THE FOUNDATION STAGE (Nursery and Reception Years)

In the Nursery and Class 1 the curriculum is based on the Foundation Stage curriculum and covers the following areas of development:

Personal Social and Emotional
Communication, Language and Literacy
Mathematical Development
Physical Development
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Creative Development

Every pupil follows an individual programme with learning objectives matched to their needs. Progress towards meeting their objectives is reviewed each week and new objectives are set as required. The children's communication skills are supported by the use of Makaton signs and symbols and for some children by the use of PECs (Picture Exchange Communication.)

THE PRIMARY DEPARTMENT (Years 1 - 6)

There are 3 classes in the primary department. Each class has up to 12 pupils from 2 year groups. The classes are staffed by a teacher and at least one Advanced Teaching Assistant, and most of the time 2 or 3 ATA's. The primary curriculum is broad and balanced with a strong emphasis on developing language and communication skills, mathematical knowledge and skills, organisation and thinking skills to allow the pupils to have access to the whole curriculum.

The national curriculum, modified to meet the needs of the pupils, RE, citizenship and personal social education make up the curriculum. Educational visits and off site activities are an important part of the programme allowing staff to extend and develop what the pupils learn in the classroom.

THE SECONDARY DEPARTMENT (Years 7 - 11)

In the secondary department, the pupils are organised in form groups that correspond to the national curriculum year groups. Each form has a form tutor and an Advanced Teaching Assistant to support the pupils. The form teacher is responsible for the pastoral care of the pupils and teaches them his or her specialist subject. For the rest of the curriculum, pupils move around to specialist teachers. Again the national curriculum, RE, citizenship and personal social education are the components of the curriculum. In the secondary department, we recognise that the pupils are growing up and maturing and the programmes and ethos of the school are differentiated to take this into account.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9)

In Key Stage 3 the co-ordinator ensures that the programme enables the pupils to develop the organisational skills that they need in the secondary department: using a planner for lessons and homework, getting around the school, organising their equipment and using a locker. These important, age appropriate organisational skills support pupils in accessing the curriculum and help them to feel grown up. At the end of Key Stage 3, in Year 9, the pupils take their SATS tests. In Key Stage 3 the pupils also start to learn French and to take part in some outdoor and adventurous activities. They are also offered the opportunity to take part in 2 residential visits.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

In Key Stage 4 the key stage co-ordinator ensures that the programme has a strong emphasis on getting ready to leave school. The academic programmes lead to a range of external accreditation: GCSE in Maths and Science (if this is appropriate for the pupil), Entry Level Certificates in English, Maths, Science, ICT, PE, French, DT, Food Studies and Art. ASDAN award courses are to be offered from 2004.

The pupils start to work on the 'Progress Files' from Year 9 onwards to build a record of what they have achieved at school.

A very important part of the Key Stage 4 programme is 'The Bridge' programme offered in partnership with NYBEP (North Yorkshire Business Education Partnership). This provides access to vocational tasters at Harrogate College, a community project and work experience. The pupils have two periods of work experience in Year 10 and 11. In addition they may attend block placements at Askham Bryan College or Harrogate College.