Key Stage and Glade Information

Key Stage 3

Students in KS3 are in Years 7,8 and 9 and are aged 11-14. Classes sizes vary between 7-10 students and are mixed ability with students from Grove, Forest and Woodland Pathway. There is usually one teacher, one Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), and one Learning Support Assistant (LSA). Students in Y7 follow a topic based curriculum, and we baseline all students upon entry to the school within the first term. Students in Y8 and Y9 are taught discrete subjects. 

Students in KS3 are also assessed for targeted interventions through the support of our LSB, Interventions Base, Music therapy, SALT, OT and Physio. and Advanced learners in English and Maths. 

Key Stage 4 

Students in Key Stage 4 are in years 9 ,10 and 11. Class sizes vary between 8-9 students. Classes are mixed ability and follow the national curriculum; which is accessed through the Grove, Forest and Woodland pathways. For more information on what those pathways are, please see the pathways section of the website. If you need any further information on which pathway your young person is on, please refer to your young persons' latest school report or contact their class teacher. Students on the Woodland pathway have access to advanced Maths and English sessions. In KS4 Students access ASDAN. ASDAN is an accredited course and there are two levels:

Sensory: this programme offers a developmental perspective for learners with PMLD or who are working below GV level 4/P4 (Those on the Grove pathway) and rewards very small steps of learning and achievement

Introduction and Progression: the activities in this programme cover the statutory programmes of study for the Key Stage 4 National Curriculum, along with activities to develop the skills required for adult living. The students that access this would be those on the Forest and Woodland pathways.

There is usually one teacher, one Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), and one Learning Support Assistant (LSA) working in a classroom. They are supported by a learning mentor. They support with behavioural, emotional and general wellbeing interventions.

Students in KS4 are also assessed for targeted interventions through the support of our LSB, Interventions Base, Music therapy, SALT, OT and Physio.

 

 

Key Stage 5

Students in Key Stage 5 are typically in years 12 to 14. Class sizes vary between 9-12 students. Classes are mixed ability and students access the curriculum through the Grove, Forest and Woodland pathways. In Key Stage 5 there is a focus on functional skills and an emphasis on the wider application of previously learnt skills, as well as Preparation for Adulthood. 

The KS5 curriculum is made up of key skills and options courses. Students all take externally accredited AQA unit awards in Maths, English, ICT and their options modules. Options courses are cross-curricular, vocational and focused on interesting adult subject matter that extends our young people’s skills and knowledge whilst also facilitating student choices. Woodland students also work towards an ASDAN Personal Social Development award.

Students in Key Stage 5 have regular enrichment opportunities including; swimming, a multi skills craft class run by Lewisham Adult Learning, Key Stage Forum Meeting, trampolining, volunteering opportunities at the Lewisham Food Bank and Hope Church Elderly Lunch.

Students in KS5 are also assessed for targeted interventions through the support of our LSB, Interventions Base, Music therapy, SALT, OT and Physio.

 

Glade Pathway

For students with Learning difficulties and additional complex needs. Students typically work from 5 areas of engagement to Greenvale Level 7 (GV7).

Students following the Glade Pathway require a high level of structure and routine throughout the day. They focus on the development of skills such as communication, behaviour, emotional regulation, engagement, initiation and generalisations. Many of these young people have additional complex behavioural needs.

We only have a limited, small number of spaces for such young people as they require a separate provision from the rest of the school.

Students in the Glade classes are in Years 7-14. Classes sizes are a maximum of 6 students. There is usually one teacher, one Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), and two Learning Support Assistants (LSAs).

Curriculum:

Students in the Glade Pathway have full access to the National Curriculum.  The Glade students follow a highly personalised version of the school curriculum. Students learn through different activities and experiences in all subject areas. They will develop skills in the following areas:

  •          Communication – symbol/verbal communication
  •          Emotional regulation – sensory circuits etc.
  •          Engagement – persistence, concentration.
  •          Initiation - during social structured activities, creative arts etc.
  •          Transitions – moving around the school.
  •          Generalisation – functional skills
  •          Independence – e.g. structured learning approach

Accreditations:

Students onto the Glade Pathway in KS4 and KS5 also take accredited course including ASDAN Transition Challenge and AQA Pre-Entry Level Unit Awards. 

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

Some specific Approaches to Teaching and Learning in the Glade are listed below.

  • TEACCH approach (To promote and build independence)   
  • PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System to communicate without relying on speech
  • Sensory Diet (includes various sensory strategies and supports that help the individual to regulate)
  • Intensive interaction (Developing communication and social skills)
  • Attention Autism (To develop natural and spontaneous communication through the use of visually based and highly motivating activities)
  • Total Communication approach (Using the right combination of communication methods for each student)
  • Colourful semantics (It is a method of teaching students how to understand and build sentences.

Preparing for adulthood Glade programme:

Key elements for Glade students:

  1. Employment

Development of work related skills linked to aspirations and interest.  (creativity, team building activities, development of money skills/ exchanging, having an awareness of expectations and responsibilities.

  1. Independent living:

Building independence skills (personal care, transitions, making choices etc.)

  1. Health and wellbeing

To develop the use of sensory and regulation strategies to support positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing

  1. Community Inclusion:

Develop communication and interaction skills to enhance engagement. How friendships are developed and the support available for them to be sustained. Links to KS5 classes. Accessing the community.

Activities and focus: (PfA programme)

1)   Accessing the community -  making connections to the wider community including other classes, the   local community and the broader world  

2)   Participate in enterprise activities

3)   Participate in work-related activities

4)   Supported travel training/ develop transition skills

5) Linking curriculum learning to careers.

 

If you would like any more information please contact us and we will be happy to discuss any questions you have.