The No Limits Curriculum

Curriculum purpose

Our purpose is to reinvent education for the future. To use technology and modern pedagogies to give children from 2 to 18 the knowledge, power skills and mindsets to achieve excellence in a fast-changing world.

We believe that the curriculum is the finest instrument we have to ensure the children in our reach of our academies receive a rich, coherent and ambitious education that takes them beyond their own experiences so they can confidently meet the demands of whatever comes next. 

What is the No Limits Curriculum?

The No Limits Curriculum is designed to engage and challenge, enabling children and young people to acquire and apply knowledge, develop and demonstrate power skills and mindsets.

Whilst the national curriculum is at its core, the No limits Curriculum extends beyond with well-sequenced, coherent planning that is underpinned by effective design and adaptation.

An ambitious, enriching and varied curriculum where real-world applied learning prepares children and young people to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Essential skills that empower us to thrive in a fast-changing world.

		Aspirations descriptor
		Actively listening to receive, retain and process information in order to accurately convey knowledge and ideas to meet an agreed purpose and audience.
		Working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal. Supporting, encouraging and developing each member of the team along the way.
		Self-regulating using strategies that promote perseverance and resilience. Taking responsibility for one’s own learning and being able to overcome setbacks to achieve goals.
		Applying knowledge to make connections, identify and analyse patterns using logical reasoning to find solutions to real-world situations or challenges.
		Using imagination to generate innovative ideas which are developed and refined through exploration, collaboration and problem-solving.

Year 7 Model

The Aspirations Year 7 Model is ambitious for all with a coherent and well-sequenced curriculum. Students are able to secure and apply fundamental knowledge and power skills which help them to develop an open and positive mindset. A culture of learning permeates all aspects.

Combining the best of Primary and Secondary practice, the Year 7 model provides students with a smaller staff team than traditional models which aids a seamless transition into Year 7. By doing so we prioritise students self-worth through fostering meaningful relationships and collaboration.

Using authentic real-world opportunities and experiences to enhance and deepen learning, students are actively engaged in their education and their future. Students establish a strong sense of purpose and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Why is ‘Applied Learning’ so important to us?

Applied learning emphasises real-world application of knowledge and power skills that includes relevant and practical experiences.

Applied Learning ensures our curriculum remains relevant and evolving. It enables students to engage with people, places and processes in order to enhance their understanding and retention by deepening learning. This makes learning more purposeful.

The Aspirations Applied Learning Framework outlines five distinct areas;

1. Problem-Based Learning: children and young people work on real-world problems, developing solutions through research and critical thinking.
2. Experiential Learning: children and young people participate in activities like experiments, simulations, and fieldwork.
3. Project-Based Learning: children and young people undertake projects that require applying their knowledge and skills to produce a tangible outcome.
4. Work-Based Learning: children and young people gain experience in a real-world professional setting.
5. Service Learning: combines community service with academic learning, emphasising civic responsibility and reflection.

Creator Space

The intention behind our Creator Space is for children and young people to work collaboratively using creative solutions to explore areas across the curriculum from science, technology, engineering and maths to art, design and English.

One of the goals of the Creator Space is to instill the creator mindset in students through creative experiences while simultaneously building power skills.

Creator Space is for artists and designers of the future to help immerse, involve and inspire them.

Each academy is well equipped with state of the art technology, giving dedicated time and space for children and young people to explore, create and innovate.

Careers in the curriculum

Informed by labour market information careers is integrated within the No Limits Curriculum giving it greater relevance and purpose. The curriculum is designed to provide children and young people with a broader awareness of the range of career opportunities that exist and to help them develop the skills and networks they need to succeed.

Children and young people are able to make explicit links between their subjects and the world of work and enterprise through regular, meaningful and varied encounters with employers,entrepreneurs, universities, apprenticeship providers and business .

First-hand experiences of work places help children and young people to explore career opportunities, develop future aspirations and thrive in a fast-changing world.

Aspirations Employability Diploma (AED)

The Aspirations Employability Diploma gives sixth form students opportunities to work alongside employers in projects with real world briefs resulting in greater awareness of industry and the development of the power skills employers are actively seeking.

Students finish the programme as critical thinkers able to innovate, collaborate and communicate effectively.

“The AED is a totally unique programme that enables students to not only develop their individual transferable power skills, but to also work with real employers on real world problems, enabling them to understand and experience the nature of work in this fast-changing world. At Aspirations we believe the AED is a vital partner to the knowledge based education delivered through A levels”

Steve and Paula Kenning, Managing Director/Deputy Managing Director