Our learners need a curriculum that either prepares them for a return to mainstream or prepares them for progression to further education, work-based training or employment. Carefully planned bespoke education plans show a unique program of study that suits every student’s needs and removes any barriers to learning/progress.
Upon admission each student and their parents will be part of an admissions meeting led by one of the senior leadership team. At this meeting information will be gathered about the student’s needs and an education plan based on their academic and emotional needs will be discussed and agreed. It is critical to the way that the Danesgate Community works that each student is treated as an individual and a personalised learning plan is designed. Students are then allocated a keyworker who is carefully chosen to ensure a positive working relationship and support the individual both academically and emotionally. Communication is open between school, keyworker and parent/carer to ensure education plans are appropriate for the learner’s needs, interests and post 16 progression.
The list below shows the kinds of curriculum that are on offer within the Danesgate Community but this list will be added to if a new qualification route is deemed necessary (and possible) for any individual student.
Established curriculum offer:
We have a very fluid curriculum that not only meets the needs of each student but is adapted when necessary to accommodate the changing circumstances and requirements of every student. Throughout the Key Stages PSHCE is built into the curriculum to ensure students are aware of diversity, world issues and British values. You can also find out more about the curriculum offer in our different learning environments by exploring the links here.
KS1 & KS2:
Following changes to the Primary National Curriculum (2014), the students follow an adapted version of this in order to suit their needs, academically and socially. We use the “Letters and Sounds” scheme for the teaching of phonics.
KS3:
National Curriculum is followed. In KS3 the RSA Opening Minds curriculum is delivered. This thematic curriculum programme is ideal for our students as it allows us to work on behaviour and social skills/competencies alongside a broad and rich curriculum that matches NC requirements. Our Opening Minds curriculum follows modern and relevant themes that help to engage students and address current affairs
KS4:
GCSE English, GCSE English Literature, GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics (including Entry level as required), Functional Skills (Eng/Ma/ICT), GCSE Science, Art, Expressive Art, Graphics, Health and Social care, Child care, OCR Sports Studies Certificate, ECDL ICT, NVQs in Land Based Industries, Hospitality and Catering, Hair and Beauty and Construction,(these skills based courses are NCFE program in line with the new approved technical awards) and a range of additional GCSEs to meet the needs of “late-comers” from mainstream schools from languages to Sociology.
Lead teachers in English and Maths:
The appointment of an English and Maths lead has helped to coordinate curriculum effectively and to a high standard across Primary, KS3 & KS4; working closely with the Deputy Head for curriculum and achievement and SENCO to ensure a focus in literacy and numeracy underpins all curriculum delivered. All staff recognise the role they play in teaching literacy and numeracy within their subject specialism.
You can also find more information about teaching, learning and achievement at Danesgate in our Learning and Achievement Policy.