Curriculum

We aim to develop confident and capable young people who can contribute to society in a positive way and feel successful in their lives.  Young people are taught in small, highly structured class groups with high ratios of staff support. Occasionally young people are supported on a 1:1 basis when this is required to meet their individual needs.  Staff use a range of strategies and approaches to engage young people in their learning, taking into account their specific learning needs as identified on their EHCPs, alongside their preferred learning styles and interests.

The curriculum is planned and implemented with a child-centred approach. Whilst the school follows the National Curriculum, programmes of study are tailored to meet the needs of the individual so that they may achieve a range of academic qualifications such as Functional Skills and GCSEs, alongside a variety of vocational qualifications such as catering and hospitality, carpentry, public uniform services and Duke of Edinburgh Award.  

Careers is a strength of the school, delivered through discrete lessons from year 9 onwards. Young people undertake an independent living skills qualification as well as being provided with opportunities to consider potential post-16 destinations in conjunction with an independent careers adviser.  This ensure that young people are adequately prepared for the next stages in their learning as well as adult life.  Senior leaders regularly review the curriculum to ensure that it meets the needs and aspirations of the young people as this is critical to their personal and social development and chosen career paths.

The school caters for young people from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4. 

Teachers are encouraged to provide as many opportunities as possible for young people to learn outside the classroom in order to increase their enthusiasm and engagement through a range of educational visits and experiences.  All young people access weekly enrichment activities where they are able to select to take part in a wide range of experiences such as fishing, golf, football, arts and crafts, photography and mountain biking.  The school works closely with a highly effective clinical team that support young people with their therapeutic and emotional needs.  This includes Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. 

View our Curriculum Policy.