Our Curriculum

Sixth Form Vision

Creating opportunities, developing independence and preparing for adulthood

Mission

All students will receive relevant experiences and age appropriate opportunities that will prepare them for life after Sixth Form; in a safe, secure, creative and caring learning environment.

Curriculum Offers

Pupils with Severe, Profound and multiple leaning difficulties are offered the opportunity to progress into the Sixth Form to build on their previous learning and skills they have developed in Key Stage 4.

Students will have achieved various accreditations prior to Sixth Form, including Asdan Transition Challenge and Personal Progress, as well as some Entry level certificates in English and Maths.

The courses offered within the Sixth Form have been devised so they are inclusive to all learners and offer pathways towards preparing them for adulthood. Students’ prior learning and attainment are used to ensure the correct route of progression is offered, thus individual progress and development will be made.

The Sixth Form curriculum provides an inclusive, personalised learning experience for each student. This guarantees their needs, abilities; interest and aspirations are met, shaping them into positive adults that can contribute to the local community and the wider society.

The Sixth form curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of all learners and has three pathways of learning, where the accreditations offered are:

*Open Awards Diploma in Independent Living at Entry level 1, 2 or 3

*NOCN Award in English and Maths at Entry level 1, 2 or 3 or

*NOCN Award, Certificate or diploma in NOCN Personal progress (which includes English and Maths)

Pathway 1 and 2 offers a more formal learning experience through a variety of lessons focussing on developing Independent Living Skills, functional English and Maths and skills to prepare them for the world of work.

Pathway 3 offers a holistic approach to learning through a range of lessons, therapies and real life experiences.

Students will learn, review, revisit and consolidate skills through a three year rolling programme of study. There will be a focus on generalised learning and transferrable skills in all learning environments.

Within the sixth form we offer students the support and guidance needed to progress into further education, social care or the work place. Students visit local colleges and social care providers depending on their abilities and needs.

Students can request to leave the sixth form after one or two years if appropriate. These students are offered support in order to progress onto courses or other areas of interest.

All sixth formers can attend careers fayres held in school to find out relevant information about a variety of different providers and opportunities available for them after they leave The Oaks.

The Sixth Form curriculum is based around the four areas of the Preparing for Adulthood framework

*Good health

*Friends, Relationships and Community

*Independent living

*Employment/work based skills

It is tailored to ensure all learners are ready for the next stage of their life, depending on individual ability and needs. The curriculum also incorporates Enrichment activities to allow students to develop further skills and build confidence as well as self-esteem.

Health – Our PSHCE lessons enable students to explore their own health and develop healthy habits, alongside our food preparation sessions, which teach students to develop skills to make informed choices and create healthy meals and snacks. Students also develop their own personal fitness through weekly Leisure and Recreation lessons which suit their individual needs.

Employment – Students are given opportunities to explore the world of work through vocational in house taster sessions, enterprise activities and work experience. Through weekly Key Skills lessons students can develop their individual functional skills in English, Maths and ICT, learning how to use these in real life situations.

Independent Living – Students are taught skills to be able to look after their own home environment and understand the importance of domestic and personal cleanliness. They also learn how to use a range of household appliances and make healthy meals and drinks for themselves. Weekly out and about sessions give students the opportunity to develop their personal travel skills, as well as money management, shopping skills and social interactions.

Friends, Relationships and Community – Students are given opportunities to develop friendships and have information about relationships in order to keep themselves safe through a range of lessons. Students have the opportunity to develop these skills further in the local community. They also develop other relationships and friendships by attending a range of events and out of school activities. Students learn to respect other faith and cultures through Culture and creativity lessons.Enrichment – Students have the opportunity to find out about the world around them and discuss their own experiences through Current Affairs sessions.In Drama and dance students are able to develop their confidence, self-esteem and communication skills as well as show their individuality through twice-yearly performances.Students can express themselves and show their individual talents through discreet ICT, Art and dance lessons.Intervention groups take place three times a week to enable students to develop individual skills in areas such as Communication, Motor Skills, Money Skills, Reading and Social skills. Weekly Sing and Sign lessons enables students to use and develop Makaton in a fun and age appropriate way.Students also access choice Enrichment activities with the rest of the school on a Friday afternoon.