accreditation pathways tailored to individual ability levels, from pre-entry level through to Level 2 qualifications.
Accreditation opportunities include qualifications from awarding bodies such as:
- AQA
- Pearson Edexcel
- ASDAN
- Arts Award
Qualifications are carefully matched to pupils' abilities, interests and future aspirations, helping them progress successfully to further education, training, supported employment or adult services.
Enrichment and Options Weeks
Throughout the year, learners will participate in dedicated enrichment and options weeks that introduce them to a wide range of industries, workplaces, hobbies and community opportunities.
These experiences help learners:
- Explore future career pathways
- Discover new interests and talents
- Build confidence in unfamiliar environments
- Gain real-life experiences from industry professionals
The Impact of Our Curriculum
Success at Tiffield Academy is measured by much more than qualifications alone. We believe the true impact of our curriculum can be seen in learners who leave us as confident, resilient and independent young adults.
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum aim is to support learners to:
- Achieve meaningful qualifications and accreditations
- Progress to appropriate post-16 destinations
- Develop independence and life skills
- Understand the world of work
- Contribute positively to their communities
- Build healthy relationships and make informed choices
- Prepare successfully for adult life
By the end of Key Stage 4, learners will be equipped with the skills, experience's and confidence needed for their next stage of education, employment, training or supported adult provision.