Arc School Old Arley
WarwickshireCurriculum & Approach
Empowering growth through purposeful learning, our curriculum is designed specifically for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. It blends academic achievement with personal growth, vocational training, and real-world experiences. At its heart are ten powerful themes that guide learning and personal development, helping pupils build resilience, character, and a sense of purpose.
Ten Key Themes: Each theme focuses on a core idea that shapes both academic content and personal development activities. Themes include:
- Humble Beginnings – Exploring identity, roots, and personal journeys. Encourages empathy, identity-building, and resilience
- Equality – Fairness, justice and human rights. Develops the pupil voice in the pursuit of advocating for fairness.
- War & Peace– The pursuit of peace and understanding the causes and consequences of conflict. Supports emotional resilience in personal conflict.
- Great Leaders – Leaders who have shaped the world. Exploration of leadership styles, skills and the impact of decisions.
- Wildlife – The natural world, our responsibility to it and the importance of biodiversity. Explore conservation projects and social conscience.
- Animal Ethics – Animal rights, welfare and human responsibility. Delve into philosophical questions and real-world issues.
- Stories of the World – Stories about people and events from all around the world. Develop tolerance and understanding through celebration of diversity.
- Respect – Building emotional intelligence and social awareness. Learning about mutual respect, boundaries and kindness in relationships and communities.
- Armageddon – Pupils examine human responses to crisis, survival, and rebuilding. Fostering resilience and critical thinking.
- The World – global awareness, sustainability, and future aspirations. Pupils reflect on their place in the world and how they can contribute positively.
Pupils in all year groups access a broad and balanced curriculum taught mostly through these themes. This includes English, Maths, Science, Humanities, PSHE, PE, Art, RE. Pupils also access personal development sessions and careers advice.
National Curriculum
National Curriculum, Subjects and Qualifications
In Years 3 – 8 we cover all the subjects in the national curriculum. For students in Year 9 and above, they move onto studying vocational courses and core academic subjects. All pupils work towards the following outcomes:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Two vocational accreditations
- The Duke of Edinburgh Award
- The King’s Award
- WJEC Personal and Social Development
Vocational courses are:
- Art
- Photography
- Textiles
- Construction
- Sport
- Digital Tech & Leisure
- Hospitality & Catering
- Health & Care
Vocational subjects have some flexibility, and the offer may change for each cohort’s needs.
Flexible Learning Programme
Where students struggle with the full-time expectations of our curriculum, there is the possibility of working with the school by making use of a Flexible Learning Plan. These are created as a short-term alternative to full-time hours in school, planned with the student’s individual needs and interests at their core.
Outdoor and physical education
At our school, all pupils benefit from a rich and inclusive Physical Education (PE) program, with weekly sessions that cover a diverse range of sports, games, and fitness activities. Every student is assigned to a house, fostering a strong sense of community and healthy competition through regular intra-school sporting events.
Outdoor learning is a key part of our curriculum. Younger pupils participate in Forest School, where they develop confidence, resilience, and a connection with nature through hands-on experiences. Across all year groups, teachers actively seek opportunities to take learning beyond the classroom, making the most of our outdoor spaces to enrich the curriculum.
Older students, particularly those in Key Stage 4 with a passion for sport, have the option to pursue vocational qualifications in physical education, allowing them to deepen their knowledge and skills in this area.
Additionally, the Duke of Edinburgh Award program offers pupils the chance to explore the local area, build teamwork and leadership skills, and engage in meaningful outdoor challenges.
Life skills
Our Life Skills program is designed to support the personal development of every pupil, empowering them to grow into thoughtful, capable, and well-rounded individuals. All students are taught in a way that encourages them to:
- Reflect on their own values and beliefs.
- Explore the diverse cultures and perspectives in the world around them.
- Engage with some of life’s ‘big questions’ in a safe and supportive environment.
- Develop essential life skills that contribute to their future success, both personally and professionally.
In Year 10, pupils benefit from dedicated Life Skills lessons that provide more focused and explicit instruction on key topics relevant to their stage of development.
To ensure meaningful progress, all pupils are assessed on their achievement of personal development targets, allowing for tailored support and recognition of individual growth.
Community engagement
Our school places a strong emphasis on activities that enrich the Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) development of every pupil. We believe that fostering a deep sense of community and belonging is essential to a well-rounded education.
Each year, the school actively participates in and hosts a variety of cultural events that celebrate diversity and promote understanding and respect for others. These events provide pupils with opportunities to learn about and appreciate different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
A key part of our community ethos is charitable giving. Every year, the school selects a charity to support through fundraising activities, encouraging pupils to develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility.
We also work closely with local community members, who collaborate with us on projects, festivals, and events that benefit both the school and the wider community. These partnerships help pupils see the value of civic engagement and the impact they can have beyond the classroom.
By making the most of opportunities in the local area and forging strong relationships with local businesses, we aim to give pupils a real-world understanding of community life and help them build connections that support their personal and professional growth.
Enrichment and wider opportunities
At our school, we place high value on enriching the curriculum throughout the year with a wide range of trips, visitors, and hands-on experiences that bring learning to life and broaden pupils’ horizons.
We are proud to offer pupils access to a variety of enrichment opportunities, including:
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which builds resilience, teamwork, and independence. As part of this they may experience unique activities such as fishing, horse care, and climbing, allowing pupils to explore new interests and develop practical skills.
- Participation in school sports teams, where pupils can build confidence, stay active, and represent the school with pride.
- Opportunities to take part in competitions and festivals, celebrating creativity, talent, and achievement across a range of disciplines.
These experiences are designed to inspire curiosity, nurture talents, and help pupils discover their passions beyond the classroom.
Vocational skills offer
Our school is committed to helping pupils discover and develop their vocational interests from an early age. In the younger years, pupils are encouraged to talk about and explore different career pathways, helping them build awareness of the world of work and begin to shape their aspirations.
As pupils progress through the school, they take part in vocational preparation sessions that focus on building high aspirations, practical skills, and an understanding of various industries. Wherever possible, core subjects are linked to vocational pathways, helping pupils see the real-world relevance of their learning.
In Year 9, pupils experience a full year of termly taster sessions, exploring between 6 to 8 different vocational courses. These sessions allow them to make informed choices about the vocational pathway they will follow full-time in Key Stage 4, ensuring their education is tailored to their interests and future goals.
This structured approach ensures that every pupil is supported in developing the skills, confidence, and ambition needed for success in further education, training, and employment.
