St Andrews Curriculum

At St Andrews we firmly believe that our curriculum should be relevant to the individual child. We also have a strong bias towards the teaching of independence skills.

Pupils aged 11-16 years of age follow the National Curriculum, which is modified to meet each child's individual needs. In the Further Education department the students follow our Life-skills programme.

In addition to all the normal amenities the school has some special features including a sensory room, senior flat and bungalow for preparing students for independent living, science room, art room, computer room and a nature reserve.

We recognise that the educational, physical, social and personal needs of each child are closely linked and can only be met by all staff, parents and support services working closely together. Through this multi-disciplinary approach individual programmes are developed for each child, which are delivered within a caring, stimulating and challenging environment and are aimed at providing high quality education and care so that every child reaches their full potential.

Accreditation and Qualifications

All pupils and students have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised accreditation and qualifications.

From Key stage 3 onwards the learners will use the AQA unit award scheme which accredits individual units of work.

From year 11 onwards the learners participate in either ASDAN's towards independence programme or the Entry level life skills qualification.

More information can be found about the courses at;

www.aqa.org.uk

www.asdan.org.uk

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9)

We believe that our pupils have an entitlement to the same experiences and opportunities as their mainstream peers and everyone at St Andrews is committed to helping each child gain in confidence and independence to face their future after school. 

Each student has his/her own programme which is written using the school's assessment procedures and in conjunction with the National Curriculum. Subjects taught include all the National Curriculum subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Design Technology, History, Geography, French, Art, Music, and PE & Swimming. In addition all pupils follow courses in Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

Key Stage 4 provides students with learning opportunities in all the national curriculum areas alongside the opportunity to take part in PE lessons at Lancaster sports centre in Derby City centre.

An options session also runs once a week for key stage 4 and FE students. Activities on offer range from card making to beach volleyball and gardening to drama.

Whilst in key stage 4 students also get the opportunity to participate in our World of Work week. They set up and run their own business for profit. Last year the company was called ‘Super 5' and provided home services to staff and friends of the school.

FE Department

The FE curriculum is experienced increasingly out in the community, in local colleges and work placements. Currently students can access an external work placement in years 12 & 14. This work placement is completely directed by the student. The work placement may be for ½ day or for 2 weeks depending on the student.

The success of Further Education in helping our students to develop into mature adults relies on the support and interest of parents and the community. With this support we have had huge successes in the ability of students to use public transport independently and develop their meal preparation skills. We also encourage the students to have and use mobile phones in order to communicate with their friends and to use in emergencies.

A particular focus of this department is on self-help and the skills needed to function in the wider community. Use is made of role-play, helping young people to ask questions, make decisions and to understand real life situations. For example, wherever possible students use shops, public transport, cafés etc. to gain confidence and practice in handling money.

Residential Department 

A residential experience is available as part of the curriculum. The aims of the residential visits are to give experience of being away from home, to further develop and apply independence skills and to provide extended outdoor education and enjoyment.

Residential Education may be available for pupils aged 11 years and over attending St Andrew's and other special schools in southern Derbyshire. The very nature of Residential Education allows for further opportunities for pupils with severe learning difficulties to develop further independence skills.

Residential facilities offer a perfect opportunity to extend the curriculum throughout the whole day. Structured activities are available in the evenings aimed towards further development of independence skills.

‘The provision for literacy is very good'    OFSTED 2005 

‘Pupils are very well supported in their personal development. Self-confidence grows rapidly as a result of the encouragement and recognition they receive'   OFSTED 2005