Curriculum Intent

The curriculum at James Bateman is rich in knowledge.

James Bateman Middle School provides opportunities for all our pupils through our curriculum and wider educational opportunities. Our intent is to ensure that all pupils make outstanding progress and that our curriculum will remove any barriers that may affect their learning.

Subject-specifically, the curriculum is built around a progression model that ensures pupils incrementally gain deep knowledge and skills that are fundamental to each subject. Purposeful assessment is integral to the curriculum to ensure knowledge is fully embedded and highlights areas for development.

Throughout the curriculum there is a strong emphasis on developing;

• a ‘love of learning’.
• readiness, resilience and respectfulness: the skills required to be a productive member a diverse 21st century society
• an understanding of ‘British Values’ and the implications for life in modern day Britain.
• pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural learning.
• independence and enabling pupils to become creative, critical thinkers.
• an understanding of the importance, through the careers programme, of the opportunities available to pupils once they leave school.

At the heart of the school is the focus on broadening pupils’ cultural horizons to ensure they are able to continue to the next stage of their educational journey.

Implementation

Students will study a range of sports increasing in skill level and tactical awareness as they progress through the years. High quality teaching ensures that lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all ages and abilities. Information technology is used to analyse performance and sports technique videos are used as a stimulus. 

Leadership opportunities are provided within the classroom situation, as part of the school enrichment programme and during transition festivals with our first school feeders. The curriculum is supported by an extensive range of competitions, extra-curricular clubs, outdoor educational visits and specialist coaches. 

Teachers promote exercise as part of a wider wellbeing offer and share the benefits of exercise on health and wellbeing, to prepare students to lead a healthy and active lifestyle once they leave school. The PE curriculum is inclusive and provides opportunities for all students to achieve regardless of ability.

Impact

Ready, resilient, respectful

The whole Physical Education experience is driven to give students a passion for physical activity, an appreciation of how to maintain their health, and a greater insight into their own skills and potential. As well as this it makes them more resilient to challenge, through adopting a ‘mental toughness’.

Evidence of knowledge/skills

Assessment of student’s learning in Physical Education is an ongoing monitoring of student’s skills and application as well as their knowledge and understanding of rules and tactics during lessons. This can be done through observing practical application, group discussion and reciprocal student coaching.

Student voice

The enrichment programme provides a wealth of opportunities for students to further demonstrate their learning, progression and enjoyment of PE, through their involvement in sports clubs, inter-house events and participation in Staffordshire Moorlands competitions. Enjoying a lifelong active lifestyle in all its forms will give students a higher degree of self-assurance, as well as improving their mental and physical health.

Click here for the Progression map