Our Curriculum

Intent

The NEST curriculum, is broadly based on Ravi Kohli’s three concepts of ‘safety’, ‘belonging’ and ‘success’.  Our students are new arrivals to the UK, with English as an additional language, many of whom have little, if any, literacy in their first language.  Our overarching aim is for our students to feel safe and have a sense of belonging at NEST, in Nottingham and in the UK and to experience success in their learning.  We aim to build on and improve our students’ understanding and use of spoken and written English and to equip them with the skills to communicate effectively.  As many of our students are separated young people we understand the importance of supporting independent living skills through the teaching of maths, ICT and our enrichment programme and ensuring their new life in the UK is underpinned by an understanding of British Values and citizenship through our PHSE programme.

Implementation

‘Every lesson at NEST is an English lesson.’  Students are taught in small groups loosely created around their levels in English.  Students work towards qualifications in ESOL and maths ranging from Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 to Level 1 and GCSE.  This is complemented with ICT and science which lead to Entry Level Certificate or Unit Awards and an enrichment programme which includes STEM, music, art and sport.  Our extensive PHSE programme ensures students are prepared for life in the UK and British Values are covered within our Humanities offer.  Students are encouraged to take risks in their learning whilst both supported and challenged.

Impact

The progress our students make, not only in English and maths but also in our school values such as resilience, responsibility and working with others ensure they transition to college with a secure foundation for further successful study to become global citizens for the future.