At Abu Bakr Boys School, our Citizenship Studies curriculum is designed to empower students to become active, informed, and responsible members of society. Through the study of political, social, and legal systems, students gain an understanding of how the world around them works and how they can contribute to making a positive impact.

Topics such as democracy, human rights, justice, and community responsibility are explored, helping students develop a sense of civic duty and an understanding of the rights and responsibilities they hold as citizens. By engaging with current affairs and ethical debates, students learn to think critically and responsibly about the world they live in.

We aim to enrich students' learning by encouraging participation in debates, discussions, and community service projects, where they can apply their knowledge in real-life settings. This practical approach helps students develop key skills such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Our curriculum aims to foster a strong sense of social responsibility, respect for diversity, and understanding of democratic principles, preparing students to contribute positively to their local, national, and global communities.

Citizenship Curriculum Overview - to be added

KS3 English Curriculum Intent
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1. Understanding the World Around Them
‍Studying English at Abu Bakr Boys’ School allows learners to experience a range of texts that will challenge and inspire them. We aim to develop our students’ understanding of the rich world around them by discovering reading and analysing classic genres and great works of literature, alongside works of wider global and cultural significance.

Students explore fiction, non-fiction, prose, drama and poetry through thematic units centred on significant texts, in which they are supported to develop their ideas through speaking as well as writing.

We aim to build students’ confidence via spoken language in the classroom: discussion, presentation, exploring texts through drama, and a range of formal and informal contexts allow students to explore their knowledge and challenge themselves in a supportive environment. 

‍2. Structured Approach to Exploring Texts
‍Students are offered a structured and sequenced approach to exploration of texts, extracts and individual words, building on their skills over each year and key stage. Before starting a text, we take a look at context to ensure that our understanding of the text is linked to the writer’s intention. We give a particular focus to creative writing, offering students the opportunity to explore themes and ideas through their own creativity and building their confidence when using ambitious vocabulary through specific homework and class work aimed at reducing the ‘vocabulary gap.’ 

‍3. Reading for Pleasure – Read Theory and Mobile Library
We aim to foster a love of reading, writing and all things English related through our enthusiasm for our subject and our well-planned curriculum. Post-Covid, we have embedded strategies shown to be effective through recent pedagogical research: active reading and the SEEC model for teaching vocabulary. Both of these strategies support students’ reading, comprehension and analytical skills by making the key processes involved in reading and exploring texts explicit and therefore developing more effective reading habits.

In addition to this, we use Read Theory - a free online platform that offers personalised reading comprehension exercises. It adapts to each student's level, provides standards-aligned activities, and motivates students with fun and engaging features. These habits provide a foundation which will help students to access the whole curriculum more effectively. We also focus on reading extracts and whole texts in lessons, asking students to read aloud as well as read along and to listen to others reading. We want our students to be confident, assured learners with a depth of knowledge to support their understanding of the world around them. We have high expectations of all our students, challenging each individual to aim high and offering them the support and structure they need to do so.

Furthermore, students borrow books from a mobile library every three weeks. Students are encouraged to write book reviews of the books they have read. 

At Abu Bakr Boys School, our Geography curriculum for Year 7 and 8 students is designed to spark curiosity and help them develop a deep understanding of the world around them. Through the study of both physical and human geography, students explore topics such as landforms, weather and climate, settlements, and global development.

They learn to understand how the environment interacts with human activity and how both shape the world. Our approach encourages students to think critically about the challenges our planet faces and how geographical processes affect societies globally.

To enrich their learning, students take part in field trips and local studies, giving them the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world geographical contexts. These activities help students develop skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. By promoting a sense of global citizenship and environmental responsibility, we aim to nurture young people who are confident, informed, and ready to make a positive impact on both their local and global communities.

At Abu Bakr Boys School, our Personal Development (PD) curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible, active, and respectful members of society. Over the course of Year 7 to Year 9, students explore key themes such as citizenship, identity, rights and responsibilities, relationships, and community engagement, with a focus on both Islamic principles and British societal values. Through the study of topics like respect, tolerance, and healthy relationships, students develop a strong sense of moral responsibility and understand how their actions affect others. They learn the importance of contributing positively to their communities and embracing diversity, while respecting the rights of all individuals as part of Allah's broader plan for humanity.

In Year 7, students are introduced to active citizenship and respectful relationships, where they explore concepts such as living their Deen (religion), honouring the rights of others, and community cohesion. They study the importance of maintaining positive friendships, avoiding anti-social behavior, and the impact of bullying on individuals and society. They also focus on drug education, physical health, and how to make responsible decisions in various aspects of their lives, including online behavior.

In Year 8, the curriculum builds on these foundations, encouraging students to reflect on their identity and role in society. Topics such as conflict resolution, equality, human rights, and the impact of racism are explored, helping students understand their place in a diverse, democratic society. Students also engage with issues such as Islamic law, British history, and how to engage in positive societal change. They learn about the importance of government and voting, as well as how to be responsible in media usage and community work. The curriculum also covers sexual health, intimate relationships, and how to treat others with respect and care.

In Year 9, students further develop their understanding of ethical decision-making with a focus on wealth, earning a halal living, and financial responsibility. They explore topics such as riba, zakat, Islamic inheritance laws, and how to navigate challenges related to unemployment, jobseekers, and career planning. Students learn to distinguish between halal and haram in various areas of life, including earning, spending, and behavior. They also examine the importance of law and order, democracy, and being responsible citizens in a diverse society. By addressing global issues, environmental responsibilities, and the principles of Islamic diversity, the curriculum helps students understand the role they play in creating a just and harmonious society.

Through these interconnected themes, we aim to nurture students who are not only academically capable but also morally grounded, socially responsible, and well-prepared to contribute positively to society as informed, respectful, and active citizens.

Personal Development Curriculum Overview

At Abu Bakr Boys School, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum helps students explore and understand the beliefs, teachings, and practices of Islam and Christianity, while encouraging them to think deeply about moral, ethical, and philosophical questions. Following the AQA syllabus, students study key themes such as Relationships & Families, Religion & Life, Existence of God & Revelation, and Religion, Human Rights & Social Justice. These topics help students understand how faith influences life choices, relationships, and social responsibilities. Through discussion and reflection, they learn to respect diverse viewpoints while developing their own informed beliefs.

To enrich their understanding, students engage in a range of activities, including visits to Islamic institutes like MEHE and local churches, as well as participating in food bank projects, iftar initiatives, and fundraising activities. These experiences help students connect their learning to real-world issues and develop a strong sense of community and social responsibility. By promoting values like empathy, integrity, and respect, we encourage students to grow into confident individuals who can make positive contributions to society.