Building Brighter Futures
Compass Learning provides a nurturing, high-expectations alternative curriculum for young people from KS3 through to post-16. We combine personalised English and Maths, literacy-focused learning, practical qualifications, employability and life skills to help learners re-engage with education, build independence and work towards a destination that genuinely suits them.
Key Stage 3: Building Strong Foundations
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a strong educational foundation for all our students. We focus on core subjects, taught by experienced and qualified teachers, alongside vital personal development, ensuring a holistic approach to learning.
English and Literacy Curriculum
Our KS3 English and Literacy curriculum uses a three-tiered model to ensure every learner receives the right balance of support, challenge and confidence-building from their starting point. Following an initial assessment of reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling, fluency and spoken language, learners are placed on a personalised pathway: Foundations Literacy, Developing Literacy and English, or KS3 English and GCSE Readiness.
Through carefully chosen texts, engaging writing opportunities and small-group teaching, we help young people strengthen core literacy skills, develop a positive relationship with reading and writing, and build the confidence needed to access the wider curriculum and progress successfully towards KS4.
Numeracy Curriculum
Our KS3 Mathematics and Numeracy curriculum follows a three-tiered model designed to rebuild confidence, secure essential foundations and help every learner make meaningful progress. Initial assessment identifies each learner’s strengths and gaps across number, calculation, reasoning, problem-solving and practical numeracy, allowing them to access the most appropriate pathway: Foundations Numeracy, Developing Numeracy and Mathematics, or KS3 Mathematics and KS4 Readiness.
Delivered through small-group teaching, practical application and carefully scaffolded challenge, the curriculum develops fluency, mathematical thinking and real-life problem-solving skills so that learners can use maths with greater independence, confidence and purpose.
Personal Development Curriculum
At Compass, personal development is not an add-on; it is central to helping young people re-engage with education, build confidence and prepare for life beyond the classroom. Our programme gives learners the knowledge, habits and practical skills to make safe, informed choices, form healthy relationships, manage their wellbeing and take increasing responsibility for themselves.
Through small-group teaching, discussion, practical experiences and specialist coaching, learners explore relationships, emotional wellbeing, online safety, citizenship, careers, financial awareness and independent living. Weekly cooking sessions build everyday confidence with food, budgeting, nutrition and kitchen safety, while a varied physical activity offer, including boxing delivered by a specialist coach, develops resilience, self-discipline, teamwork and positive ways to manage stress.
The programme is carefully adapted to the needs of each learner, including those with SEND, anxiety, disrupted education or low confidence. Our aim is for every young person to leave Compass with stronger self-belief, practical independence and the resilience to move forward successfully.
The curriculum reflects the current statutory RSHE expectations for secondary pupils, including relationships, sex education, health and wellbeing, online safety, mental health, physical health, consent, puberty, financial wellbeing and personal safety.
Key Stage 4 and Post-16: Accredited Pathways
For Key Stage 4 and Post-16 students, Compass Learning offers a range of accredited pathways designed to prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. These programmes provide valuable qualifications and practical experience.
Catering Qualifications
Our catering pathway provides hands-on experience and accredited qualifications in culinary arts. Students learn essential kitchen skills, food hygiene, and hospitality practices, opening doors to careers in the food industry.
Personal Development Qualifications
Building on our KS3 foundation, these advanced personal development qualifications further enhance students' life skills, leadership abilities, and readiness for adult life. Topics include career planning, financial literacy, and community engagement, fostering confident and capable individuals.
Entry Level & Functional Skills English & Maths
We work with commissioning schools and authorities to decide on the best core subject route for students: for those that will be sitting GCSE English & Maths at their home school, we will teach the subject content according to the specification the student is being entered for.
However, schools may also opt for students to undertake Entry Level or Functional Skills English & Maths as a more accessible alternative, so that we can meet students where they are at academically.
Discover how we can support your child's learning journey
We are committed to providing bespoke learning experiences that truly make a difference. Contact us today to discuss how our curriculum can benefit your child.