Alderwasley Hall School Curriculum 2022-23
Our Curriculum – Intent and Implementation
The curriculum is the framework for everything we do in school. It combines everything that is planned and delivered in or out of lessons with other learning opportunities across the school. Through the curriculum, we develop students’ knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them for their futures. Introduction to Alderwasley Hall School Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form provides exceptional education for day and residential students aged 5 to 20. We transform the lives of young people with Autism and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). We are also highly experienced in working with associated diagnoses and needs, such as Selective Mutism and mental health needs such as depression and anxiety. Our goal is for every student to be happy and healthy, to feel valued and purposeful. Teachers, therapists, learning support workers and care staff work together to promote a sense of belonging, a sense of productivity and good emotional and physical wellbeing. 1. Our Key Aim We recognise that students attending Alderwasley Hall School have specific, diverse and individual needs. Our curriculum aims to meet these needs and, as a result, is bespoke to our setting. It combines the best features of mainstream, Life Skills and therapeutic curricula to enable all learners to progress. Our ultimate goal is that students are enabled to be active learners, who fulfil their potential academically, socially and independently. Therefore, we give all students opportunities to make informed choices so they can develop their own pathway. Each individual pathway will be destination- led to maximise individual progress and lead to appropriate next steps.
The AHS curriculum establishes, or re-establishes, a love of learning and preparation for adulthood. We provide appropriate challenge and experiences supported by highly specialised staff.
2. Formal and Informal curriculum Our Curriculum has 3 distinctive areas to it The Supporting Curriculum; The Core (Academic and non-Academic) Curriculum; and the Enriching Curriculum.
The Supporting Curriculum underpins our Integrated Therapeutic approach. These elements are guided and planned by our highly specialised Therapy Team. These sessions respond to the needs of the learners. There are individual and group sessions, which occur in classrooms or specific therapy areas. The supporting curriculum enables our students to make personal and social progress in areas such as language, social communication, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, etc. which ultimately accelerate their academic progress and enable the young person to use strategies to live a fulfilling life as an adult. The Core Curriculum is made up of academic and non-academic subject areas. The National Curriculum is followed throughout Key Stages 2 and 3 before students opt to study some courses and subjects in more depth, leading to appropriate accreditation routes. The non-academic core curriculum is made up of lessons that are integral to the holistic development of the whole student, such as pastoral time with skilled tutors, Pathways lessons developed from a bespoke Life Skills programme, and PSHE lessons encompassing Relationships and Sex Education amongst other topics of importance for the personal and social development of the young person. The Enriching Curriculum provides students with the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and skills through a wide variety of experiences, activities, and encounters. It consists of further programmes which may include Forest Schools in the Primary age group, Global Days across the whole school (ie Creative, Science and Tech or Pride Days), and a taught enrichment programme in KS 4 and 5 whereby students can experience anything from gardening to drama. Careers Education and work experience (from Year 10 onwards) also form part of the Enriching curriculum
Therapeutic Informal Curriculum
Educational Formal Curriculum
Enriching Curriculum
Core (Academic and non-Academic) Curriculum
Supporting Curriculum
3. Curriculum Skills The importance of Curriculum Design, Implementation and Impact is vital to the success of the students at Alderwasley Hall School (AHS). The intent of our curriculum is to ensure that every young person becomes
Independent
Literate
Numerate
Creative
Problem solvers
These broad areas are the foundations for further learning. To ensure each young person has robust found ations for learning, we are able to adapt to the learner’s needs if one area requires more development than the others. However, it is still vital that our broad and balanced curriculum offer has a proportionate element of each of the 5 areas within each Key Stage, as evidenced below.
Independent
Literate
Numerate
Creative
Problem Solving
Art
√ √ √
√
English subjects
√ √ √
Enrichment Humanities
√
√
√
ICT/computing Maths subjects
√ √
√ √
Music
√
Pastoral time Incl PSHE
√
√
Pathways
√ √ √
√
√ √ √ √ √
PE
Science
√
Technology
√ √
Vocational subjects
√
√
√
(All of the subject areas above contribute to the development of these 5 skills in some way, but those ticked above do so more predominantly)
4. Key Stage Core Curriculum Aims and Intentions
We aim to provide a curriculum that recognises our learners’ Autism (or DLD), supports and develops them as individuals, scaffolds essential skills for life and ultimately prepares them for a full, independent and productive life beyond school.
Within the whole school curriculum, there are important differences between the Key Stages. Whilst these differences are blended to allow smooth transitions, there is a planned progression to each
stage as the students move through the school, alongside flexibility to accommodate young people who join mid-year, mid-key stage or after a gap in education.
Our curriculum is therefore designed so that all learners, regardless of when they join us, will have a range of personalised opportunities and experiences at a level that is appropriate for their age and understanding.
The Primary Curriculum is planned with activities to help students develop the capacity to formulate and communicate ideas and feelings, whilst also enhancing perceptual skills through physical and sensory activities. Kst1 and 2 provide outstanding, quality-first teaching, and a personal curriculum, which is centred on the individual student’s imagination and potential. Every student is able to access this broad curriculum, as the curriculum enables flexibility for its delivery through whole, small group and individual work.. The Primary Curriculum is intended to promote and rekindle a love of learning. The Key Stage 3 Curriculum continues the emphasis on a broad and balanced curriculum designed to further promote independence, literacy, numeracy, creativity and problem solving. Students are taught mostly in their pastoral base by their pastoral teacher but are introduced to a greater variety of teaching staff and a greater variety of specialised locations such as the Science Laboratory, Technology Rooms, Art Rooms and Music Rooms. Therapeutic input continues to inform the delivery of lessons, and teachers work flexibly to engage students, promote their curiosity, inspire their creativity and develop social skills. We believe in a three year Key Stage 3, to enable sufficient depth of learning to be provided within a broad range of subjects, to allow the future subject choice to be better informed. This is especially important for our cohort of students who may not have had stable full time education prior to joining us. The Key Stage 4 Curriculum is designed to enable all students to achieve external qualifications in Maths, English, and a STEM subject. All students also study a creative option due to the many emotional benefits this brings and some may choose to develop this into an additional qualification. Tailoring the academic route to the emotional and language needs of the students (and their past educational history) is crucial and some students may study for their GCSEs over three years to maximise their chances of fulfilling their potential. A minimum two year KS4, provides an opportunity for students to select some specialist areas of interest to study further, leading to potential future career paths. The Key Stage 5 Curriculum is designed to help transition students to the next stage of their education journey. Students can study for additional GCSEs or BTEC courses that will form the foundations for their future career paths. Most students are supported in their final year/s of their placement to access specialist courses at an external college on either a part-time or full-time basis, whilst for others regular work experience forms a vital role in exploring and preparing for future careers and increase their independence and self-esteem.
Core Curriculum Overviews for each subject area by Key Stage are found in Appendix B
5. Core Curriculum Routes (whole school) The Core Curriculum has academic routes through it to allow for greatest flexibility. At each Key Stage a breadth of personalised and differentiated routes through are accommodated. A variety of accredited courses are offered at Key Stages 4 and 5 to support the learners’ and their chosen pathways. There is complete personalisation available throughout these routes, as we recognise that learners can, and do, join the school mid-way through a key stage and, more importantly, their academic stage and chronological stage may be significantly different due to previous school experience.
The schematic shows that the highest expectations can always be targeted, but acknowledges that for some students this may take longer than their chronological age.
6. Academic Blocks Progression Routes We have established 5 Academic Blocks as the basis for our teaching timetable. These blocks are:
Core (Academic) Subjects
Core (non-Academic Subjects) Personal Development
Language, Literacy and Communication
Maths and Numeracy
Science and Technology
Creative
English Phonics Handwriting
Maths Numeracy
Science ICT Technology
Art Art Literacy Music
Pathways PSHE
Pastoral Time Forest Schools PE Pathways PSHE Pastoral Time PE Pathways PSHE Pastoral Time Enrichment PE Pathways PSHE Pastoral Time Enrichment Physical Activity
English
Maths
Science ICT Technology
Art Art Literacy Music
English Step up Functional Skills
Maths Functional Skills
Science Technology Food Technology Entry Level SC GCSE Science GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry Entry Level SC
Art Music Photography
GCSE English Lang GCSE English Lit Literacy Functional Skills
GCSE Maths Numeracy Functional Skills GCSE Statistics AS Maths
GCSE Art GCSE Photo GCSE Music Arts Award
Technology GCSE Food Technology
AS English
This blocking of areas contributes to our breadth of curriculum, we ensure that all students are expected to experience all 5 areas throughout their school timetable. This enables the consistent focus on the 5 curriculum skills of Independence, Literacy, Numeracy, Creativity and Problem Solving to be maintained throughout their schooling.
Each Academic block has a progression route through it, linking to exemplar career opportunities. Please see Appendix C
7. Scheduling the Curriculum
The curriculum subjects are scheduled to fit in a 25 hour week as below. There are different allocations per key stage to allow for different foci as appropriate.
This would lead to a balance within the curriculum as follows:
E / M / S
Non E / M / S
Primary
40% 44% 40% 36%
60% 56% 60% 64%
KS3 KS4 KS5
Problem Solving
Independent
Literate
Numerate
Creative
Primary
21% 20% 22% 20%
23% 23% 18% 19%
18% 20% 22% 22%
21% 15% 16% 19%
18% 23% 22% 20%
KS3 KS4 KS5
8. Impact of the curriculum The success of the curriculum will always be measured by a range of hard and soft measurements. These include formal exam results, unit awards, access to employment, independent living, attendance, pupil voice, leavers destinations to name a few. All these outcomes are evaluated every year as can be seen through our yearly Exam results tracking document, Leavers destinations tracking documen t, students’ curriculum and timetable survey to ensure that the curriculum continues to meet the needs of our students.
Appendix A: Key Principles of Curriculum Design Dylan Williams (Principled Curriculum Design)
In summary, Dylan Williams describes 7 strands to the curriculum and encourages schools to look at the balance between the strands to ensure that it meets the needs of the cohort
Balanced: Promotes intellectual, moral, spiritual, aesthetic, creative, emotional and physical development as equally important.
Rigorous: Seeks to develop intra-disciplinary habits of mind; the subject matter is taught in a way that is faithful to its discipline.
Coherent: Makes explicit connections and links between the different subjects/experiences encountered.
Vertically Integrated: Focuses on progression by carefully sequencing knowledge; provides clarity about what “getting better” at the subject means.
Appropriate: Looks to avoid making unreasonable demands by matching level of challenge to a pupil’s current level of maturity/knowledge.
Focused: Seeks to keep the curriculum manageable by teaching the most important knowledge; identifies the big ideas or key concepts within a subject.
Relevant: Seeks to connect the valued outcomes of a curriculum to the pupils being taught it; provides opportunities for pupils to make informed choices
Curriculum design priorities for different key stages Our current thinking is to design the curriculum with the following priorities for each key stage
Key Stage 1 & 2
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 5 Relevance
coherent focused
coherent focused
Rigorous
vertically integrated
Rigorous
appropriate
appropriate
appropriate
vertically integrated
balanced
balanced rigorous
balanced Relevant Focused coherent
Appropriate
vertically integrated
Balanced Coherent Focused
relevant rigorous
vertically integrated
relevant
Appendix B: Core Curriculum Overviews There are 4 Core Curriculum overviews – one per Key Stage:
The Primary curriculum is planned with activities to help students develop the capacity to formulate and communicate ideas and feelings, whilst also enhancing perceptual skills through physical and sensory activities. Kst1 and 2 provide outstanding, quality-first teaching, and a personal curriculum, which is centred on the individual student’s imagination and potential. Every student is able to access this broad curriculum, as the curriculum enables flexibility for its delivery through whole, calls, small group and individual work.. The Primary Curriculum is intended to promote and rekindle a love of learning. English and Literacy
Art helps develop the motor skills of our students whilst also giving them a creative outlet and access to many sensory stimuli. It is an excellent stress relief and boosts self-confidence through tackling art projects and exploring art materials. Music education engages and inspires pupils to develop a love of music and their skills as musicians. This promotes their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. Students respond and reflect on different genres and styles of music as well as exploring the emotions that listening and playing music can provoke.
STEM Students are taught through a variety of exciting subjects such as: Science, Design and Technology, Computing and Food Technology. Students are encouraged to ask questions about our world and think about ways to investigate scientific and technological questions about the world around them. Through a variety of projects, students are supported to develop a range of practical skills, solve problems, create innovative designs and communicate information. Food technology encourages students to experience a range of different foods and textures Humanities aims to awaken in students a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. By comparing our lives and locality to other places and periods in history, students are encouraged to understand our place in society and be accepting of differences Target Work Target time has been designed to allow for effective targeted intervention where each student has a bespoke plan informed by formative and summative teacher assessment, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy assessment. Early intervention programs allow students to meet developmental milestones quicker.
Students learn to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Students are supported to: read fluently and with good understanding develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information Acquire a wide vocabulary and be able to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language for a range of purposes. Our SLT team support lessons to promote phonological awareness and develop speaking and listening skills. The OT team deliver a handwriting programme that is used throughout Primary. Mathematics and Numeracy Through work in Forest Schools and cookery, playing games, using concrete materials and other practical tasks; students develop their sense of number and place value, gradually becoming more confident working with larger numbers and basic fractions. Number bonds are practised leading to fluency with all four operations. Through classroom teaching and therapeutic input, students develop skills with time, money, measurement and spatial awareness. Use of Mathematical symbols and vocabulary is embedded. Problem solving strategies and reasoning skills are developed through a range of practical and engaging activities. P.E Physical education inspires all pupils to succeed in a broad range of physical activities such as swimming sessions in our onsite swimming pool, trampolining, on site climbing wall and gym. We provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health, mental wellbeing and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities, build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.
Pastoral Time Pastoral time is based on inter-disciplinary education whereby learners are enriched by purposeful and meaningful experiences with their pastoral teacher. The school champions inclusive involvement which helps students acquire an important sense of belonging as well as building their self-confidence. Through a wide range of activities including: Forest Schools, outdoor learning, sensory play and group skills, learning is tailored to the social and sensory needs of the individuals in the group. The PSHE Curriculum is delivered during pastoral time to encourage healthy lifestyles and help develop a sense of citizenship Pathways Going out into the community can be challenging for many of our students. Pathways in Primary encourages students to experience many local amenities, developing their road safety skills and their ability to communicate with a variety of people. Group skills are developed as students explore themes such as transport, leisure, navigation and shopping.
The Key Stage 3 curriculum continues the emphasis on a broad and balanced curriculum designed to further promote independence, literacy, numeracy, creativity and problem solving. Students are taught mostly in their pastoral base by their pastoral teacher but are introduced to a greater variety of teaching staff and a greater variety of specialised locations such as the Science Laboratory, Technology Rooms, Art Rooms and Music Rooms. Therapeutic input continues to inform the delivery of lessons, and teachers work flexibly to engage students, promote their curiosity, inspire their creativity and develop social skills. We believe in a three year Key Stage 3, to enable sufficient depth of learning to be provided within a broad range of subjects, to allow the future subject choice to be better informed. This is especially important for our cohort of students who may not have had a stable, full time education, prior to joining us English and Literacy We consolidate the written and spoken language skills developed in the Primary Curriculum. STEM Science in KS3 increases to three hours and aims to:
Maths and Numeracy Maths in KS3 follows the National Curriculum and is designed to build upon the fundamental skills learned in Primary. Students extend the range of numbers they use in calculations, they investigate number patterns, shapes and different ways to display information. The KS3 curriculum encourages students to solve problems, to make links between different areas of maths and to use mathematics in other curriculum areas. Learning key vocabulary and developing working memory are also important Numeracy lessons focus on maintaining good number skills, provide opportunities for number games allow time for numeracy intervention work and challenge students to solve functional problems Pathways Students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to become active members of the community. Communication skills and problem solving are developed whilst students are encouraged to widen their range of experiences and sense of wonder. Through a combination of visits and classroom based activities, students learn how to identify and access leisure facilities, travel with greater independence and learn the budgeting and homecare skills for independent living. Career pathways and further education are also studied
Promote understanding of key scientific knowledge and processes. Challenge students to acquire practical skills and develop lines of inquiry. Deliver outcomes appropriate for subsequent Key Stages Technology lessons develop a broad range of practical skills and techniques. Students complete projects using a variety of materials including wood, plastic and electronics. Food technology develops cooking skills, an awareness of a healthy diet and encourages students to try new tastes and textures. Computing aims to embed skills and knowledge in a wide range of ICT and computing capabilities including Digital Literacy, design software and programming Pastoral In KS3 it is important for students to spend time with their Key team to reflect on the day, work on therapeutic activities, follow personalised intervention plans and enjoy a number of whole class games and activities. Time is spent delivering the PSHE programs in a way tailored to the needs and interests of the group. Sessions are planned in conjunction with the therapy teams, so that students are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles, and become safe and active citizens in both Britain and the wider world. Through discussions and perspective taking, students are encouraged to respect themselves and their opinions of others. Pastoral Time is also used to develop a love of reading for pleasure, to practise weekly spellings, for team challenges and to encourage speaking and listening through debating a range of issues Charitable work and enterprise projects are also used to encourage groupwork and citizenship skills
Class Readers are chosen to engage students, improve reading skills and develop understanding and inference. Other texts are used to generate interest with a variety of modes and genres of writing. Students are encouraged to write with imagination, flair and control. Literacy sessions are developed with SLT input through a combination of individual literacy programmes and whole group activities. They focus on spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structures and reading. In Art and Design young people develop and research ideas, experiment and refine their use of materials. They record from observation and present ideas visually. In Music students discover, create and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Musical expression is valuable for many to relax Confidence is also developed though performance opportunities at a variety of events throughout the year.
Physical Education Activities are planned to develop coordination and motor skills as well as encouraging students to participate in a range of physical activities including adapted or modified games. Our climbing wall is particularly effective in developing student confidence and problem solving skills Weekly swimming sessions are included to develop water confidence and aim to ensure all students develop into confident swimmers.
Humanities Develops understanding of how different cultures relate to each other in the world in which we live today, and how this has changed over time. The skills of the historian and the geographer are developed to encourage empathy, consideration of bias and an understanding of maps and statistical information.
The Key Stage 4 curriculum is designed to enable all students to achieve external qualifications in Maths, English, and a STEM subject. All students also study a creative option due to the many emotional benefits this brings and some may choose to develop this into an additional qualification. Tailoring the academic route to the emotional and language needs of the students (and their past educational history) is crucial and some students may study for their GCSEs over three years to maximise their chances of fulfilling their potential. A (minimum) two year KS4, provides an opportunity for students to select some specialist areas of interest to study further, leading to potential future career paths.
English and Literacy Students in in KS4 English consolidate and develop written and spoken language skills learned in KS3. We work to ensure that every student achieves a recognised qualification at an appropriate level: Step up Silver/Gold, Functional Skills or GCSE. GCSE English focuses on reading with understanding and inference, writing using Standard English displaying clear structure according to purpose and audience. Writing using a range of vocabulary and sentence structure to with engagement and flair. The Step Up courses are designed for those not quite ready for GCSE, whilst Functional Skills develops an awareness of style combined with the skills of communication and understanding required for the world of employment. Creative In KS4, students have an opportunity to engage in multiple creative options such as Art in both 2D and 3D form, Photography and Music. Students are able to explore a significant variety of practical methods with an emphasis on "exploration and sensory development". Every student is taught towards GCSE qualifications and this may lead onto AS and A-Level study, according to a student s’ interest, career path and ability.
Maths and Numeracy In KS4 Maths we prepare students for either Entry Level Certificate of GCSE according to their ability and readiness for external examinations. Those who complete the entry level certificate quickly, may continue onto the functional skills course if they are still not ready for GCSE. Students continue to consolidate their skills in number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and statistics. They use appropriate technology to assist their work and we use games, puzzles and quizzes to help embed key rules and vocabulary. There is a focus on applying their skills to real life problems, communicating their methods and analysing the reliability of statistics they see in the media Pathways With a balance of classroom and community based tasks, students continue developing skills to manage money, access leisure facilities, budget and use public transport. As students progress, they are able to complete tasks with a greater level of independence. Careers and daily living skills are now of increased importance and students may visit job centres or local colleges and learn how to plan and cook meals and clean both their clothes and their future homes
STEM In KS4 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) students can study to achieve IGCSE or ELC Science, to aid their progress towards further Scientific qualifications. Students may take a Technology course such as BTEC Design & Technology or Food Studies if their individual pathway or onward studies requires it. Students are encouraged to relate scientific knowledge to the world around them and practical tasks and experiments are used to engage, explain and foster a curiosity to learn more. All KS4 courses are “combined sciences” containing elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pastoral Pastoral time is valuable to build strong relationships between the pastoral teacher and students now that the majority of other lessons are taught by specialist teachers. The pastoral programme is designed to be flexible and respond to individual interests whilst also providing opportunities to maintain the focus on vital skills such as reading for pleasure, speaking and listening, numeracy and other bespoke targets. The PSHE programme is delivered with support and input from the therapists within the Key Team. Topics include: health and wellbeing, the environment, relationships, careers, the legal system and staying safe, both online and in the community. The focus and style of delivery is adapted to engage the students in each group and respond to their levels of knowledge and understanding. Pastoral tIme is also used for discussions on issues related to ethics, beliefs and our role as citizens both within Britain and in the wider world.
Physical Education Students experience a range of physical activities from individual fitness work in our gym to modified team games. A range of external activities such as trampolining, cycling, walking, canoeing and golf are included to enable students to find a sport that they enjoy and may continue with outside of school.
Enrichment: Our Enrichment programme offers our students the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities to “enrich” their lives and gain new experiences. Students select a course for 6 or 12 weeks and are encouraged to move onto a new activity for the following half term. Options can range from Car maintenance to woodwork and Local History, according to student interest and availability
The Key Stage 5 Curriculum is designed to help transition students to the next stage of their education journey. Students can study for additional GCSEs or BTEC courses that will form the foundations for their future career paths. Most students are supported in their final year/s of their placementto access specialist courses at an external college on either a part-time or full-time basis, whilst for others regular work experience forms a vital role in exploring and preparing for future careers and increase their independence and self-esteem.
English: All students in Key Stage 5 continue to study English, following the most appropriate course to their ability and career pathway. Options available include completing GCSE English as a 2 year course; re-sitting GCSE in one year if a student requires a higher grade; studying English Literature, AS English or completing a Functional Skills course. Functional Skills English can be taken at Levels 1 or 2. The Functional Skills course develops skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing using functional tasks such as composing emails, understanding a text, letter writing or speaking to an audience. Creative: All students in Key Stage 5 engage in a creative subject as we value the way creative opportunities enhance mental well- being and encourage different forms of expression. For some this is a route into an additional qualification such as GCSE Art, Music or Photography. For others this develops interests they may pursue outside school such as art, 3d design or creative writing Enrichment: Our Enrichment programme offers our students the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of experiences to “enrich” their lives. Students select and enjoy an Enrichment activity for 6 or 12 weeks and are expected to move onto a new activity for the following term/half term. Examples include: drama, driving theory, textiles and woodcraft. Physical Activity: For one hour a week students are engaged in a physical activity of their choice within a range of options, with a focus on enjoyment and health. Staff facilitate and participate too!
Maths: Students in Key Stage 5 are encouraged to continue with Maths according to their ability and requirements for future study. This can be through completing GCSE Maths as a 1 or 2 year course, extending study from Foundation to Higher Tier to access a higher grade; starting GCSE Statistics or AS Maths or completing a Functional Skills course. Functional Skills Maths can be taken at Levels 1 or 2. Students completing Functional Skills develop their capacity to use concepts such as fractions, percentages, area, averages, formulae and probability to solve everyday problems. Main Subject: Students have six hours a week to pursue their main subject. This may be: Art - offered at both GCSE and AS Level iGCSE Biology - giving students the time to study a second science subject BTEC Health and Social Care (level 2) BTEC Animal Care (level 2) – which gives students the opportunity to study an area of individual preference which may or may not be formally accredited. Many of these courses develop the ability to research and process information, complete assignments following a given brief, as well as developing a portfolio for evaluation. These are all invaluable skills both for those continuing with courses in Further and Higher Education settings and those moving onto apprenticeships and employment. External Tutors may also be engaged to enhance the Curriculum offer further, offering courses such as AS Politics and GCSE Computer Science.
Pathways: The Key Stage 5 Pathways curriculum is designed to develop the essential skills for independent living. Students use a variety of public transport options and access an expanding range of community settings, with greater levels of independence. We develop further awareness of different careers and the varied routes into these, through visits to employers, colleges and Universities. The lessons also include work on Financial Education to enable our young people to be financially literate by the time they leave school. The subject combines a combination of onsite activities and offsite visits. Pastoral : Students in Key Stage 5 have dedicated time with their tutor, which is used with the following aims: covering the PSHE syllabus for Key Stage 5 and developing their personal and social skills through personal and group projects and challenges. Sessions are designed to be discursive, debating current affairs, social issues and areas of interest. STEM: Students in Key Stage 5 can choose an area of Science and Technology, to further their knowledge and skills. Students can complete iGCSE Science or Chemistry if this is relevant to their future pathway. They may choose GCSE Psychology which is a thought provoking course useful for a number of occupations or choose to follow a non-examination based option of Practical Technology which involves solving design and “engineering” challenges. GCSE Food Technology is offered in addition to being offered as a main course so that it can be combined with other subjects for our students.
Appendix C: Subject Routes There are 5 Academic Block Progression routes
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