Alford Academy “Enterprising, Engaging and Evolving” Coherence and Curriculum Design Tim McKay Rector, Alford Academy, Aberdeenshire

Alford Academy “Enterprising, Engaging and Evolving” Support Pack Presentation slides Managing Curriculum Change at Alford Academy – The Issues? Alford Academy Curriculum Proposals includes; Consultation Processes – current and future Possible S1 structure Possible S2/S3 structure Possible S4/S5/S6 structure Frequently Asked Questions and Answers! TES Article – Kirkcudbright Academy 22 September 2006

School and Community Characteristics 560 pupils – small school 13 Associated Primary Schools SEN Base – Approximately 6% per year group ASN High proportion of pupils coming from primary schools with 5-14 level D/E Rural school – 65% transported to and from school

Why Change? – The argument against… High attaining school (Deciles 1/2) Low levels of exclusion High pupil involvement in school life High parental satisfaction surveys ‘Reasonable’ stay on rate Strong department/faculty leadership across school Positive HMIe feedback from last inspection

Why Change? – The argument for… Learning and Teaching – issues of pace and challenge in S2 Inclusion – less able and able pupils Meeting National Priority 1 and the ACfE agenda Course viability – marginalisation of Int 1 / Int 2 / AH courses Post S2 course choice – disaffected pupils and staff! Disengagement – post S3? – Potential NEET pupils? Challenge to provide alternative and extra-curricular provision in a rural school community Opportunity to use faculty system as curriculum organisers

Principles and Drivers for Change High expectations from parents at all ability levels ASfL Act – Meeting the needs of all learners School QA agenda - Focus on improving learning experiences for all Student Council – “S2 was a waste of time” – “mega stress of 5 Highers in S5” (Continued)

Principles and Drivers for Change Opportunities presented by ‘Age and Stage’ and ‘Curriculum flexibility’ documentation Imbalance of curricular/resource provision across S1/S2, S3/S4 and S5/S6 stages HMIe – Importance of change from ‘attainment’ to recognising ‘achievement’ (HGIOS 3?) HMIe Reports ‘Lack of pace and challenge in S1/S2’

A CfE Strategy meet individuals needs – particularly the more able increase pace and challenge of learning modernise the curriculum – ‘de-clutter’? use curriculum design principles – ACfE use whole staff consultation outcomes – How do we celebrate / recognise achievement? School Curriculum Strategy Group established in December 2004 to consider how best we;

The Journey of Consultation so far at Alford Academy…

The Consultation Journey so far at Alford Academy… STAGE 1 (December 2004 – Present) SMT / Curriculum Strategy Group / Visit to Kirkcudbright Academy STAGE 2 (November 2005 – Present) Principal Teachers / School Board / Local Councillor / Local Authority engagement / HMIe Colleagues / Aberdeenshire HT’s / Associated Primary HT’s / Student Council STAGE 3 (April/May 2006 – Present) Teaching Staff STAGES 4, 5 and 6 (November 2006 ….) Parents / EIS and SSTA Representatives / Pupils

Timeline for Core Curriculum? S1 – Foundation Year: Starts in August 2008 S1 – Subject choice in April 2009 S2 – S Grade / N. Certificate courses start in June 2009 S3 – Subject choice in March 2011 S3 – SQA Examinations May/June 2011 S4/S5/S6 – Int 1/Int 2/H/AH courses start in June 2011

P7 – 2007/2008 – Pupils begin the journey of curricular change Preparation - Sessions 2004/2005, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 Continued planning and development with primary schools

S1 – Foundation Year: 2008 / 2009 New S1 start in August 2008 New S2 continue with second year of their 5-14 programme New S3 start their Standard Grade and National Certificate courses New S4 continue with second year of their Standard Grade and National Certificate courses New S5 and S6 start their National Certificate courses

S2 – S Grade and National Certificates: June 2009 New S2 start their two-year S Grade and National Certificate courses with additional vocational and enrichment activities New S3 start their two-year S Grade and National Certificate courses (possible links with new S2 cohort?) New S4 continue with second year of their S Grade and National Certificate courses New S5 and S6 start their National Certificate courses

S3 – S Grade and National Certificates: June 2010 New S3 continue with second year of their S Grade and National Certificate courses with additional vocational and enrichment activities New S4 continue with second year of their S Grade and National Certificate courses New S5 and S6 start their National Certificate courses

S4/S5/S6 – National Certificate Courses: June 2011 New S4/S5/S6 start combined Int 1/2/H/AH courses with additional vocational and enrichment activities start in June 2011

“The Issues” Monitoring strategies –short /medium and long term Resourcing ‘the change’ – physical / timetable / staffing / double presentation (June 2011)

“The Issues” Monitoring strategies –short /medium and long term Resourcing ‘the change’ – staffing / physical / timetable /double presentation (June 2011) CPD needs Building confidence with staff / pupils /parents HMIe and Newspaper ‘press coverage’ HMIe – Require effective planning with focus on learning and teaching and meeting the needs of the individual pupil SEED ‘Age and Stage’ circular – meeting the needs of the individual paramount Still awaiting National Curriculum Review Group Reports SQA changes? – Exit point assessment? / Christmas exam diet?

The Benefits….. We will be more able to provide an improved educational experience for all pupils by ensuring our curriculum… Is challenging and enjoyable,Is challenging and enjoyable, Offers breadth, progression and depth of study,Offers breadth, progression and depth of study, Is coherent and relevant to their future lives,Is coherent and relevant to their future lives, Provides personalisation and choice throughout a pupil’s time in Alford Academy.Provides personalisation and choice throughout a pupil’s time in Alford Academy.

Blue Sky Thinking or Pie in the Sky?