Welcome to the Secondary Department
We are excited to welcome you to our Secondary Department.
The Secondary Department supports pupils between the ages of 11 to 16 years with varying levels of learning needs, social and emotional difficulties and behavioural challenges. There are currently 15 classes (nine KS3 - Lower Secondary classes and six KS4 - Upper Primary classes). Class sizes generally range between eight and 10 pupils, with at least one teacher and one teaching assistant supporting each class. We follow the National Curriculum, which we adapt and differentiate to meet the pupils’ needs. Learning is broken into small steps and targets are personalised to ensure each pupil makes good progress in all subject areas. We use a range of teaching approaches to meet pupils’ needs and to promote independence through active learning.
Key Stage 3 (year 7 - 9)
In English and Maths, units of work for the appropriate year are taken from the National Curriculum Framework; the skills may be drawn from earlier years within the framework in order to match the ability of the pupils. The school uses the Read Write Inc. approach to teach phonics and reading and to support the development of literacy skills across the curriculum. Phonics is taught as part of English lessons, and the skills are applied and developed in other lessons across the curriculum. Reading is also taught through shared, guided and individual sessions using age appropriate staged reading schemes.
Other subjects in KS3 include Science, Computing, Art & Design, Music, Cultural Studies (which include History, Geography, RE and Modern Foreign Language), Food Technology, Life Skills, PSHE and Citizenship. The Schemes of Work are based on the National Curriculum and adapted for the pupils’ needs and abilities.
Other subjects in KS3 include Science, Computing, Art & Design, Music, Cultural Studies (which include History, Geography, RE and Modern Foreign Language), Food Technology, Life Skills, PSHE and Citizenship. The Schemes of Work are based on the National Curriculum and adapted for the pupils’ needs and abilities.
Key Stage 4 (year 10 - 11)
In KS4, we offer a range of accreditations, matched to the pupils’ abilities.
In English, Maths, Science, PE and Art, the pupils follow the Entry Level qualifications programme of study. Those who obtain level 2/3 and meet the required emotional maturity and perseverance will also be offered the chance to study for a GCSE in English, Maths and Science. Those who achieve below Entry Level expectations, follow the programme of study and get the accreditation of Unit Awards. The Unit Award Scheme which awards small step achievements that can be added together to form part of a larger qualification. Pupils also work towards gaining an award or certificate from ASDAN in Personal and Social Development or Personal Progress awarded at one of the three entry levels.
Other subjects in KS4 include PSHE, Citizenship, Life Skills and Cultural Studies.