Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact

Catering and Hospitality Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The Catering and Hospitality curriculum at Blackpool Skills Academy is designed to provide students with practical life skills, vocational confidence and an introduction to the standards and expectations of the hospitality industry. The curriculum aims to engage students through hands-on learning experiences that develop independence, teamwork, organisation and resilience within a professional kitchen and service environment.

Students develop a secure understanding of food safety, hygiene, nutrition, kitchen organisation and customer service alongside practical cooking skills. The curriculum is sequenced to build confidence progressively, beginning with health and safety, food preparation and basic cooking techniques before moving towards menu planning, enterprise, live service and independent practical assessment.

The curriculum also supports wider personal development by helping students improve communication, problem-solving, time management and employability skills. English and Maths are embedded throughout the curriculum through activities such as reading recipes, evaluating outcomes, communicating with others, weighing ingredients, costing dishes, measuring quantities and managing timings.

The intent of the curriculum is to ensure students leave with greater confidence, transferable employability skills and meaningful preparation for further study, training, apprenticeships and future employment within catering, hospitality and related vocational sectors.

Curriculum Implementation

The Catering and Hospitality curriculum is delivered through a highly practical and supportive approach that allows students to learn through demonstration, repetition, modelling and application. Lessons are structured around clear routines and expectations linked to professional kitchen standards and safe working practices.

Students regularly participate in practical cooking sessions where they develop technical skills progressively over time. The curriculum begins with core areas such as hygiene, contamination prevention, knife skills and equipment use before moving towards increasingly independent preparation, production and service activities.

Teaching includes direct instruction, teacher modelling, guided practice and opportunities for independent application. Students are encouraged to reflect on and evaluate their practical outcomes, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Vocabulary linked to catering, hospitality, nutrition and customer service is explicitly taught and revisited regularly.

Assessment is ongoing and includes practical observation, questioning, discussion, peer feedback and completed food products. Students also complete larger practical projects and live service experiences which help develop teamwork, communication and confidence under pressure.

English and Maths are integrated naturally throughout the curriculum. Students apply Maths through weighing, measuring, portioning, costing, temperature checks and timings. English skills are developed through reading instructions, evaluating work, discussing methods, writing reflections and communicating professionally during service activities.

Curriculum Impact

Students develop increasing confidence, independence and competence within practical catering and hospitality environments. Over time, they become more secure in their ability to follow recipes, prepare ingredients safely, use equipment correctly and produce dishes with greater consistency and presentation skills.

Students demonstrate improved understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, teamwork and professional expectations. They are increasingly able to organise themselves effectively, manage time during practical activities and work cooperatively with others during live service and enterprise tasks.

The curriculum supports wider personal development by helping students build resilience, communication skills and self-confidence. Students become more willing to participate, take responsibility and reflect positively on their own progress.

Through embedded English and Maths, students also strengthen important functional skills linked to reading, communication, measuring, budgeting and problem-solving. These transferable skills support both academic progress and future employability.

The overall impact of the curriculum is that students leave Catering and Hospitality with practical vocational knowledge, improved confidence and a stronger understanding of potential progression routes into further education, apprenticeships and employment within the hospitality sector.

KS3 English Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The KS3 English curriculum at Blackpool Skills Academy is designed to develop students’ confidence, communication skills and understanding of language through reading, writing, discussion and creative expression. The curriculum aims to engage students with accessible, relevant and challenging topics that help them develop as readers, writers and speakers while also supporting their wider personal development.

The curriculum is structured to build core English knowledge and skills progressively over time. Students explore a range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and media texts while developing the ability to analyse language, communicate ideas clearly and write for different audiences and purposes.

Topics such as identity, war and conflict, literature, persuasive writing, creative writing and myths and legends allow students to explore important social, emotional and cultural themes alongside academic learning. The curriculum is designed to improve literacy, vocabulary, comprehension and oracy while encouraging imagination, reflection and self-expression.

Students are supported to develop the reading, writing and communication skills needed for GCSE study, future employment and everyday life. The curriculum also aims to foster confidence, resilience and independence by giving students regular opportunities to discuss ideas, present opinions and improve their work through feedback and reflection.

Curriculum Implementation

The KS3 English curriculum is delivered through a structured and supportive approach that combines explicit teaching, modelling, discussion, reading and extended writing opportunities. Lessons are sequenced carefully so that students revisit and build upon prior knowledge while developing increasingly secure literacy skills.

Students study a range of texts and genres across the year, including poetry, novels, persuasive texts, creative writing and non-fiction materials. Teachers model reading and writing strategies regularly, breaking down vocabulary, structure and analytical techniques into manageable steps.

Reading activities focus on retrieval, inference, analysis and comprehension, while writing activities develop sentence structure, paragraph organisation, vocabulary selection and accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Speaking and listening activities are embedded throughout lessons to encourage discussion, confidence and verbal reasoning.

Assessment takes place through regular questioning, retrieval activities, extended writing tasks, reading responses and half-termly assessments linked to the current topic. Students are given opportunities to edit, improve and reflect on their work so they develop independence and resilience as learners.

The curriculum also supports literacy across the wider school by reinforcing reading fluency, subject vocabulary and communication skills that can be applied in vocational learning and everyday situations.

Curriculum Impact

Students develop greater confidence in reading, writing and communication over time. They become more able to express ideas clearly, structure extended writing effectively and engage with increasingly challenging texts.

Students improve their ability to retrieve information, analyse language and explain ideas using evidence. They also develop greater accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar, alongside improved vocabulary and reading fluency.

The curriculum supports students’ wider personal development by encouraging discussion, reflection, creativity and self-expression. Students become more confident when sharing opinions, participating in discussion and presenting ideas verbally and in writing.

Through exposure to a range of texts, themes and viewpoints, students also develop cultural awareness, empathy and critical thinking skills. They gain a stronger understanding of how language is used to communicate meaning, influence audiences and express identity.

The overall impact of the KS3 English curriculum is that students leave with improved literacy, greater confidence and a stronger foundation for GCSE English, vocational learning and future pathways beyond school.

KS4 English Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The KS4 English curriculum at Blackpool Skills Academy is designed to help students develop the literacy, communication and analytical skills needed for GCSE study, future employment and everyday life. The curriculum aims to build confidence in reading, writing, speaking and listening while supporting students to become more independent, reflective and resilient learners.

Students study a range of literary and non-fiction texts that encourage them to explore language, structure, themes, viewpoints and social issues. The curriculum develops the ability to communicate clearly and effectively for different audiences and purposes while strengthening spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary.

The curriculum is sequenced to build upon prior learning from KS3 and progressively develop students’ understanding of English Language and English Literature. Students are supported to engage with increasingly challenging texts and tasks through carefully structured teaching, modelling and scaffolded practice.

Alongside academic development, the curriculum also promotes wider personal growth. Students explore themes such as identity, conflict, relationships, power, morality and social responsibility through literature and discussion. The curriculum encourages students to think critically, express opinions confidently and understand different perspectives.

The overall intent is to ensure students leave Blackpool Skills Academy with improved literacy, greater confidence and the qualifications and communication skills needed for further education, apprenticeships, employment and adult life.

Curriculum Implementation

The KS4 English curriculum is delivered through a structured and supportive approach that combines explicit instruction, modelling, reading, discussion and extended writing. Lessons are sequenced carefully to revisit and strengthen key knowledge and skills over time while preparing students for GCSE English Language and Literature assessments.

Students study a range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. Teaching focuses on developing reading comprehension, inference, language analysis, comparison skills and the ability to evaluate writers’ methods and viewpoints.

Writing activities develop students’ ability to write creatively, analytically and transactionally for different purposes and audiences. Students practise planning, drafting, editing and improving their work regularly while receiving targeted feedback to strengthen accuracy and structure.

Teachers use modelling, guided practice and scaffolded questioning to support students in understanding complex texts and building confidence in extended responses. Vocabulary instruction is embedded throughout the curriculum to improve literacy and comprehension.

Assessment is ongoing and includes retrieval practice, reading tasks, analytical paragraphs, mock examinations, spoken language activities and extended writing assessments. Students are encouraged to reflect on feedback and identify strategies for improvement.

The curriculum also reinforces literacy across the wider school by supporting students to apply reading, writing and communication skills within vocational subjects and real-life contexts.

Curriculum Impact

Students develop greater confidence and independence in reading, writing and communication. Over time, they become more secure in their ability to interpret texts, analyse language and structure, and communicate ideas clearly in both written and spoken forms.

Students improve their ability to write accurately and effectively for different purposes and audiences. They demonstrate stronger control of spelling, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary and essay structure while developing the resilience needed to approach extended writing tasks confidently.

The curriculum also supports students’ wider personal development by encouraging critical thinking, empathy, reflection and discussion. Through literature and non-fiction study, students develop a broader understanding of social, cultural and historical issues alongside the ability to consider different viewpoints thoughtfully.

Students become more confident when discussing ideas, presenting opinions and responding to challenge. They are increasingly able to apply literacy skills across vocational learning, examinations and everyday situations.

The overall impact of the KS4 English curriculum is that students leave Blackpool Skills Academy with improved literacy, stronger communication skills and greater preparedness for GCSE success, further study, employment and adult life.

General Studies Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The General Studies curriculum at Blackpool Skills Academy is designed to support students’ personal development, emotional wellbeing, employability and preparation for adult life. The curriculum aims to help students develop the knowledge, confidence and life skills needed to participate positively and safely in modern society.

Students explore a wide range of topics linked to citizenship, relationships, identity, decision-making, British values, online safety, employability, personal responsibility and future planning. The curriculum is designed to provide students with meaningful opportunities to discuss real-life issues, reflect on their own experiences and develop strategies for managing challenges positively.

The curriculum recognises that many students require additional support in developing confidence, resilience, communication and self-awareness. It therefore places strong emphasis on discussion, reflection, practical life skills and emotional literacy alongside preparation for future education, employment and independent living.

General Studies also supports the wider safeguarding and personal development priorities of the school. Students are encouraged to understand healthy relationships, consent, risk awareness, equality, diversity, tolerance and respectful behaviour. The curriculum promotes British values and helps students understand their rights, responsibilities and role within the wider community.

The overall intent is to equip students with the personal, social and employability skills needed to make informed choices, build positive relationships and move successfully into adulthood, further education, training or employment.

Curriculum Implementation

The General Studies curriculum is delivered through structured discussion, scenario-based learning, reflection activities, practical tasks and teacher-led exploration of real-world issues. Lessons are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel able to contribute, ask questions and develop confidence in expressing their views.

Topics are sequenced progressively across the year so that students revisit and deepen their understanding of key themes such as identity, responsibility, relationships, safety and employability. Teachers use modelling, questioning, discussion and real-life examples to make learning relevant and accessible.

The curriculum includes opportunities for paired discussion, group work, role play, problem-solving activities and reflection tasks that encourage students to apply learning to realistic situations. Key vocabulary linked to citizenship, relationships, wellbeing and employability is taught explicitly and revisited regularly.

Assessment takes place through discussion, observation, reflection activities, scenario responses and participation in practical tasks. Students are encouraged to evaluate decisions, consider consequences and identify positive strategies for managing situations safely and responsibly.

English and communication skills are embedded throughout the curriculum through discussion, presentation, reflection writing and collaborative activities. Numeracy and functional problem-solving are also developed through topics linked to budgeting, financial awareness and future planning.

Curriculum Impact

Students develop greater confidence, self-awareness and resilience over time. They become more able to communicate effectively, express opinions respectfully and participate positively in discussion and group activities.

Students demonstrate improved understanding of relationships, consent, safety, British values, personal responsibility and decision-making. They become more aware of how to manage risks, seek support when needed and make informed choices in different situations.

The curriculum supports students’ emotional and social development by helping them build empathy, tolerance, respect and self-confidence. Students become increasingly able to reflect on their own behaviour, understand the perspectives of others and manage challenges more positively.

Students also develop practical employability and life skills linked to communication, teamwork, organisation, financial awareness and preparation for adulthood. They gain a stronger understanding of future pathways, workplace expectations and the skills needed for independence.

The overall impact of the General Studies curriculum is that students leave Blackpool Skills Academy better prepared for life beyond school, with improved confidence, stronger personal development and a greater understanding of how to contribute positively to society, education and future employment.

Hair and Beauty Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The Hair and Beauty curriculum at Blackpool Skills Academy is designed to provide students with practical vocational skills, confidence and an understanding of professional salon standards. The curriculum aims to engage students through creative, hands-on learning experiences that develop independence, communication, teamwork and employability skills within a supportive environment.

Students are introduced to a wide range of hair and beauty techniques including nail care, manicure, gel polish application, nail art, hair washing, blow-drying, styling, facials, brow treatments and client consultation. The curriculum is sequenced to build confidence progressively, beginning with health and safety, hygiene and basic practical routines before moving towards more independent practical application and client-focused tasks.

The curriculum also supports wider personal development by helping students improve self-confidence, resilience, presentation, organisation and customer service skills. Students develop an understanding of professionalism, communication and the importance of positive relationships when working with clients and colleagues.

English and Maths are embedded throughout the curriculum through activities such as following written instructions, communicating with clients, evaluating practical outcomes, timing treatments, measuring products and calculating costs. The curriculum also encourages creativity, attention to detail and pride in personal achievement.

The overall intent is to ensure students leave with improved confidence, transferable vocational skills and meaningful preparation for further study, apprenticeships and future employment within the hair, beauty and wider service industries.

Curriculum Implementation

The Hair and Beauty curriculum is delivered through a practical and supportive approach that allows students to learn through demonstration, modelling, repetition and independent application. Lessons are structured around clear routines and professional expectations linked to salon environments and safe working practices.

Students participate regularly in practical sessions where they develop technical skills progressively over time. The curriculum begins with core areas such as hygiene, health and safety, salon expectations and product knowledge before moving towards more advanced practical techniques and client-based activities.

Teaching includes teacher modelling, guided instruction, scaffolded practice and opportunities for students to apply skills independently. Students are encouraged to reflect on their practical work, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and develop resilience through redrafting and repeated practice.

Assessment is ongoing and includes practical observation, questioning, discussion, peer feedback and completed practical outcomes. Students also take part in larger projects and salon-style activities that help develop teamwork, communication, organisation and professionalism.

Vocabulary linked to hair and beauty treatments, products, hygiene and customer care is explicitly taught and revisited regularly. English and communication skills are embedded through discussion, consultation and evaluation activities, while Maths skills are applied through timing, measuring products, sequencing treatments and basic costing activities.

Curriculum Impact

Students develop increasing confidence, independence and competence within practical hair and beauty environments. Over time, they become more secure in their ability to follow processes, apply techniques safely and complete practical tasks with greater accuracy and professionalism.

Students demonstrate improved understanding of hygiene, health and safety, customer care and professional expectations within salon environments. They become increasingly confident when communicating with others, presenting themselves professionally and working collaboratively during practical activities.

The curriculum supports wider personal development by helping students build resilience, self-esteem, communication skills and pride in their work. Students become more willing to participate, take responsibility and reflect positively on their own progress and development.

Through embedded English and Maths, students also strengthen important functional skills linked to communication, reading, timing, measuring and problem-solving. These transferable skills support both academic development and future employability.

The overall impact of the Hair and Beauty curriculum is that students leave Blackpool Skills Academy with greater confidence, practical vocational skills and a stronger understanding of potential progression routes into further education, apprenticeships and employment within the hair and beauty industry.

KS4 Functional Skills Maths Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The KS4 Functional Skills Maths curriculum at Blackpool Skills Academy is designed to develop students’ confidence and competence in applying mathematical skills to everyday life, future employment and vocational learning. The curriculum aims to help students see Maths as a practical and valuable subject that supports independence, problem-solving and preparation for adulthood.

Students develop the core numeracy skills needed for Functional Skills qualifications and future progression routes. The curriculum focuses on number, calculation, fractions, percentages, ratio, measure, money, time, data handling and problem-solving, with learning linked wherever possible to real-life and vocational contexts.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to revisit and strengthen prior learning while building students’ confidence progressively over time. Students are encouraged to develop fluency, accuracy and resilience when approaching mathematical tasks, particularly those linked to practical situations such as budgeting, measuring, costing, interpreting data and calculating quantities.

The curriculum also supports wider personal development by helping students build independence, logical thinking and confidence in managing everyday mathematical situations. Links are made to vocational pathways including Construction, Catering and Hospitality, and Hair and Beauty so that students understand how Maths is applied within working environments.

The overall intent is to ensure students leave Blackpool Skills Academy with stronger numeracy skills, increased confidence and the mathematical understanding needed for further education, employment, apprenticeships and independent living.

Curriculum Implementation

The KS4 Functional Skills Maths curriculum is delivered through a structured, supportive and practical approach that allows students to develop mathematical understanding through repetition, modelling, discussion and real-life application.

Lessons are carefully sequenced to revisit key concepts regularly through retrieval practice and scaffolded tasks. Teachers break down mathematical processes into manageable steps and use modelling and guided practice to support understanding before students apply skills independently.

Students engage in a range of activities including fluency tasks, practical problem-solving, functional scenarios, vocationally linked activities and exam-style questions. Learning is contextualised wherever possible to help students understand the relevance of Maths in everyday situations and future careers.

Assessment takes place through regular questioning, retrieval activities, practical tasks, diagnostic assessment, mock examinations and Functional Skills practice papers. Students are encouraged to reflect on mistakes, develop resilience and identify strategies for improvement.

Teachers use targeted support, repetition and differentiated activities to address gaps in knowledge and strengthen confidence. Key mathematical vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly to improve understanding and communication.

The curriculum also supports cross-curricular learning by linking mathematical skills to vocational subjects. Students apply Maths through measuring materials in Construction, calculating timings and quantities in Catering and Hospitality, and measuring products, timings and costs in Hair and Beauty.

Curriculum Impact

Students develop greater confidence and independence when applying Maths in both academic and real-life situations. Over time, they become more secure in their understanding of core numeracy skills and more willing to attempt mathematical problems independently.

Students improve their fluency and accuracy in calculations involving number, fractions, percentages, ratio, measure and data handling. They become increasingly able to apply these skills within practical contexts such as budgeting, measuring, interpreting information and solving functional problems.

The curriculum supports students’ resilience and problem-solving abilities by encouraging them to approach tasks systematically, learn from mistakes and explain their mathematical thinking more clearly.

Students also develop stronger understanding of how Maths links to vocational learning and future employment. They become more aware of how mathematical skills are used in areas such as construction measurements, food costing, budgeting, timing, stock control and workplace problem-solving.

The overall impact of the KS4 Functional Skills Maths curriculum is that students leave Blackpool Skills Academy with improved numeracy, greater confidence and stronger preparation for Functional Skills qualifications, future study, employment and independent adult life.

KS3 Maths Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The KS3 Maths curriculum at Blackpool Skills Academy is designed to develop students’ confidence, fluency and understanding in core mathematical concepts while helping them recognise the importance of Maths in everyday life and future employment. The curriculum aims to build strong foundations in numeracy, reasoning and problem-solving through engaging and supportive learning experiences.

Students develop knowledge and understanding across key mathematical areas including number, calculation, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry, measure, probability and statistics. The curriculum is sequenced carefully so that students revisit and strengthen prior learning while gradually building confidence and independence.

The curriculum recognises that many students arrive with gaps in mathematical knowledge or low confidence in the subject. Teaching is therefore designed to provide structure, repetition, modelling and scaffolded support so students can experience success and make meaningful progress over time.

Maths is linked wherever possible to practical and vocational contexts so students understand its relevance beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to apply mathematical skills in situations connected to construction, catering, hair and beauty, budgeting, measuring, problem-solving and everyday decision-making.

The overall intent is to ensure students develop secure mathematical foundations, increased confidence and the resilience needed to access KS4 Maths, vocational learning and future pathways beyond school.

Curriculum Implementation

The KS3 Maths curriculum is delivered through a structured and supportive approach that combines explicit teaching, modelling, guided practice, retrieval activities and problem-solving opportunities. Lessons are sequenced carefully so that key skills and concepts are revisited regularly to strengthen retention and understanding.

Teachers break down mathematical processes into manageable steps and use modelling to demonstrate methods clearly before students apply learning independently. Students are given opportunities to practise fluency alongside reasoning and application tasks that develop deeper understanding.

Assessment takes place through regular questioning, retrieval practice, low-stakes quizzes, classwork, diagnostic activities and end-of-topic assessments. Teachers identify gaps in understanding quickly and adapt teaching to provide additional support, repetition and intervention where needed.

Students are encouraged to explain mathematical thinking verbally and in writing so they develop confidence in mathematical language and reasoning. Vocabulary linked to key mathematical concepts is explicitly taught and revisited throughout the curriculum.

The curriculum also supports wider school learning by linking Maths to practical vocational activities and real-life situations. Students apply measurement, estimation, calculation, timing and problem-solving skills across vocational areas and everyday contexts.

Curriculum Impact

Students develop increasing confidence and competence in core mathematical skills over time. They become more secure in their understanding of number, calculation, measure, ratio, algebra and data handling and are increasingly able to apply these skills independently.

Students improve their fluency, reasoning and problem-solving abilities through regular practice and structured support. They become more willing to attempt mathematical tasks, explain their thinking and learn from mistakes positively.

The curriculum supports students’ wider personal development by helping them build resilience, logical thinking and confidence in practical problem-solving. Students gain a stronger understanding of how Maths is used in vocational learning, employment and everyday life.

Students also develop improved mathematical vocabulary and communication skills, enabling them to discuss methods, explain solutions and engage more confidently in lessons.

The overall impact of the KS3 Maths curriculum is that students leave Key Stage 3 with improved numeracy, greater confidence and a stronger foundation for KS4 Maths, vocational pathways and future progression into further education, employment and adult life.