Our Curriculum
At Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy we have taken the time to learn about our students. Each year as a new cohort of students has joined us in Year 7, we have gained a more detailed view of a typical Lynch Hill student. As we have grown as a school, so to has our understanding of the needs of our students.
We have spoken to our students and listened to their responses. We have identified typical strengths and gaps in their subject knowledge, in their understanding, in their life experiences and their skills. We have spoken to parents, and we have spoken to employers. At each stage, considering how we as a school can help to meet the expectations of our community.
Our students come from over 20 different primary schools
As a staff, we came together and discussed which important events and activities a student at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy should experience during their secondary education with us. Which opportunities they should have, which educational visits they should enjoy, which skills they should learn, which character traits they should develop.
We then worked to incorporate as much of this as possible into our school.
We want students joining Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy to know that our curriculum has been designed for them. That it provides them with the opportunities they need to realise their aspirations, to achieve their goals and to succeed.
Our students speak over 40 different languages
At Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, we offer a rich and challenging curriculum to prepare all students for the responsibilities and opportunities presented by life and work in Slough, and beyond.
Our 3 year Key Stage 3 ensures that students are taught a range of individual subject disciplines, developing a strong foundation of knowledge, skills and understanding whilst allowing for greater support and intervention to close any gaps that might exist.
Our students belong to over 45 different ethnic groups
In Key Stage 4, we expect our students to make their own aspirational choices from a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications that will equip them for the next stage of their lives.
In addition to the academic curriculum, the school offers a wide range of additional enrichment activities and experiences. These include work experience and work-related learning experiences, leadership courses, extra-curricular clubs, community links, educational visits, guest speakers and personal development pathways.
- Art & Design
- Business Studies
- Computing
- Design and Technology
- Food and Nutrition
- English
- Geography
- History
- Maths
- MFL
- Music
- Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education (PSHCE)
- Physical Education
- Religious Studies
- Science
Art & Design
curriculum overview of Art & design
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Why it's important to study Art and Design Art and Design at LHEA builds on student’s practical skills, creativity and written analysis and understanding of Art work, by looking at famous and influential Art movements in more depth. Art and Design is a way of seeing things and making sense of the world around you. It can help you with further study and prepare you for the world of work, by improving skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and team work. To do this effectively students will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge, learning about famous and influential artists who will spark their own creativity and ideas. Students will learn how to replicate specific art styles and ways of working to help them become proficient in different mediums throughout their time at LHEA such as: Pencil shading, acrylic painting, watercolour painting, charcoal drawing, oil pastel, printmaking and photography. |
Studying Art and Design helps to create a broad and balanced curriculum, which is an excellent foundation for whatever you want to do afterwards. The transferable skills you’ll gain, such as creativity, analysis and problem solving, compliment a range of other subject areas and careers.
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How will students benefit after studying Art and Design throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy Students will develop their own ideas and creativity, using critical analysis of their own work to continuously improve and refine their own ideas. While also taking into consideration the significance of artist inspiration – through artist research, analysis and learning to work in similar styles using a range of art mediums. Students will be exposed to a wide range of Art materials and ways of working, which will enable them to have a better understanding of artist research as they will experiment with similar ways of working and begin to understand how to work in a range of different styles reminiscent to artistic movements. This will also build proficiency with materials as students will be able to develop a wide range of skills through experimentation, refinement and development of their own ideas – inspired by their artist research and understanding. |
Business Studies
Why it’s important to study Business Studies
Business activity affects the daily lives of all people, as they work, spend, save, invest, travel, and play. Business influences jobs, incomes, and opportunities for personal enterprise and development. Business has a significant effect not only on the standard of living and quality of life, but also on the environment in which people live.
At some point in their lives, all students will encounter the world of business. They, therefore, must be prepared to engage in business activity with confidence and competence, by understanding how businesses function and the role it plays in our society. Students should familiarise themselves with the skills that are required in the business environment and the impact these skills can have on their own lives and on society.
The aims of Business Studies at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Studying business not only involves studying individuals, communities, and organisations, it involves assessing their needs and problems, as well as generating solutions. This subject will build a strong foundation for those students who wish to move on to further study and training in specialised areas such as management, international business, marketing, accounting, information and communication technology, or entrepreneurship. It will also provide practical skills for those who wish to move directly into the workplace. As we are an Enterprise Academy every effort is made to combine the Business Studies syllabus with a real, work related enterprise experience which will allow the students to excel in the modern work place.
How students will benefit after studying Business Studies throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Students who study Business Studies at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy will learn and enhance important skills, knowledge and understanding:
Skills: Analysis skills | Evaluation skills | Critical thinking skills | Evidence based skills | Speaking skills | Written skills | Organisation skills | Presentation skills | Numeracy Skills | Literacy Skills
Knowledge: Dynamic nature of business | Risk & Reward | The role of enterprise | Customer needs | Financial statements | Marketing models | Consumer Law | Data Protection Act | Health & Safety | Motivating staff | Market research | Market segmentation | Marketing Mix | Sources of Finance | Types of ownerships | Business Operations | Quality control | Business calculations
Understanding: Spotting a business opportunity | Making the business effective | Understanding external influences | Making marketing decisions | Making financial decisions | Growing the business
Computing
Design and Technology
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Why it's important to study Design and Technology Design and Technology at LHEA builds on the skills and knowledge pupils have already learnt at primary school. It leverages increasingly sophisticated resources, including dedicated teaching environments, manufacturing equipment and specialist teaching. As students’ progress through this phase, they will get the opportunity to focus on specific aspects of the subject such as product design, electronics, textiles and graphics. However, at its core is creativity and imagination. Students learn to design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. To do this effectively, they will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on additional disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.
Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities for students to develop and apply value judgements of an aesthetic, economic, moral, social, and technical nature both in their own designing and when evaluating the work of others.
Generating ideas and developing into a product · Basic ordering of processes to construct a product |
Food and Nutrition
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Why it's important to study Food and Nutrition Food Preparation and Nutrition will equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of Food Science, Nutrition and Healthy Eating. It encourages students to cook, enables them to make informed decisions about Food and Nutrition and allows them to acquire knowledge in order to be able to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life.
Studying food preparation and nutrition can lead to exciting and well-paid career options. This course could lead you into roles such as a Chef, Food Product Developer, Buyer (who travels the world sourcing new food products for manufacturers), Food Safety Inspectors, Nutritionist, Economist, Hotel and Restaurant Manager, Microbiologist, Dietician, Quality Manager, Teacher, Food Engineer, Food Scientist and many more. |
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How will students benefit after studying Food and Nutrition throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy • The course will help to develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, healthy eating, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. This subject focuses on nurturing students' practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. • Students will develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition. • Furthermore, the students will develop good transferable skills including problem solving, researching, and creative thinking. Skills learnt- • How to cook independently • Developing organisational and time management skills • Developing problem solving skills and the ability to overcome challenge • Teamwork when carrying out practical investigations and competitions. • Learning through practical activities. Knowledge learnt- · Develop a knowledge of Functional and nutritional properties, sensory qualities and microbiological food safety considerations when preparing, processing, storing, cooking and serving food. · Understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health. Understanding learnt- · Understand the economic, environmental, ethical and socio-cultural influences on food availability, production processes, and diet and health choices. · Understand and explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions (traditional British and International) to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes |
English
Geography
Why it’s important to study Geography
Geography builds a greater awareness of the world we live in: the climate, weather patterns, biomes, world economics, politics, maps, directions and the wonderful places all over the world. We have only just crested the top of the iceberg, geography builds an understanding in a wide range of topics and concepts that will allow students to investigate, question and explore. Geography also offers students an opportunity to explore Earth Science which covers all aspects of the world and its climate. Geography has been added to the list of STEM subjects at university level, as geography is an Earth Science.
The aims of Geography at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Students develop investigative skills as well as greater understanding of global issues. Geography also helps develop communication skills (presentation, writing, debating), teamwork, problem solving and IT skills. The ability to read, analyse and construct maps for a variety of purposes. Use geographic techniques and perspectives to address a variety of contemporary issues such as demographic changes, economic inequality, environmental justice and many more. It also gives students a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
How will students benefit from studying Geography throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Understand climate change and how it will affect them and future generations. What jobs are available currently, as well as what jobs may become available in the future. Students will be able to understand how human activities, landscapes, and other physical, biological, and cultural phenomena vary across space, and the factors that influence these patterns. Students will gain a better understanding of the impact global pandemics have on the world, socially, economically and environmentally. With the knowledge and skills learned in geography students gain a better understanding of the world in which they live. These skills will enable them to be better equipped to deal with the challenges within the workplace. After 5 years of studying geography students will have a better appreciation of the world from an environmental, human and physical point of view.
History
curriculum overview for history
Why it’s important to study History
History at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy is specifically designed to instill skills in students that will enable them to reach their potential in all subjects they study. Students will not only learn about some of the most important events in British and world history, including Slavery, the Industrial Revolution, the reformation and the Holocaust. But they will learn skills that will stay with them for life.
Aims of History at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
The history scheme of learning will give students the skills and knowledge to understand not just the events of the past but how they relate to the world they are living in now. They will learn how the world is shaped, and importantly how to distinguish between inaccurate representations and the real events. Students will learn important skills such as causation – how past events influenced what came next.
How students will benefit after studying History throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Students who study and excel in History will learn how to analyse written text and images – important in both English and Art. Chronology and data analysis important in Maths and Business Studies as well as being able to write clearly and intelligently and understand why the world is the way it is today.
A history qualification is one of the most sought after by employers and the history department at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy will help you succeed.
Maths
Why it is important to study 'Mathematics'
The role of Mathematics in the department is to encourage creative risk-taking and flexible thinking minds as this helps students embrace an entrepreneurial mind set.
Mathematics introduces students to new ideas, skills and thinking processes that are vital in our everyday life and help support learning across various subjects. Mathematics also helps students develop the necessary skills that allow them to make rational sound decisions based on logic, reasoning and problem solving, ready to be applied in various aspects of their lives.
The aims of Mathematics at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Our aim is to enable students to solve mathematical problems within their daily life. We select the most appropriate content and most up to date delivery / teaching methods so that students are able to apply their mathematics understanding in their daily lives.
We also help them develop their reasoning and thinking processes and help understand the contribution of Mathematics to the development of culture and society. Mathematics develops a rational and scientific attitude towards life and gives students desirable habits and attributes like hard work, self-reliance, resilience, concentration, focus and discovery.
How will students benefit after studying ''Mathematics'' throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Mathematics prepares students for success in life. It develops the ability to learn new skills, which include concentration, focusing on tasks, being organised and the ability to research. Students’ mastery of Mathematics helps them develop excellent work ethics as well as resilience in life. As students improve their understanding of Mathematics, they become more confident which in turn develops their self-esteem in their ability to solve real life problems and they are likely to succeed in other subjects.
MFL
Why it’s important to study Modern Foreign Languages
MFL is very important for broadening the horizons of all pupils. It expands pupils’ views and understanding of the world, as well as developing life-long linguistic skills which will equip them for their futures.
MFL helps pupils learn about the different ways that people communicate around the world, as they learn the language and cultures of those places. They learn to experience the world in a new way when they speak another language.
MFL also helps develop inter-cultural understanding and promotes the value of speaking an additional language at home. It celebrates multilingualism and normalises it in a society which is predominately monolingual.
MFL also teaches respect for other cultures, as they develop an understanding of the different views and beliefs of people around the world.
The aims of Modern Foreign Languages at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
MFL will help pupils develop the soft skills necessary for adult life. It builds confidence to share their ideas, not only in English but in the target language. They will learn that mistakes are a natural and necessary part of learning and to take feedback will push them forwards in their journey; it promotes a Growth Mindset. Pupils will learn communication skills - MFL is fundamentally about interacting with different people. That communication takes many different forms and pupils will learn the value of interaction. It allows pupils to explore different facets of their personalities.
MFL will also help a pupil develop learning skills, which can be applied to other areas of their educational journey. As they learn vocabulary, they will experiment with learning styles and find the best way for them to revise effectively. There is a sense of Equality about learning a new language, as no matter your level in English, you are all beginners of a foreign language. It is a chance to re-learn how to learn, how to break down words, how to read texts - skills which will help them with their literacy across the curriculum.
MFL will develop a pupil’s analytical skills. They will learn how to see patterns in language and compare and contrast those patterns with their own languages. By creating their own rules and taking ownership of their learning, pupils will become more logical in the way they apply rules and use language.
How students will benefit from studying Modern Foreign Languages throughout their time at LHEA
Pupils will get a rigorous and solid foundation in language learning. They will learn the skills to learn any language, which means they will leave being able to apply those skills to any language they choose to learn. They will be able to clearly express themselves on target language on a range of topic areas, as well as engage in real life language exchanges, such as ordering in a restaurant.
Pupils will have the confidence to push themselves out of their comfort zone and allow those experiences to help them grow. They will value mistakes as a learning tool and actively seek feedback to improve their performance.
Pupils will be able to apply their linguistic, communication and analytical skills to a variety of jobs in: law, teaching, engineering, medicine, hospitality and tourism, business and any other job involving dealing with other people. This feeds into the Aspiration element of the LHEA curriculum. By showing our young people the range of doors MFL can open, it will raise their aspirations and push them to experience a more global life.
Music
Nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing, or playing an instrument. Music is a universal subject which can enrich students’ lives and education. It offers benefits even beyond itself and represents one of the highest forms of creativity.
Music helps develop language and reasoning.
· It helps with memorisation
· Students learn to improve their work as it helps with coordination
· It helps with emotional development and helps students stay engaged in school
· Music can be relaxing
· Music helps with creativity
· Learning an instrument gives a sense of achievement and helps with discipline
The aims of Music at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
· The aims of Music at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy are to ensure that all students:
· Understand the question: What is Music?
· Learn to perform using their voices and musical instruments the music of other composers
· Learn to create and compose music on their own and with others
· Listen, review and evaluate music from different eras, genres, styles and traditions
How students will benefit from studying Music throughout their time at LHEA
Students will benefit greatly by learning to work as a team. Music will boost students’ self-esteem through the compulsory class performances, concerts and productions. Performances will also help students conquer their fears and help them take more risks.
Students will also acquire some life-long skills such as organisation, better communication, attention to detail and cooperation with others.
Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education (PSHCE)
Physical Education
curriculum overview
Why it’s important to study PE
PE is vitally important in a students’ development physically, mentally and socially. They learn, develop and excel in a variety of different sports which in turn allows them to be fit and healthy, builds confidence, resilience and leadership skills. Students who enjoy physical activity are more likely to participate outside of school through into their adult lives, making them into lifelong learners. Students will develop a growth mind set through taking part in vibrant, challenging lessons.
The aims of PE at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Our aim is for students to develop a thirst for learning, always wanting to develop and improve their skills, to be confident enough to take risks and be responsible for their own learning. We offer a varied curriculum that has a mix of team, individual and creative sports and activities that are accessible for all, not only developing students physically but also academically. Our exam courses ensure that students can develop their analytical and evaluation skills across a variety of topics, which allows them to answer exam questions and have a sound theoretical understanding of physical activity.
How students will benefit after studying PE throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Students will know that although each sport has a slightly different skills set, there are a huge amount of transferrable skills that once learnt will be developed throughout their school life and beyond. Students will understand that taking part and playing sport is just a small part of the PE experience. Decision making skills will be developed; making the correct decisions under pressure in order to be successful and also knowing that its ok to make the incorrect decision and learn from this. Students will develop their team work skills being able to work together to be successful, cooperate and be able to articulate their ideas whilst also being able to listen to ideas from team mates and democratically decide on the best course of action. Within PE, cross-curricular links are exploited, such as developing student’s literacy skills through learning key terms and what they mean, scientific skills through knowledge of joints, muscles and components of fitness and maths skills through recording data, analysing it and plotting data onto graphs.
Religious Studies
Why it’s important to study Religious Education
Religious Education is vitally important in helping a person understand the moral, ethical and religious world around them.
R.E helps the student learn about the different religions that exist in the world, as it helps them understand the key teachings, practices and beliefs within each of those religions.
R.E also helps a student develop morally. It allows them to look at some of the key moral and ethical issues that are facing society and analyse those issues; what are the different views on them and what does that student think about the issue as well.
Finally, it gives the student an understanding of all the different views and beliefs there are, allowing them to be tolerant, respectful and open to different views, beliefs and ways of thinking in the world.
The aims of Religious Education at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
The main aim of R.E at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy is to broaden the moral, ethical and cultural understanding of the students who study it as a subject. They learn about a variety of different religions, cultures and ways of thinking that they may not be accustomed to outside of the classroom, which in turn, develops their understanding, empathy and tolerance towards many different ways of thinking.
R.E at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy also develops the students morally. It introduces them to many current issues across a range of different fields and subjects. The students then critically analyse those issues and think about whether or not they agree with them and, more importantly, why they have that opinion.
All of this combined, allows the student to develop into a well-rounded individual, with an encompassing and tolerant world view that’s not just important in the multicultural setting of a school, but also in the global workplace where they will meet a variety of different people with different religions, views and cultures.
How students will benefit after studying Religious Education throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Students who study R.E at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy will benefit in a plethora of different ways. R.E has strong links to a variety of different subjects that can be taken at A level and beyond; ethics, philosophy, politics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, law, journalism and even English. R.E engages students critical thinking skills, getting the student to think about the information that they can use in order to back up a point that has been made, a skill sought after in many different fields and professions. A skill that, once mastered, can be beneficial to the student in many different ways.
The student will also find their worldview enhanced, as they are made aware of a wealth of cultures and beliefs that exist in the world, which will allow the student to understand and empathize with those cultures.
Science
Why it’s important to study Science
Many different cultures over time have contributed to the development of science. Science employs a methodical approach of investigation, to try and understand and explain the phenomena around us. Developing scientific knowledge involves testing hypotheses, making observations, collecting data, theoretical modelling, communicating and debating with others. Studying science helps to develop important skills such as using logical systematic methods, informed decision making based on sound evidence and problem solving and these can be applied to many aspects of life.
The aims of Science at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Through scientific study, students learn to:
• understand, interpret and use technical information.
• develop dexterity, practical skills, use equipment safely and accurately.
• collate, analyse, evaluate data and draw conclusions.
• prepare written reports and presentations to communicate findings.
• understand that science knowledge will continue to evolve.
• apply current scientific knowledge and skills for problem solving, decision making and further research.
• develop an understanding of our bodies, the world around us and will be able to relate the implications of science to their own lives.
How students will benefit from studying Science throughout their time at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
The skills and knowledge gained can lead to a variety of career pathways which include both science specific (e.g. healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research, chemical, mechanical and aeronautical engineering) or even non-specific science (e.g. law, finance, sales, marketing, publishing, education and construction).
