The Post 16 curriculum is undergoing exciting changes! However, we appreciate that this transition period can cause anxiety for both parents and pupils - here, we aim to address some of your questions and concerns.
If you have any further questions about the new curriculum, or specific questions relating to your child, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
Kasia Glinka: kasiaglinka@maplewell.leics.sch.uk
Rebecca Ryman: r.ryman@maplewell.leics.sch.uk
Why has the curriculum changed?
Regularly reviewing and updating the curriculum is integral to providing an outstanding education for your child. The new curriculum has been built to ensure your child receives the best possible experience at Maplewell P16, combining academic challenges with personal, social and cultural development.
Which pathway should we choose? Can we change pathways later on if we feel we’ve made the wrong decision?
The pathway you and your child choose depends on their current position and their future aspirations. Please read the information in the booklet or on the website to assist your initial decision. If staff who know your child well feel like a different pathway might be more suitable, we will contact you to discuss further.
Whilst we don’t want to encourage switching between pathways, we appreciate that in this transition period, we need to offer some flexibility for our current students. If at any point in your child’s journey you feel the pathway is no longer suited, please contact us and we can discuss this on a case by case basis.
How do I know my child will be academically challenged?
In the new curriculum, we have reintroduced GCSE Maths and English for the Work-ready and College-ready students to ensure sufficient academic challenge and equip pupils with a more widely recognised qualification. For the Life-ready pathway, students have the option to complete a qualification at either Entry level 1, 2 or 3, ensuring academic progression and challenge. Again, we can offer flexibility for current students dependent on the outcome of the qualifications attempted this year.
Why can’t my child choose options on the College-ready or Life-ready pathway?
Options are designed to support the vocational aspect of the Work-ready curriculum and take two years to complete. The College-ready and Life-ready pathways include components tailored to your child’s future aspirations which the Work-ready pathway doesn’t.
All students have an element of choice in the Enrichment offer to suit their needs and personal interests.
My child is part way through a qualification on the current curriculum - what happens to this when the pathways change?
With most qualifications which students have been working towards, they will be able to claim the units completed at the current level. They will not lose the qualification.
Why are you no longer offering qualifications in Employability?
Choosing not to offer these qualifications allows us to tailor the curriculum to the needs and interests of our students.
Why are you no longer offering Functional Skills in English and Maths?
Both nationally and within our setting, Functional Skills outcomes are much poorer than GCSE. It is also a lesser recognised qualification for those wishing to go into employment or further study. As both Functional Skills and GCSE are 100% exam, students have much better chances of securing a recognised qualification with the GCSE.
What would my child study if she/he has already obtained GCSE Grade 4 or above in maths and English?
Students can study towards higher GCSE grades, participate in a Leadership Skills Programme, and gain Level 2 qualification. The course is delivered through maths and/or English. Students will learn and demonstrate basic leadership skills to help themselves and others improve their attainment and engagement with core-curricular subjects.