Prospectus - Curriculum

Key Stage III

The school offers all national curriculum subjects at Key Stage III except Modern Foreign Languages.

Key Stage IV

All National Curriculum subjects, except MFL and History are offered with particular emphasis on numeracy, literacy and life skills. Students have the opportunity to take GCSE's and the Welsh Board Certificate of Achievement in subjects in which they demonstrate the required skill levels, e.g. English, Maths and Science. We are also developing a parallel curriculum at Key Stage IV. This will reflect a more practical life skill component with literacy and numeracy for life.

Post 16

Numeracy and literacy for life take up to 50% of the curriculum. The other 50% is related to General studies, Independent living skills and employment skills. The latter involves e.g. travel money/banking, social and personal skills. Some students continue to work towards Entry Level and GCSE certificates in a variety of subjects including English, Maths, Science, PSHE, Childcare and Food Technology.

All Ages

Students may work through Marquess of Salisbury awards at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels which are related to life here at school and in the community. These are presented annually in July. Students1 also have the opportunity to access riding through the RDA system, swimming, archery, trampoline etc., as well as a variety of other visits and experiences through the extended curriculum. We have a "foreign" week each year to provide our students with an opportunity to experience different cultures. This may be in school or involve travel abroad.

Homework

This provides a daily opportunity for students to practice, extend and consolidate learned skills as well as encourage independent learning and researching activities.

Extended Curriculum

The school provides an extended curriculum for residential students which supports their learning in all areas, but especially social and independent living skills, both personal and practical, as well as craft, sport and outings to places of interest and clubs. The school provides opportunities for students to extend their skills through optional and curriculum experiences such as camping, visits abroad, adventure holidays, theatre trips and school productions. For some of these an additional contribution may be required.

Assessment & Reporting

Throughout the curriculum students are supported to make progress at their own skill level. Each student has a set of individual education and care targets based upon the curriculum of the teaching period. Their progress is monitored twice annually against targets and results discussed with students and parents. Full reports are sent to parents and all parties involved in February and July. Parents can visit and discuss progress with teachers at any time during the year but are always asked to attend the Annual Review of Statement.