Teaching and Learning

The Curriculum at Brookfield is centred around the age and stage of the pupils. We have a diverse range of learners and our goal is to meet the needs of all through a personlised curriculum offer which aims to work on the long term objectives in pupils' EHCPs.  All pupils have identified Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and therefore personal development is at the heart of everything we do as we prepare our pupils for adulthood.  

Primary (Key Stage 2)

Intent

The aim of our Key Stage 2 provision is to narrow the attainment gap and ready pupils to re-enter mainstream schools.  For younger pupils and some Upper Key Stage 2, this means a focus on readiness to learn, building attention, early development skills and self esteem.  For others, the focus is on learning to self regulate and tolerate others so that their education can continue in other settings.  Please see the Key Stage 2 tab for more information. 

Implementation:

The National Curriculum is taught through a thematic approach with opprtunities for overlearning and a mastery approach to key skills. 

The personal development curriculum is key: pupils have opprtunities for weekly Forest Schools and outdoor education, PE lessons taught by a specialist, music (instrument teaching), counselling, PSHE and e Safefy lessons. Creative and performance arts are taught thematically and through community based projects.  

Extra Support

Students who require extra Literacy and Numeracy support will receive this either in 1:1 or small group withdrawal.  Personalised programmes are arranged for Reading (Read, Write, Inc., Sound Reading System and Yorkshire Comprehension ) and Handwriting (Read, Write Inc.) as well as individual or small group intervention sessions to improve basic skills in Maths.

Key Stage 3

We have adopted a primary style to best support our Key Stage 3 pupils. Pupils in years 7,8 & 9 will benefit from the consistency of one class teacher and teaching assistant for most subjects. PE and DT will continue to be taught by our specialist staff.

Intent:

The curriculum is designed to continue to follow many aspects of the National Curriculum, prepering pupils for GCSE but also for a more vocational approach.  Some pupils in Year 9 may follow a Key Stage 4 approach or are prepared for re-entering mainstream schooling if it is deemed appropriate through their Annual Review.  The Personal Development curriculum is crucial during Key Stage 3; focusing on self regulation, building self esteem and positive relationships. The SRE curriculum is fully personlised and the School Nurse supports fully with additional sessions or materials.  

We aim to ensure that the curriculum offer is open to all students with the purpose of inspiring a love of learning and equipping all students with a broad range of knowledge and experiences to enable them to make appropriate choices in Key Stage four and beyond.

Implementation:

In English, Maths and ICT, students begin to be entered for external accreditations or qualifications in year nine.  These include Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications, ECDL or Entry Levels as appropriate.  As well as providing valuable examination practice, it allows students to gain external recognition for their efforts and helps to motivate and focus students on their learning as they transfer into Key Stage Four.

In addition to English, Maths and Science, students also study Art, Design and Technology, Functional IT, Physical Education and Outdoor Education, Personal, Social & Health Education, Careers, Citizenship studies and Religious Education.  

Optional music sessions are provided by Hereford Music Pool including opprtunities for instrument tuition.  

Vocational Option Choices

Some students also have  work placements or take part in vocational study options through our partnered external providers.  

Extra Support

Students who require extra Literacy and Numeracy support will receive this either in 1:1 or small group withdrawal.  Personalised programmes are arranged for Reading (Sound Reading System and Yorkshire Comprehension ) and Handwriting (Nelson) as well as individual or small group intervention sessions to improve basic skills in Maths. 

Targeted Enterprise Groups focus on organising and running whole school community events to further support social and emotional development. These groups are primarily focused on students who are looked after, are subject to special guardianship orders and those adopted from care.  

Key Stage 4

Intent:

The key stage four curriculum is designed to offer students more flexibility in over their studies by allowing students to follow a personalised curriculum based on their preferred learning styles, interests and skills. The aim of the curriculum is to equip our students with the understanding, experience and necessary qualifications to continue their studies and to allow them to play an active and fulfilled role in society.

Implementation:

Core Curriculum

Students study English, Maths and Science at either GCSE or Functional Skills at Level 1 or 2.  Students also study Physical Education, Religious Education, Citizenship, Personal & Social Education (AQA Level 2 award/certificate) and World of Work which encompasses Employability (NCFE Level 2 award as well as Level 2 award in Health and Safety at Work) and Careers.  Students also have option choices including Level 2 award in Sports, Functional Skills ICT and GCSEs or level 2 qualifications in Food & Nutrition, Design & Technology, Photography and Art.

Vocational Option Choices

Some students also have extended work placements (in addition to one week’s work experience, completed in the summer term of Year 10) or take part in vocational study options through our partnered external providers.  These are usually in farming, horticulture, or motor vehicle and are aimed at young people who will go onto apprenticehips or into further training in these areas. 

Extra Support

Students who require extra Literacy and Numeracy support will receive this either in 1:1 or small group withdrawal.  Personalised programmes are arranged for Reading (Sound Reading System and Yorkshire Comprehension ) and Handwriting (Nelson) as well as individual or small group intervention sessions to improve basic skills in Maths.

The World of Work

On top of a comprehensive and personalised careers programme (see Careers), Key Stage Four students are also involved in our STEM and Industry days throughout the year. Weekly Careers lessons each week  include industry visits, a programme of study delivered by a school advisor from JobcentrePlus, sessions with an independent careers advisor and visits to colleges, training providers and careers fairs.

The Arrow Group

This is an off-site provision for some of our most vulnerable learners who have (usually) historically been non/ low attenders and allows students to concentrate on a more practical curriculum.  Young people study L1/2 Functional Skills in English and Maths, some may study PSD or CoPE and all receive personalised Careers education and guidance. Their individualised timetables focus on pursuing vocational studies, extended work placements and outdoor education.  For more information, please click on the Arrow tab or contact the school.

Impact:

The flexible and dynamic approach ensures all students have a personalised curriculum to meet their needs.  The impact of the curriculum is reviewed regularly to ensure it is fully inclusive for all students and that learning outcomes are maximised.  All pupils in 2019 went on to college, employment or further training.