Curriculum

At Raise Rochdale, we offer a personalised and ambitious curriculum designed to help every learner re-engage with education, aspire to achieve, and succeed in their next steps. Many of our learners join us following permanent exclusion, often with gaps in learning and low academic confidence. Our curriculum is structured to rebuild trust in education, develop key skills, and prepare young people for successful futures.

Our Curriculum Offer

Our curriculum combines core academic subjects, vocational learning, and personal development. It

includes:

• Core subjects: English, Maths, Science, ICT, PSHE

• Enrichment: Outdoor education, food technology, physical activity, creative arts

• Employability: Life skills and career-related learning

• Social-emotional support tailored to individual need

Understanding and Meeting Learners Needs

We are dedicated to understanding each learner as a unique individual. Before pathway allocation, we carefully identify their strengths and any barriers to learning they may face. Initial assessments take place in our Intro Centre and include a range of tools such as SNAPB, SNAPSpld, readiness for mainstream, CATS, NGRT, and NGST.

Our recent data highlights several common barriers to learning across our cohort. By recognising and responding to these needs, we ensure every learner receives the right support at the right time.

Pathway Summaries

Step Up (KS3) Pathway

Designed for learners in Key Stage 3 who need a supportive, structured curriculum to rebuild confidence as learners.

• Based on the National Curriculum, delivered over a two-year cycle

• Focus on emotional wellbeing, resilience, and readiness to transition

• Includes core subjects plus enrichment based learning

• Supports reintegration to mainstream or progression to KS4 RAISE

Turnaround Programme (KS3 & KS4 – Saxon Hall)

A short term intervention focused on helping learners who require intensive support before moving to a longer-term setting.

• Focus on emotional regulation, positive relationships, and personal safety

• Includes academic re-engagement and personal development

• Strong collaboration with mainstream schools and external agencies

• Designed to prepare learners for reintegration or next-step provision

RAISE Curriculum (KS4)

Personalised pathways that prepare learners for post-16 education or training.

• GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, Art, and PE

• Entry Level or Functional Skills qualifications in core subjects

• My Futures & PSE 

• Vocational options in:

o Health & Social Care (BTEC)

o Construction (NOCN)

o Hair & Beauty (NOCN)

o Motor Vehicle Studies (NOCN)

• Termly reviews of pathways to ensure alignment with learners' aspirations

Teaching and Learning

• All lessons follow our Every Lesson Protocol, creating consistency and clarity in every classroom.

• We are a WalkThru School, using research-informed teaching strategies that support staff development and learner progress.

• Learning is supported by high-quality interventions and strong pastoral care.

Measuring Impact

We measure the success of our curriculum through:

• Academic progress and qualifications

• Improved confidence, behaviour, and attendance

• Personal and social development

• Successful transitions to mainstream or post-16 destinations

Working Together

We work closely with mainstream schools, families, external agencies and local colleges to ensure every learner has the support and guidance they need to thrive.