The school is a very important part of Apple Orchard and complements the work done by the care and therapy staff. The Headteacher leads the experienced team of teachers and part-time educationalists. Between them they can offer a wide range of subjects which covers most of a modified National Curriculum.
GCSE certificates can be gained in English, Mathematics, Science, Information & Communication Technology, Physical Education, Design Technology, Religious Studies, Art and Photography. The school also offers National Certificates in French, Religious Education, literacy and numeracy skills. Concentrated courses on Personal, Health and Social Education along with careers advice are undertaken in the summer term. Taster days at local colleges and work experience placements augment the formal education. The school has well-qualified teaching assistants who assist the teachers in giving more 1:1 support to individual boys. They also run and moderate an individualised literacy scheme which has shown some excellent improvements in reading skills as well as high levels of motivation and enjoyment from the pupils. The boys are usually taught in classes of no more than six, allowing for high levels of supervision and individual attention. The school day is from 9.00am until 3.30pm and is split into 6 periods of about 45 minutes each. The teaching groups can be split either by age or ability, but usually boys are in a group with peers who are of a similar academic level. There is an amount of flexibility built into the system to allow pupils who may be experiencing specific problems within their group to have 'time out' and join another class temporarily, while still keeping up with their own level of work.
The evidence of good practice in the classroom has resulted in many good quality passes at GCSE level and much improved numeracy and literacy levels. This has allowed pupils to gain entry to colleges in Guildford, Brinsbury and Crawley to study catering, mechanics, electrical engineering, animal care and a variety of valuable life skills. New City and Guilds vocational courses are being prepared for boys unable to attend colleges. A work experience programme has been running successfully for over ten years. Our most recent OFSTED report stated that the school was 'Outstanding' and that the pupils made excellent progress through a developing and individualised curriculum. Any of the schools policies are available to parents on request.
The school facilities are of a very high standard. There are six purpose built classrooms including an ICT room with eight linked computers, a large practical room where design technology and art are taught and one room which can be used for photography. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard and its own computer. The large dining area is used for lunches and for daily meetings with the whole school. Basketball and tennis can be played on our own court and a grass area allows the boys to play a variety of games outside. Our Physical Education classes often take place at a nearby sports centre where a variety of team and individual activities are offered. We also use local pitches and tennis courts to extend the range of sports that we offer. As members of the Sussex and Surrey Special Sports Association we compete against other schools at soccer, basketball, badminton, cross-country and athletics. Internal competitions are held in archery, Superstars and golf. The Duke of Edinburgh Award course is offered.
A behaviour modification scheme is successfully established in the school. Points are awarded for pupils who are recognised to be making positive efforts during school time. Rewards are given for the type of courteous, thoughtful and diligent behaviour that is expected from the pupils. The rewards include greater trust, increased computer time, Magic Tickets which give the opportunity to win a major prize, certificates that can be sent home to families or carers and access to day trips.
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 time at Apple Orchard School.
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