The Curriculum
All students study the core National Curriculum. We offer 6 GCSEs including Art, English, English Literature, ICT, Maths, and Media Studies. Preparation For Working Life is offered as a Certificate of Achievement, which is equivalent to a GCSE. Modern Foreign Languages is offered as an option. All subjects are also offered at Certificate of Achievement level although it is our aim to enter every student for a minimum of 5 GCSEs. We also offer Successmaker, which is an ICT based numeracy and literacy support programme.

Aims of the Curriculum
The aims of education are the same for students at Five Bridges as they are for students in mainstream schools. These are to fulfil personal potential and to promote individual achievement which encompasses the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of all students. The curricular aims of Five Bridges therefore mirror those of the LEAs and other referring agencies.

Students at Five Bridges will be given every opportunity to:

• Develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question rationally, and to make reasoned judgments.
  
• Develop an appreciation of learning for its own sake, and an understanding of education as a life long process.
• Acquire a high standard of knowledge and skills, which will equip them to take their place confidently in a complex and rapidly changing world, both at work, and in home and community life, acting as a responsible citizen
  
• Develop reliability, consideration for others, a sense of self esteem, a reasoned set of beliefs, values and attitudes, the capacity to work independently and co-operatively as a team and to apply themselves with confidence and perseverance to the best of their ability.
  
• Develop qualities of spirit, imagination, creativity, a sense of aesthetic appreciation and an appreciation of human achievements and endeavour.
  
• Develop physical, motor and practical skills, and the appreciation of a healthy lifestyle.
  
• Develop respect for religious, cultural, and moral values, including respect for people who practice faiths, cultures, attitudes, and ways of life different to their own.
  
• Understand the world in which they live, both past and present, respect the environment, and appreciate the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations.
  
  We aim to:
  
• Provide students with a fresh educational start in a caring and supportive environment, where each individual student can develop personally, socially, and academically to their full potential.
  
• Provide through individual programmes of work and small group work, a broad, structured yet flexible curriculum which reflects the requirements of the National Curriculum and which;
  a) Is relevant and responsive to the individual needs and interests of the students.
  b) Promotes success and enjoyment in learning through acquiring and improving skills and in the development of knowledge and understanding.
  c) That takes into account individual emotional and behavioral needs and provides appropriate boundaries and strategies to promote positive behavior.
  
• Increase the confidence and self-esteem of every student by raising expectations and enabling them to meet achievement targets.
  
• Develop in each student a respect and understanding for people of different race, religion, gender, and class.
  
• Work in partnership with parents/carers, referring agencies, and other interested agencies to ensure positive educational outcomes for every student.