School Pedagogy
Adelaide has a child-centered pedagogy. Core are the principles of attachment and positive relationships. The school adopts an inclusive, transformative pedagogy as we believe that a child’s ‘capacity to learn can change and be changed for the better as a result of what happens and what people do in the present’ (Hart et al. 2004, P166). Learning is about shared communication between staff and pupils. All work together to build positive, collaborative learning experiences. All lessons include the following elements; reference to curriculum intent, recap of knowledge and skills, assessment for learning and pupil voice.
Intent
The vision of the school is 'to help young people help themselves’.
This is core to our curriculum which focuses on pupils’ well-being, learning and preparation for the future.
In each of the three areas we have identified characteristics which will intend pupils to develop throughout their time in school. Our curriculum includes all elements of British Values.
Implementation
We have 6 periods a day, which are 40-50 minutes long. Teachers work hard to plan learning through active and engaging experiences, which move young people forward from where they are to their next steps.
Wellbeing- All elements of our curriculum are therapeutic. Staff support pupils throughout the school day. We eat in family groups at lunch times and carefully structure break times. As part of our curriculum we have therapeutic opportunities, which include animal therapy, ELSA and art therapy. Attachment and trauma informed practices inform all elements of school life.
Learning- Our lower school is designed to be based on the principles of nurture so there is a focus on understanding behaviour, improving communication and developing self-esteem. They have a safe and supportive space with key adults.
As pupils move through the school the level of independence expected increases where possible. Pupils can access BTECs, Cambridge Nationals, Functional Skills or GCSEs dependent on their ability levels and aspirations. Subjects taught include; English Literature, English Language, Science, Maths, Statistics, Art, Photography, Construction, Food, ICT and PE.
Future: We focus on careers throughout our time at school. Experiences of the workplace are embedded in what we do. Pupils start college courses with a great deal of support and this reduces through year 10 and 11 to prepare them for life after school.
Our Curriculum includes a great deal of additional opportunities including those which are social, moral, spiritual and cultural. Pupils contribute to the community in lots of ways to support them in understanding what it means to be an active British citizen and to build their cultural capital.
Impact
The impact of our curriculum can be tracked in lots of ways. We are proud of the pupils who leave our school because of the personal characteristics they display. We track their personal development throughout their time at school. The experiences pupils access throughout school encourage them to develop resilience.
Pupil progress is recorded and learning is planned around their identified next steps. In lessons pupils collaborate and support each other. The qualifications pupils achieve allows us to assess the impact of our provision. Even sitting exams shows pupil’s commitment to learning and their ability to work independently when completing these exams.
We are a very strong community and we encourage pupils to consider the importance of contributing. Our pupils go on to access learning and employment and our NEET figures show this. We track how well our pupils succeed after school.
If you have any further questions about our Curriculum please contact our Head Teacher Miss Sarah Barlow.
