Interested in joining Goodwin Academy's Sixth Form in September 2025? Visit our Admissions page for more details or email us at admin@goodwinacademy.org.uk if you have any questions. 

Aspirations

At Goodwin Academy we endeavour to develop curious, questioning and independent thinkers. Through Social and Moral (SM) lessons in Key Stage 3 and the Impact Learning (IL) lessons at Key Stage 4/5, students cover a comprehensive programme that guides them in gaining knowledge and skills across a broad spectrum of essential topics such as:

  • RSE (Relationship and Sex Education)
  • PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education)
  • FBV (Fundamental British Values)
  • Careers Education

Both the SM and IL programmes of study are underpinned by ensuring that students gain an understanding of their individual place within the community, being provided with an opportunity to recognise their skillset that will give them the confidence to aspire. Due to our progressive curriculum, the knowledge taught across this subject area is reinforced by transferable knowledge from other subjects. For example, History covers ‘Protest and Women’s Suffrage’ in Year 9, in SM students will look at ‘Political Action Groups’, in Science they consider ‘Reproduction’ and in SM we discuss ‘Contraception’.

We are very aware that some of the topics covered can be complex and sensitive, we therefore always seek to treat our students as individuals, providing safe, non-judgmental environments, with the delivery of subject matter being factual and therefore allowing scope for young people to ask questions.

Aspirations Programme of Study - 2022-2023

 

Careers

The Aspirations curriculum at Goodwin Academy has been designed and developed at both Key Stage 3 & 4 to support our students in becoming well rounded individuals and informed citizens.

The skills and knowledge that our curriculum encompasses enables students to develop transferable skills that support any career choice, in addition the range of topics covered by the programme at Goodwin, aims to develop cultural capital and soft skills, giving our young people the powerful knowledge required to move to their next steps.

Fundamental British Values

FBV is at the very core of the curriculum at Goodwin Academy. During students’ time studying SM/IL, they will be given the opportunity to understand why Britain has developed in the society they now see. Throughout our curriculum we look explicitly at all of the Fundamental British Values.

  • The development of the democratic processes in the UK today.
  • Rule of Law is considered across a number of topics including, Protest and Human Rights.
  • Tolerance of different Cultures, beliefs and ways of living is promoted through promoting a safe environment where ideas can be explored and discussed. Each year group will experience two curriculum days where there will be a focus on developing an understanding around different belief systems, which is key to combating misconceptions of certain groups.
  • The promotion of mutual respect is key to working collaboratively and is promoted throughout the academy, especially through project work.
  • Individual Liberty is considered not only through the topics we teach but in the way we teach and model behaviour.

Links

BBC Bitesize has a range of information that is Key Stage appropriate across all the topics covered in the Aspirations programme at Goodwin.

The PSHE association offers resources to support with the topics covered around Personal, Social and Health Education.

The Careers and Enterprise Company offer support to young people around planning for their future.

Embedding inclusion and empathy in the next generation. Their vision is a world where everyone embraces diversity and can thrive.

Formerly the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, they work with young people, communities and organisations to create an inclusive society where everyone’s individuality is valued.

Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous support.

Sexual health is incredibly important so we’re on hand to provide information on sex, contraception, consent and sexually transmitted diseases in a safe environment.