SUBJECTS @ INVESTED
Art @ KS3
The Art curriculum at Key Stage 3 gives students the opportunity to develop their creativity while learning about a range of artistic techniques and materials. Students explore approaches including painting, sketching, model making and photography while learning how artists, movements and historical periods can inspire their own work.
Through journals and sketchbooks, students refine their practical skills, reflect on their own work and explore the work of other artists. This process helps students build confidence in handling different materials and encourages them to develop their own creative style.
Lessons are structured and supportive, allowing students to experiment, take creative risks and express themselves in a calm and encouraging environment. The curriculum promotes imagination, collaboration and resilience while developing transferable skills that support learning across other subjects.
The skills developed through Art — including creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and visual communication — support progression into a wide range of creative careers such as graphic design, photography, illustration, animation and media.
Creative Media @ KS4
Our WJEC Creative, Media and Performing Arts course gives students the opportunity to explore their creativity through a range of practical and engaging activities. Students can develop skills in areas such as art, media, drama, and performance, building confidence, self-expression, and teamwork. The course is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to showcase their strengths and interests while working towards a recognised qualification.
English @ KS3
English helps students develop confidence in reading, writing, speaking and listening through a calm, supportive and engaging curriculum. Students explore a wide range of texts including blogs, newspapers and magazines, as well as stories, poetry and plays. They study well-known writers such as Charles Dickens, explore genres including dystopian and gothic fiction and study plays such as Romeo and Juliet.
Lessons are structured and discussion-based, providing a safe space for students to share ideas and build confidence in expressing themselves. Learning is broken down into manageable steps with clear routines, visual supports and real-life connections to support engagement and success.
Students develop communication skills, empathy and an appreciation of language while building confidence in expressing their ideas clearly and respectfully.
The skills developed in KS3 English form the foundation for Key Stage 4 qualifications and support future opportunities in education, employment and everyday communication.
English @ KS4
English at Key Stage 4 focuses on developing the practical reading, writing and communication skills that students need for everyday life, examinations and their next steps beyond school.
Students explore fiction and non-fiction texts, develop narrative and descriptive writing and practise transactional writing such as letters, emails and articles. Spoken language is embedded throughout the curriculum, allowing students to build confidence in discussion and presentation.
Learning is structured to allow time for revision, consolidation and individual support. Concepts are broken down into manageable steps to ensure students can experience success and build confidence in their abilities.
Students complete Functional Skills English examinations in Years 10 and 11, providing multiple opportunities to achieve recognised qualifications that support progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
Enrichment
The enrichment curriculum incorporates our INVEST values through a range of engaging and rewarding experiences. It is a rewards-based programme that encourages accountability while giving students the opportunity to explore new activities that are both creative and physical.
Activities may include key ring making, hair and beauty, padel and other practical experiences that broaden students’ interests and confidence.
Enrichment helps students develop resilience, teamwork and curiosity while encouraging them to discover new skills and interests.
Hospitality @ KS4
At Key Stage 4, Hospitality and Catering equips students with practical skills and industry knowledge needed for the hospitality sector. Students develop confidence in food preparation, cooking and presentation while learning about nutrition, food safety, customer service and how the hospitality industry operates.
Learning includes practical lessons, theory work and controlled assessments that allow students to build competence and independence through real-world tasks.
Students gain a recognised qualification that supports progression into further education, apprenticeships or employment.
Career pathways may include chef, restaurant manager, hotel manager, event planner or roles within the wider hospitality industry.
Humanities @ KS3
Humanities combines Geography, History and Religious Studies to help students understand the world around them and their place within it.
Students explore topics including natural disasters, historical periods such as the Tudors and major world religions. Lessons are structured, calm and discussion-based, providing a safe environment for students to explore ideas and ask questions.
Through Humanities, students develop curiosity, cultural awareness and respect for different beliefs and perspectives while strengthening their communication skills.
IT @ KS3
IT and computing are taught through an interactive platform called Code Avengers, which supports the development of coding, computer science and digital skills.
Students learn coding languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Python while developing knowledge of online safety and responsible technology use.
Learning is adapted to support SEMH needs, allowing students to work on desktops or laptops depending on their sensory preferences. Step-by-step guidance and instant feedback help build confidence and independence.
IT @ KS4
At Key Stage 4 students complete NCFE Digital Functional Skills. Learning focuses on practical digital skills using Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Students develop confidence in communication, organisation and digital problem-solving, preparing them for employment and everyday digital tasks.
The course supports progression into further education, apprenticeships and careers in areas such as IT support, data analysis and software development.
Maths @ KS3
In Key Stage 3 Mathematics, students strengthen their understanding of core number skills while developing knowledge of algebra, geometry, measurement, data and probability.
Lessons are structured and delivered in small steps with visual and practical support to build confidence.
Students regularly explore how mathematics applies to real-life situations, helping them understand the value of numeracy in everyday life.
Maths @ KS4
At Key Stage 4 students study either GCSE Mathematics or Functional Skills Mathematics depending on the pathway that best supports their learning and future goals.
The GCSE route develops deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, while Functional Skills focuses on practical mathematics used in everyday situations such as budgeting and interpreting data.
Mathematics supports progression into further education, apprenticeships and careers across a wide range of sectors.
NCFE Sport @ KS4
NCFE Sport develops students’ understanding of fitness, training and healthy lifestyles through a balance of theory and practical activity.
Students learn about the principles of training, components of fitness and the benefits of physical activity for both physical and mental wellbeing.
The qualification supports progression into further education or careers in areas such as sports coaching, fitness instruction and sport science.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education allows students to develop confidence, resilience and practical skills through hands-on learning outside the traditional classroom.
Students may attend Forest School sessions where they develop skills such as fire lighting, shelter building and environmental awareness, or take part in practical construction tasks such as bricklaying.
These experiences promote teamwork, independence and pride in achievement while developing practical skills.
PE @ KS3
Physical Education promotes healthy lifestyles while helping students develop confidence, teamwork and resilience.
Students take part in a range of team and individual activities that develop movement skills, fitness and tactical understanding.
PE @ KS4
At Key Stage 4 Physical Education builds on prior learning through both core PE and NCFE Sport.
Students refine their practical performance, develop resilience and strengthen their understanding of health and fitness.
PSHE
PSHE supports students’ personal, social and emotional development through discussion, reflection and shared learning experiences.
Lessons explore topics including relationships, wellbeing, cultural understanding, online safety and future careers.
Students are encouraged to share ideas respectfully and develop the confidence to make informed decisions.
Science @ KS3
Science at Invested covers biology, chemistry and physics while building curiosity and confidence.
Students take part in practical investigations, discussions and experiments that help them explore scientific ideas and develop critical thinking skills.
Science @ KS4
Students study the Open Awards Science qualification at Level 1 and Level 2, developing knowledge and practical skills through structured and engaging lessons.
The qualification supports progression into further education and careers in areas such as healthcare, engineering and environmental science.
The King’s Trust @ KS4
The King’s Trust programme provides students with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership and employability skills through practical activities and community projects.
The programme supports progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
Health & Social Care @ KS4
Health and Social Care introduces students to the healthcare sector through practical learning and real-life case studies.
Students develop skills including empathy, communication and research while exploring potential careers within the health and care industries.
The INVEST Curriculum
The INVEST curriculum ensures students receive learning experiences that suit their individual strengths and needs.
Alongside academic learning, students complete ASDAN qualifications from Entry Level to Level 2 while developing life skills linked to Preparation for Adulthood.
The curriculum recognises that students flourish in different ways and provides a nurturing yet challenging environment that supports independence and confidence.
Careers and Future Pathways
Careers education is embedded throughout the curriculum. Students regularly explore how their learning connects to real-world opportunities and future employment.
Through vocational courses, practical learning and discussion within lessons, students develop an understanding of career pathways and the skills needed for success.
Our aim is for every student to leave Invested with confidence in their abilities, recognised qualifications and clear next steps into further education, training or employment.