Our curriculum
Early Years
Our Early Years students follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, with a concentration on effective teaching and learning through playing, exploring and active learning to enhance creative and critical thinking.
There is a strong focus on the core developmental areas of communication and language, physical development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts and personal, social and emotional development.
Year 1+
We use the mastery based Individualised Learning Programme provided by Accelerated Christian Education (ACE). It forms the basis of our curriculum which is grounded on Biblical principles and the development of Christian character and values. It is used world-wide by thousands of schools and covers the main academic areas of English, Maths, Science and Social Sciences (History and Geography), with a wide range of elective subjects.
All studies are predicated on an understanding that God is the originator of all things, and the Bible is the benchmark for life. Students work at the level best suited to their individual ability and progress at the rate that best meets their needs.
The ACE programme approaches subjects with a carefully constructed and consistent method of study; variety is provided by the wide range of subjects available, and by the supplementary afternoon programme.
NEW for Year 10+
We are now offering GCSEs and A Levels at Maranatha.
GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are highly valued by colleges and employers. GCSEs are also taken into account, along with A Levels, when an application is made to study at university. GCSEs are available in a wide range of academic and applied or work-related subjects.
Maranatha’s teaching methodology is a blended approach, and this involves teaching from the front, individualised self-learning and practical teaching and guidance. Personalised instruction and online support is also facilitated.
Assessment is mainly on written exams and elements completed throughout the course and differs per subject. Some assessment methods include projects, written and verbal assessments, fieldwork, experiments, investigations and artwork.
A Levels are highly valued by universities and employers, and focus on academic subjects, although some are work related. A level results, or their equivalent, are the gateway to most university and college courses. A Levels can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, or as part of an A level course. However, we recommend that students take three subjects to complete A Levels. A Levels are also an opportunity to specialise for a particular career.
Students learn through self-study; however, they have tutorial support and guidance in class. Formal assessment is mostly by written exams, although there’s also coursework in most subjects. In subjects like science and art, practical skills are also assessed.
Our timetable
Our timetable includes a number of subject areas from sources other than the ACE programme.
The emphasis in these is on group-work, discussion, exchange of ideas and practical projects, as a balance to the private study of the morning sessions. All learning is integrated and spans the length and breadth of subject areas.
Our educational aims at Maranatha are to:
engender a love of learning and a lifelong desire to grow academically, spiritually and emotionally
promote British values and citizenship
improve emotional and social wellbeing of students
coach students and foster an appreciation for sports and other physical activities
foster self-confidence, resilience and coping skills
support parents and carers with their child’s participation in a range of activities within the school
work in partnership with parents to build awareness of student’s learning
facilitate spiritual growth in partnership with the primary educators, the parents, carers and the church
encourage and support every child to reach their full potential