English: A Language for Life
English is a dynamic language, ever-evolving like the world around us. From the introduction of new technologies to the shifting cultural landscape, English continues to shape and be shaped by our society. At GCA, we recognize the importance of English as a foundational subject, essential for academic and personal success.
Our English department is committed to providing a relevant and inspiring curriculum that equips students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. We believe that English is more than just a subject; it's a gateway to understanding the world, expressing oneself, and achieving one's goals.
Through our carefully designed curriculum, we aim to develop students' understanding of language, literature, and its cultural significance. We foster a love of reading by exposing students to a wide range of texts, from classic literature to contemporary works. Our lessons are engaging, thought-provoking, and designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking.
We believe that every student has the potential to succeed, regardless of their starting point. Our teachers are passionate about their subject and dedicated to providing individualised support to help students reach their full potential. We encourage students to explore their own interests and develop their unique voices through writing, speaking, and listening.
Ultimately, our goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their future endeavours. By developing their English language abilities, we are helping them to become well-rounded individuals who are capable of critical thinking, effective communication, and lifelong learning.
Mathematics: Building a Strong Foundation
At GCA, we are passionate that all learners can engage with a rigorous, robust and ambitious mathematics curriculum.
We hold high expectations for each child through our inclusive curriculum, enabling all students to master key mathematical concepts and encouraging further studies beyond KS4. Learners are supported to ensure they achieve the best outcomes during their time at GCA and see the relevance of mathematics in the wider world, resulting in better life chances.
We firmly believe that mathematical intelligence is expandable, and that every child can learn mathematics to their full potential. Students are encouraged to work independently, to develop confidence and resilience but also with other students to develop their oracy and group working skills. We believe that pupils should be encouraged to use technical language throughout their mathematical learning journey to deepen their understanding of logical concepts.
Mathematics is an academic subject and being able to reason, justify and problem solve is at the centre of what we do. Our aim is to have a curriculum that creates the optimal conditions for every student to have a deeper, long-lasting understanding of key mathematical concepts that they can interleave with different subjects, situations and applications.
We understand that mathematics can often get negative press and is considered socially acceptable to be ‘not good at maths, but we want to challenge this stigma. Mathematics is a life skill with wonderful opportunities to help us see the world that we live in from a different viewpoint.
Geography: Exploring Our World
Geography is more than just learning about maps and countries; it's about understanding the interconnectedness of our planet and the impact of human activities on our environment. At GCA, our geography department is committed to providing a dynamic and engaging curriculum that fosters a love of exploration and a respect for the natural world.
Through our lessons, we explore a wide range of geographical topics, from physical geography to human geography. We use a variety of teaching methods, including fieldwork, research, and technology, to bring the subject to life and make it relevant to students' experiences.
By studying geography, students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. They learn about different cultures, environments, and challenges facing our planet. They also develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis.
Our goal is to inspire students to become responsible global citizens who are aware of the issues facing our world and are motivated to make a positive impact. Through the study of geography, we hope to foster a love of learning, a sense of wonder, and a commitment to sustainability.
History: Unlocking the Past
At GCA, our history curriculum is designed to empower students to explore and understand the world around them. We believe that studying history is essential for developing critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship.
Through our vibrant and ambitious curriculum, students delve into a wide range of historical topics, from local to global. They learn about significant events, influential figures, and the interconnectedness of history. By studying the past, students gain a deeper understanding of the present and the challenges we face today.
Our goal is to inspire students to become curious and engaged learners who can analyse evidence, interpret historical sources, and evaluate different perspectives. We encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and form their own opinions.
By studying history at GCA, students develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. They learn to communicate effectively, think critically, and solve problems. They also develop a sense of cultural awareness and an appreciation for the diversity of human experiences.
Ultimately, our vision for history education at GCA is to help students become informed and engaged citizens who are capable of shaping their own futures and making a positive impact on the world.
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Head of History- Mr Farquarson
d.farquarson@garstang.FCAT.org.uk
Exam board
Design & Technology: Shaping the Future
At GCA, our Design & Technology (DT) curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and creativity they need to thrive in the modern world. We believe that DT is more than just a subject; it's a gateway to a wide range of exciting careers and opportunities.
Our curriculum fosters confidence, promotes diversity and sustainability, and nurtures independence. We encourage students to explore cultural topics through design, consider the environmental impact of their creations, and take risks in their practical work.
We believe that all learners have the potential to succeed in DT. Our curriculum is designed to challenge students, inspire creativity, and help them discover their unique talents. By combining practical work with academic study, we provide students with a deeper understanding of design principles and processes.
Through DT, students develop a range of essential skills, including practical skills, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These skills will benefit them throughout their lives, whether they pursue a career in design or another field.
By studying Design & Technology at GCA, students become confident, creative, and independent thinkers who are prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern world. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of careers and make a positive impact on society.
PSHE: Preparing Students for Life
At GCA, we believe that Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education is essential for equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to thrive in today's world. Our PHSE curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and holistic learning experience that addresses the real-world challenges and opportunities that our students will face.
Through our PHSE program, students develop a deep understanding of their own well-being, health, and relationships. They learn to make informed decisions, build resilience, and cope with challenges effectively. Our curriculum is tailored to the specific needs of our students and is regularly updated to reflect the changing landscape of modern Britain.
We use a mindful approach to PHSE, integrating personal, social, health, economic education, emotional literacy, social skills, mental health, and resilience development into a cohesive learning experience. Our teaching strategies are varied and designed to accommodate different learning styles and provide appropriate differentiation.
By studying PHSE, students develop the skills and attributes they need to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. They learn to manage their lives effectively, make responsible decisions, and build strong relationships. Ultimately, PHSE education helps our students to become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood.
Religious Education: Exploring Diverse Perspectives
At GCA, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum offers students a unique opportunity to explore the diverse religious and non-religious traditions that have shaped our world. Through a rigorous and engaging curriculum, students develop a deeper understanding of their own beliefs, values, and identity.
RE at GCA is designed to be intellectually challenging and personally enriching. It encourages students to consider different worldviews, explore their own place in the world, and develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and respect.
Our curriculum focuses on shared human experiences, allowing students to examine how religion and belief systems have influenced individuals and societies throughout history. By studying these traditions, students can develop their own character, build resilience, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.
RE plays a significant role in students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. It promotes respect for diversity, encourages self-awareness, and helps students to develop a sense of belonging.
Our goal is to provide a rigorous academic curriculum that is both challenging and inclusive. We aim to inspire students to discover and develop their own interests and talents while equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
Creative Arts : Igniting your Imagination
The Creative Arts department at Garstang Community Academy offers a diverse and engaging curriculum designed to nurture students' artistic talents and expand their cultural knowledge. Through practical-focused lessons, students develop essential skills, build confidence, and discover a lifelong love of the arts.
The curriculum is carefully designed to cater to students of all abilities, providing opportunities for both skill development and exploration. Students delve into the works of renowned artists, musicians, and dramatists, gaining a deeper understanding of the arts and their impact on society.
Beyond technical skills, the Creative Arts department emphasises the importance of self-expression, emotional growth, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore their own creativity, collaborate with others, and develop a sense of independence.
By studying Creative Arts at GCA, students gain valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, including effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. The department aims to inspire students to pursue their artistic passions beyond the classroom, whether as a career or as a lifelong hobby.
Physical Education: Winning and Well-being
At GCA, we believe that physical education plays a vital role in students' overall development. Our PE curriculum is designed to provide a broad, balanced, and inclusive experience that benefits all students.
We aim to inspire students to lead healthy, active lifestyles and develop a lifelong appreciation for sports and physical activity. Our curriculum includes a wide range of sports and activities, both within and outside of the classroom, to cater to diverse interests and abilities.
Through our PE program, students develop essential skills such as technique, tactics, and teamwork. They also learn important values like sportsmanship, confidence, resilience, and empathy. Our goal is to help students become well-rounded individuals who are physically active, mentally healthy, and socially responsible.
We provide students with opportunities to participate in competitive and creative activities, both within and outside of school. This helps them develop personally and socially and prepares them for success in sports and life.
We also focus on providing students with knowledge about different pathways and careers related to sports and physical activity. This helps them make informed decisions about their future and explore opportunities beyond GCA.
Ultimately, our PE curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.
Science at GCA: Igniting Curiosity and Inspiring Innovation
At Garstang Community Academy, our science department is committed to fostering a love of learning and inspiring students to become curious, inquisitive, and knowledgeable citizens. We believe that every child has the potential to excel in science, and we strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential.
Our curriculum is designed to ignite students' curiosity about the world around them and to develop their scientific skills. We focus on both substantive knowledge and scientific practices, equipping students with the tools they need to understand the natural world and make informed decisions.
We build upon students' prior knowledge and skills, ensuring a seamless transition from primary to secondary education. Students learn to investigate, question, analyse, and conduct experiments, developing the skills necessary for scientific inquiry. We emphasise the importance of science in society and its impact on our daily lives. Our curriculum is designed to spark students' curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning. We equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in science-related fields and to contribute to the world as informed citizens.
We recognize that students come to us with their own ideas and theories about the world. Our curriculum is designed to address misconceptions and build a solid foundation for future learning. We also emphasise the importance of reading and scientific literacy, incorporating reading into our lessons and explicitly teaching scientific vocabulary.
By providing a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment, we aim to empower our students to become confident, curious, and successful scientists.
Digital Business and Technology : Innovating the Future
In today's increasingly digital world, understanding business and media is essential for success. At GCA, our Digital Business and Technology department equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in this dynamic field.
Our curriculum is designed to inspire learners to discover and develop their passions. We encourage creativity, experimentation, and a deep understanding of the wider world. Through our rigorous coursework, students gain practical ICT skills, develop strong theoretical foundations, and learn about the implications of living in the digital age.
We offer a range of pathways at Key Stage 4, including GCSE Business and OCR National in Creative iMedia. This allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and strengths. Our curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments in business and media, ensuring that students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
We believe in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Through programs like Young Enterprise and our school media team, students have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world projects.
Our ultimate goal is to help students become confident, successful individuals who are equipped to navigate the digital landscape. By studying business and media at GCA, students develop the skills they need to succeed in further education, careers, and life.
Additionally, we offer Computing at KS3 and follow OCR GCSE Computer Science at KS4. We engage in various enrichment activities, such as the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge and Teen Tech; these opportunities allow students to explore their interests in a supportive and engaging environment.