The Schoolwork complements the Care side of the
Therapeutic Community. The Head teacher leads the education staff and there
is one other full-time teacher. Between them they endeavour to enable the
boys in both Key Stage 3 and 4 to have access to as much of the National
Curriculum as possible. Currently there are two part-time members of staff
who teach Art, Photography and Music. The school also has a well-qualified
classroom assistant who assists the teachers in giving more 1:1 attention
to pupils, and delivers some of the special needs support to individual
children.
The pupils have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects. They
include:
English*
Mathematics Science*
Geography*
Religious Studies*
Physical Education* < Statistics*
Information & Communication Technology (I.C.T.)*
Art*
Photography *
History
Design
Personal, Health & Social Education
Science
Technology
*(Denotes they are available up to GCSE level)
The school facilities offer a good range and quality
of resources. For instance five computers are networked allowing the boys
to work as a group on shared skills, and also to have the opportunity to
complete their individual academic coursework. A music department has been
established, and pupils can learn keyboard, guitar and composition skills.
A recent HMI inspection awarded the school full Department of Education
registration, and complemented the staff on providing such a wide range
of curriculum subjects.
Pupils at the school have the opportunity to attempt a range of examination
subjects at their own levels.
We offer G.C.S.Es, Certificate of Education, A.Q.A. and N.V.Q. awards such
as the ASDAN certificates in P.H.S.E. have also been introduced.
The evidence of good practice in the classroom resulted in 66% of pupils
gaining between A-C in their GCSE exams, well above national average for
a special school. Some pupils may be able to attend Guildford College to
study for their NVQs in a variety of subjects.
Contacts have been built up with other local schools
to visit and use their laboratory or specialist Art facilities. Younger
pupils who arrive at the school having completed enough of their Key Stage
3 coursework would be expected to sit these exams as though at a normal
school.
Physical Education classes often take place at a local sports centre, where
a variety of team and individual activities are offered. The school is part
of the Sussex and Surrey Special Schools Sports Association, and has competed
in athletics and cross-country with some success. Internal competitions
are held in a variety of activities such as basketball, soccer, archery
and golf.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has been introduced. Pupils complete
4 different areas to gain this award, and it is run jointly between the
education and the care staff. This aids the 24-hour curriculum that is
a positive feature of the Apple Orchard Community.
A points system for behaviour has been established with rewards for pupils
who are seen to be making positive efforts during school time. Rewards are
given for the type of courteous, thoughtful and diligent behaviour that
is insisted upon. The rewards include greater trust, increased computer
time, certificates that can be displayed or sent home to family, the opportunity
to win prizes and access to day trips to a variety of locations.
The school day is from 9am until 3.30pm, and is currently split into 6 periods
of about 45 minutes each. There are two teaching groups that can be split
either by age or ability. There is an amount of flexibility built into the
system to allow pupils who may he experiencing specific problems within
their group to have ‘time out’ and join the other group temporarily,
while still keeping up with their own level of work. The class groups are
generally no bigger than 5.
Every effort is made to create a calm, pleasant, stimulating and fun environment
in which to learn. Each pupil is encouraged to strive to realise his own
potential, and to achieve as much as he can during his years at school.
structure