Pendle Vale is serious about learning.
Our curriculum contributes to the development of all students at Pendle Vale College through our unrelenting focus on:
Currency: we deliver lessons and courses that equip students with the knowledge, skills, understanding and qualifications that enable them to successfully access further education, employment and training post-16. This is built upon quality first teaching, robust assessment and accountability, and well designed learning schemes.
Core skills: we develop essential life skills in students including literacy (including digital literacy), numeracy, oracy, leadership, and personal development. These skills will enable students to access high value qualifications; develop their personal and employability characteristics; and know how to keep themselves safe and healthy.
Character: we develop cultural capital in students through a series of deliberate and planned opportunities that including but not limited to: My Personal Best in PE; Prince’s trust; Social action and charity work; outdoor learning and residential activities; the Pendle Vale 50 and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme
Our curriculum contributes to the development of students at Pendle Vale through their development in five key areas:
Social development is encouraged through collaborative learning across the curriculum including practical, group and team work in many subjects.
Moral development of students is promoted through the effective teaching of personal development as well as explicit teaching of ethics and conflicts across the curriculum including, but not limited to Science, Religious Studies, History and Geography.
Spiritual development is highlighted when providing students with the opportunity to reflect upon their obligation as educated citizens as well as explicit education related to major faiths and belief systems, so that they can use this knowledge to better understand and support the lives of others.
Cultural development is supported by exposing students to different cultural beliefs as well as developing their own cultural capital, addressing misconceptions, breaking down barriers and removing glass ceilings on student ambition.
Personal development is explicitly taught so that students know how to keep themselves safe in all aspects of their life and how to develop safe and healthy relationships in the future. It is addressed through deliberate and planned activities embedded within the curriculum that enhances students experience and appreciation of their environment; their sense of value and self-worth and their skills and potential.
We seek to instill a true love of learning in all our students by:
- Promoting a love of learning through effort based praise;
- Developing secure classroom environments where failure is accepted and embraced as an essential part of learning;
- Providing a curriculum that offers appropriate choice to students to develop their academic and personal interests and pursuits.
In order to achieve a true understanding of each subject, topics have been intelligently sequenced based on the following rationale:
- Students gain access to a broad and balanced curriculum upon entry in Y7;
- Subject areas teach the fundamental knowledge, skills and understanding in line with the national curriculum that will develop competency, fluency and passion;
- Curriculum areas choose the most powerful topics and modules to make learning relevant to students and use these to add breadth as well as depth to understanding.
Our intent is that by the end of Year 11 students at Pendle Vale College will:
- Have substantive, disciplinary, and procedural knowledge across a variety of different subjects;
- Be able to use skills to analyse, interpret, develop explanations, evaluate, and make judgements which can be transferred to wider aspects of life and further careers;
- Have the opportunity of choice regarding further education, employment or training.
The curriculum at Pendle Vale is influenced by research and evidence-based practice, including:
- Powerful knowledge (Michael Young, 2014) – teaching that which is typically abstract or rarefied, and will not be picked up by students from their everyday life and that therefore requires expert teaching. This knowledge will open opportunities to students including the access to further, deeper knowledge. It’s ambitious, empowering, and beautiful.
- Future 3 (Michael Young, 2014) – all subjects posses a cannon of knowledge as defined by the subject community that is an entitlement and is taught to all students, regardless of their background. Each encompasses a broad range of knowledge forms including declarative, procedural and experiential. it is our duty to teach it and to teach it well.
- Principles of instruction (Barak Rosenshine, 2010) – over time, our teaching reviews learning and checks understanding; presents new learning using models and scaffolds; guides practice, secures high success rates and develops independence in students.
- Cultural literacy and capital (Ed Hirsch 1987) – our curriculum develops knowledge not only essential for understanding of the examined specifications, but also essential to the understanding of the rich and varied world that our students inhabit and the cultural and social influences that shape this.
- The work and research of the Education Endowment Foundation is routinely used in identifying high value strategies to further drive school improvement and sound implementation.
Healthy debate regarding traditional and progressive methods in education, recognising the value of both but understanding the vital role of teachers and other adults as experts in their field is commonplace at Pendle Vale.
Our curriculum ensures that any potential equality issues are mitigated by:
- Providing additional support for literacy and numeracy through additional staffing and learning mentors and providing additional sessions including Study Saturday;
- Showcasing role models who are of different socio-economic, cultural, ethnic and gender backgrounds;
- Providing knowledge organisers for all students;
- Providing the opportunity to purchase exam board revision guides which cover the GCSE modules we study and to access these for free via our revision library;
Our belief is that homework should be a deliberate practice of what has been modelled and taught in lessons, as well as spaced revision to ensure students are developing high level skills alongside powerful knowledge.
Opportunities are built in to make links to the world of work to enhance the careers, advice and guidance that students are exposed to including:
- Subject visits to local history, heritage and sites of interest;
- Talks to students regarding career paths which could be taken, and our own route into our careers;
- A fully integrated approach to careers including work experience and independent careers advice;
- Speakers from different universities, providers and professions;
Whilst ensuring students are well prepared for their GCSE examinations, we teach beyond the exam specification by:
- Ensuring that the KS3 curriculum simultaneously develops broad and in-depth study of the subjects in a timely fashion;
- Providing important context which underpins the GCSE topics so that students gain a framework on which to learn from;
- Providing a curriculum with a formal commitment to character through extra-curricular opportunities.
In the event of remote education being required, or for students who are unable to attend school, we offer GCSEpod, SAMLearning, Sparx maths, and Languagenut to support their continued progress.
Students attend Pendle Vale for 32.5 hour per week
Curriculum Offer KS4
BTEC Policy Handbook
Personal Development Programme
Our Personal Development programme is designed to prepare every student for a safe, healthy, and successful adult life. Rooted in our school values of Ambition, Determination, and Respect, empowers each student to set high aspirations, persevere through challenges, and value themselves and others. Through this programme, students develop essential knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to thrive personally, socially, and academically.
We have four key strands built into our curriculum:
| Health & Well-being | Relationships | Living in the Wider World | Citizenship |
| Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Healthy Lifestyles Drugs alcohol & Tobacco Managing risk and personal safety Body and sexual health | Positive Relationships Respectful Communication Consent Contraception and parenthood Bullying, abuse & discrimination Social influences | Learning skills Choices and pathways Work and Careers Employment rights and responsibilities Financial Choices Digital resilience | Political system Justice and democracy Public institutions and voluntary groups Human rights and international law Community and volunteering Money management |
Form Tutor Programme
Form Tutors see their forms daily, where they will follow a set timetable of activities designed for their year group. As the regular staff member, the students see every day we value the role of a form tutor.
Each half term, students take part in a PSHCE tutor session focusing on one of the four key strands. These are reinforced through linked assemblies. The content of these sessions is informed by data we collect from GoodSpace (our wellbeing screening tool), and any relevant trends or issues notable in the year group or in the world.
Each year group have weekly Votes for School session. Votes for Schools’ weekly current affairs and topical content allows all students to engage in learning that goes beyond the classroom. The platform uses child- and youth-focused topics to capture the interests of students across the school. The diversity of topics ensures all students have ample opportunity to discover an interest or subject that they may not have been introduced to previously. Through a clear “Call to Action” and “Career Launchpad” at the end of each lesson, Votes for Schools encourages students to consider how they can foster emerging passions and interests as well as to seek out careers and roles that they may not ordinarily explore.
The topics regularly allow teachers to delicately facilitate discussions that expose students to a range of views and opinions that support their understanding of diversity and allows them to celebrate diversity within the UK. Students vote at the end of every debate, and this vote then feeds into national policy and is shared with key decision-makers. This leads students to the understanding that their contribution to society is important, both within their school and as a citizen of a wider community. The weekly opportunity to exercise their right to vote that Votes for Schools provides allows students to model good democratic practice and empowers them to use their voice and vote in future. It breaks down some of the psychological barriers that stop children and young people engaging in politics and community action.
Votes for Schools directly aligns with the Government’s Prevent duty. Votes for Schools provides content that enables students to engage with controversial topics and discuss moral dilemmas. This supports them in building the skills that will enable them to be resilient in their communities. By directly addressing topics around equality – such as LGBTQ+ inclusion and racism – as well as topics directly linked to extremism, students are also developing the skills to understand these issues in an unbiased and objective way, often challenging views held by other influences in their lives. Votes for Schools’ mission is to empower students and give them a voice within their schools, local communities and nationally. Empowering students and allowing them to be heard is a powerful self-safeguarding tool which will help with keeping them safe both now and in the future.
Key Stage 3
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Year 7 | A.C.E Awards | Literacy | Votes for Schools | Assembly | Quiz/PSHCE |
| Year 8 | Assembly | Literacy | Votes for Schools | Ninja Maths | Quiz/PSHCE |
| Year 9 | Reading & Inter-form Sports | Assembly | Reading | Votes for Schools | Quiz/PSHCE |
Key stage 4
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Year 10 | Votes for Schools | Literacy | PSHCE | Quiz | Assembly |
| Year 11 | Equipment check | Revision | Quiz/PSHCE | Votes for Schools | Assembly |
Subject Curriculum
Many PSHCE themes are embedded across subjects, and mapped using the SMSC Gridmaker. For example:
- Science explores physical and mental health, drugs, and healthy living.
- Maths delivers elements of financial education.
- RS and Humanities explore values, diversity, and citizenship.
Dedicated PSHCE Lessons
Students have weekly one-hour PSHCE lessons. This includes our statutory RSE and RS curriculum.
RSE is a vital part of Personal Development. In addition to the lessons, to ensure high-quality delivery, the NHS provides RSE sessions outside of normal lesson time across all year groups.
Workshops and Guest Speakers
We regularly welcome expert visitors, organisations, and motivational speakers to deliver engaging and thought-provoking sessions that enrich our Personal Development curriculum. These workshops cover a wide range of important topics, including mental health and wellbeing, healthy and respectful relationships, online safety, careers and employability skills, diversity and inclusion, and personal safety.
Through these interactive sessions, pupils gain valuable insights, practical advice, and real-world perspectives that help them make informed choices and prepare for life beyond school.
Character Days
Character Days take place three times per year, and are a vital part of our Personal Development programme at Pendle Vale. They provide pupils with the time and space to step away from their normal timetable and focus on developing the personal qualities and life skills that help them to thrive.
Each Character Day is designed to build our core values of ambition, determination, and respect through a range of engaging, hands-on activities and workshops. Pupils explore topics such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, communication, wellbeing, and community responsibility.
These days help students to:
- Develop confidence and self-awareness.
- Strengthen relationships and teamwork skills.
- Reflect on their own values, goals, and future aspirations.
- Gain practical life skills to support success beyond school.
Ultimately, Character Days play a key role in shaping well-rounded, confident, and responsible young people who are ready to make a positive contribution to society.
Planned Activities 25-26
Year 7 – Think: Road Safety & Team Building
- Police-led road safety workshop
- Archery, orienteering, gardening, baking, and team challenges
- Visit: Pendle Hill
Year 8 – Supporting Charities & Outdoor Challenge
- East Colne Way walk
- Fundraising and charity activities
- TILG Employability Den Challenge
Year 9 – Outdoor Elements & Spirited Arts
- Outdoor adventure activities
- “Prison Me No Way” awareness event
- Spirited Arts project exploring faith and creativity
Year 10 – Health, Resilience and Community
- “It’s a Knockout” event (team challenge day)
- CPR, Prevent, Police and BFC-led health and wellbeing workshops
- “RISE – Talent Found” confidence and collaboration project
- Health day – nutrition and body image
Year 11 – Employability and Next Steps
- Mock interviews and “Make the Grade” employability day
- Kooth mental health workshop
Burnley FC conference and stadium tour
Wider Opportunities
Our new Student Leadership Programme – Active Citizenship at Pendle Vale (ACPV), has been designed by our Student Council. This initiative gives pupils the chance to take an active role in school life and the wider community, reflecting our values of ambition, determination, and respect.
Through roles such as form representatives, youth mental health leads, peer mentors, anti-bullying ambassadors, charity leaders, and eco champions, students will have the opportunity to lead, support others, and make a real difference. Pupils will be recognised and celebrated for their contributions, leadership, and positive impact on our school community.
Careers
At Pendle Vale, Careers Education is delivered predominantly through a career module in PSHCE lesson, virtual and real-life work experience sessions and seminars, and through ‘Careers Days’ as part of the Character programme. Subject Leaders in every faculty make links to careers in their subjects and provide a careers programme for every year group.
Each year group has an entitlement including access to information about career paths and the labour market, and opportunities to learn from employers. Links to updated careers advice and guidance is available for students, parents and carers via the school website. Pendle Vale College has links through the Careers and Enterprise Company and has an assigned an Enterprise Adviser.
All Staff at Pendle Vale are committed to:
• the provision of resources and advice to allow all students to understand and develop career choices.
• inspiring students to achieve and to be ambitious.
• involving students, parents and carers in the further development of careers work.
• working in conjunction with employers and external agencies so that no student is disadvantaged in gaining access to education, training or work.
Every student will get access to all aspects of the careers programme and have opportunities to meet employers, post 16 providers, have career interviews and where necessary additional support provided.
The careers programme covers every year (Year 7-11) and builds on the previous year’s activities to support students in making informed decisions based on their future career pathways.
Student Centred. Our students are at the heart of our careers programme and all activities are organised to maximise students’ career learning. Feedback gathered from students after career events and annual careers evaluation will help the careers lead to plan future provision.
Outcome focussed. In agreement with SLT the careers programme will have defined career outcomes that will be used to judge the effectiveness of the careers programme and to develop future action plans.
Careers activities that Students will be Involved in:-
- Timetabled PHSCE lessons where discrete careers lessons are taught.
- Careers sessions as part of Character Days.
- Careers Assemblies with the School Career lead and External visitors such as Colleges, Apprenticeship providers and employers.
We record the CEIAG input on Compass+ and SMSC Gridmaker.
Links to External Websites for Parents and Students
The National Labour Market information is becoming increasingly more important for students to understand as the world of work around us changes. Students and Parents should be aware of where different job roles are required around the UK and what jobs may need more people in the future in the Pendle area.
LMI –https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/explore_lmi/
National Careers Service Website – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Prospects – https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
Apprenticeships – https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices#
Start Lancashire – https://lancashire.startprofile.com/page/home-page
Careers Alchemy (for parents and teens) – https://www.careeralchemy.co.uk/inspired-teenager.html
Websites to Colleges and Training Providers
Nelson & College College – https://ncc.eastlancslearning.ac.uk/
Burnley College – https://www.burnley.ac.uk/
Myerscough College – https://www.myerscough.ac.uk
Craven College – https://www.craven-college.ac.uk
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 6th Form – https://www.crgs.org.uk/
Post 16 Army Foundation College – https://www.army.mod.uk/support-and-training/our-schools-and-colleges/afc-harrogate/
Training 2000 – https://www.training2000.co.uk
Websites for Students Post 16
Career Pilot ‘Your Choices at 16’ – https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-16
Amazing Apprenticeships – https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/zones/student/
Future Ready Hub – https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/future-ready