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.
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