Upper School
Curriculum Phase Leader – Oliver Perkins
Accreditation Leader – Charlie Jennings
“Qualifications are important for me to get a job or go to college” - a quote that is often expressed by our young people when talking about life aspirations and preparing for transition into adulthood.
At Bladon House School we understand the important role we play in preparing young people for adult life by providing inspiring learning experiences throughout their journey with us. Our emphasis is on ensuring that learning is purposeful, whilst striving for the highest levels of independence, within our bespoke Upper School provision.
We recognise that young people learn in different ways, but learn best when they are motivated by a curriculum that is stimulating, flexible, fun and underpinned by the key basic skills required for adulthood.
The foundation of the Upper School curriculum is built around the accredited learning pathway of the AIM Awards Suite of Skills for Employment and Further Learning (QCF) qualifications, which cover a wide range of subject areas and have been devised with the purpose of progressing learners into further learning and/or employment. These qualifications are delivered via an accessible, formally assessed, suite of portfolios, rather than formal examinations, and are a recognised qualification offered at a variety of levels (Entry Level 1-3, Level One and Level Two, with Level One equivalent to a GCSE grade 1-3 and Level Two equivalent to a GCSE grade 4). The learning environment mirrors a college style approach, with a focus on developing independence and maturity moving into adulthood. Learners have a tutor base and move fluidly between two different teaching spaces, working with a variety of experienced and knowledgeable teaching staff. This has led to increased engagement, self-sufficiency, self-reliance and progression across the curriculum. Within the AIM Award framework there a diverse range of units available which can be used to create individualised learning programmes, giving learners an opportunity for both personal development and vocational experience. They also work hand-in-hand with the specific target areas identified within the long term EHCP Outcomes, and transition plans. Each young person working within this pathway achieves a suite of recognised qualifications in both core and vocational subjects. Work experience also plays an integral role in augmenting the key skills and knowledge developed within the Upper School curriculum. We offer both internal placements, such as our onsite beauty salon for hair and beauty treatments, vintage clothes shop and plant sales enterprises, alongside external placements in the community such as running toddler reading sessions at Burton Library, sorting donations at the Star Foundation charity distribution centre, working with Conkers grounds maintenance rangers, and grounds maintenance at Newton Solney Church. The implementation of AIM Awards qualifications has also extended in to the Bright Horizons pathway, where some learners are able to access a formal accreditation learning pathway. The Entry Level Award in Personal Progress is a flexible programme of study that focuses on the 10 point learning continuum, and allows learners to demonstrate their competence and skills in academic, personal, social and emotional development. This qualification focuses on two main areas – “ Encountering Experiences ” and “ Accessing the Community ” .
Updated May 2023
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