Additional learning - the hidden curriculum

Beyond the subjects that schools teach, there is, of course, so much more going on in our buildings on a daily basis.

Whilst this might be known as the ‘hidden’ curriculum, actually, we try not to hide it!  It’s critical stuff and all our leaders value the additionality that schools bring to their learners. 

Some of this learning happens in lessons, some in assemblies or other school events and some through a school’s structures and the everyday engagement that staff and students have together. Whilst not an exhaustive list, all of these things are part of what we are and what we deliver in an Aldridge school:

• A clear focus on skills – life skills, disciplinary skills (the specific application of subject knowledge) and basic skills such as reading, writing, number, functional IT capability etc
• A focus on character and qualities – including basic morality (right from wrong) and the Aldridge Attributes
• The confidence, resilience and self-belief to be able to succeed in chosen fields; to see yourself in any room and in any position, to overcome doubts and barriers and know you have the right to aim high
• A breadth of experiences – including the world of work and careers, industry engagement, introduction to university and other possible next steps (such as apprenticeships) and also including the broadest set of enrichment experiences we can possibly achieve
• The opportunity to develop socially, to understand self and others, to learn empathy and tolerance and to understand the full implications of the Equality Act 2010 brought to life and lived out
• The chance to think about belief, to build an awe and wonder of the world, to see the enormity of what life has to offer and to figure out where one fits within it
• An understanding of what it means to be a global citizen and a member of British society, including a fundamental understanding of democracy and the rule of law.