Our approach to learning
At Heartlands Academy, we are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning and we are relentless in the desire to improve standards. We want students to become independent, self-motivated learners, developing the qualities that are so highly sought after by colleges, universities and employers. Our curriculum is a crucial part of our delivery of an excellent education to all of our students, enabling them with a life-long appreciation of learning.
The curriculum is ‘knowledge-rich’ and encourages students to acquire and make use of different types of knowledge over time, developing their abilities and mastering the content. It is this cycle of ‘Mastery’ teaching and learning, together with the excellent ‘climate for learning’ in our classrooms which underpins the successful educational outcomes of our students.
Our curriculum is well-structured in each subject area, with high-level (long-term) plans that cover entire academic years and key stages, down to medium- and short-term plans that specify the exact content to be taught and how best to teach it. Our teaching methods are scaffolded carefully to ensure we cater for the needs of all our students, including those who may have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), or those with English as an additional language (EAL). We also carefully consider the learning of the highest ability pupils, allowing opportunities to deepen learning and stretch them to their full potential.
Sport and arts are an important part of our academy identity and we encourage all students to take an active part in extra-curricular activities. The ability of the performing arts to embrace all subject disciplines and social activities empowers students with the skills needed to communicate more effectively in whatever profession they end up involved in.
Our curriculum is fully inclusive and meets the needs of all students and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Learning Policy