Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact

Our Curriculum Vision

At Blackpool Skills Academy, we believe in inspirational learning, being at the heart of the community, celebrating diversity, and providing the right balance of challenge and support.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire, empower, and equip every student with the academic, vocational, social, and emotional skills they need for lifelong success.

 

Intent

 

At Blackpool Skills Academy, our curriculum is shaped by a simple belief: every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive — academically, personally, and vocationally.

Our mission is to create a curriculum that:

  • Equips students with essential knowledge, skills, and experiences for life and work
     
  • Builds resilience, independence, and self-confidence
     
  • Opens doors to meaningful careers and lifelong learning
     
  • Encourages pride in individual achievements and respect for diversity
     
  • Strengthens connections to the local community and wider society
     

We believe that education should prepare students not just to pass exams, but to live well, work well, and contribute well.
Every student at Blackpool Skills Academy follows a learning journey that values practical skills, academic progress, emotional development, and real-world preparation.

Our curriculum inspires ambition, nurtures strengths, and supports every young person to move towards their goals — whether that is further education, apprenticeships, skilled employment, or making a positive difference in their community.

 

Our Teaching Values: BUILD

At Blackpool Skills Academy, outstanding teaching is based on BUILD:

B – Believe in every student's potential
U – Understand individual needs and strengths
I – Inspire curiosity, effort, and ambition
L – Lead by example with positivity and professionalism
D – Develop skills for life, work, and wellbeing

 

BUILD underpins every lesson, every interaction, and every step of our students' development.

 

Implementation

 

Teaching Approach

Every teacher at Blackpool Skills Academy is committed to delivering lessons that reflect our BUILD values, ensuring students experience learning that is:

  • Ambitious and supportive
     
  • Adapted to individual needs
     
  • Rooted in positive relationships
     
  • Focused on embedding lasting knowledge and skills
     

We create environments where students feel safe to challenge themselves, develop resilience, and experience success.

 

Learning Pathways

Learning is personalised and flexible.
Students can follow one of our carefully structured learning pathways — academic, vocational, or a blend of both — with the opportunity to move between pathways based on their progress, interests, and ambitions.

Our teaching strategies adapt to the needs of each learner, supporting high expectations alongside strong pastoral care.

 

Curriculum Breadth

At Key Stage 3, students study a broad range of subjects, including:

  • Maths
  • English
  • Science
  • Human and Social Sciences
  • Technology
  • Cooking
  • Physical Education
  • Personal Development
  • Careers Education
  • Art

 

At Key Stage 4, students build on these foundations while specialising further.
Alongside core academic subjects, students can pursue vocational qualifications in areas such as:

  • Construction
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Other industry-linked practical pathways

Careers education, personal development, and enrichment activities continue to play a vital role in preparing students for their next steps.

 

Therapeutic Support

We offer an inclusive and supportive environment that meets the varied needs of our students.
Our therapeutic provision includes:

  • Reset Room Sessions
  • Draw and Talk Therapy
  • Resilience Coaching
  • Practical Therapy - construction trades and hair and beauty

This support strengthens students' emotional wellbeing, communication skills, and readiness for adult life.

 

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Safeguarding is at the centre of school life.

Our curriculum teaches students to:

  • Stay safe online, at school, at home, and in the community
  • Recognise and form healthy relationships
  • Understand diversity, equality, and inclusion
  • Challenge discrimination and bullying
  • Develop personal safety awareness, including first aid and drug education
     

Reset Rooms help students manage emotions and build self-regulation strategies that support positive behaviour and mental health.

 

Impact

 

Student Outcomes

Our curriculum aims to produce:

  • Confident communicators
  • Skilled vocational learners
  • Resilient individuals ready for the demands of life and work
  • Respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to their community
     

Through inspirational learning and practical experiences, students leave Blackpool Skills Academy with the qualifications, skills, and values needed for success in further education, apprenticeships, and employment.

 

Evaluation and Assessment

We rigorously monitor and assess progress through:

  • Termly student development reviews
  • Continuous tracking of academic and vocational achievements
  • Personal and social development assessments
  • Internal quality assurance and moderation
  • External evaluation and professional reviews
     

This ensures that every student’s progress is recognised, celebrated, and supported at every stage of their journey.

 

Blackpool Skills Academy: Building futures, inspiring ambition, and celebrating every success.