Curriculum

At Castle School we offer an engaging curriculum designed to inspire and challenge our pupils to make outstanding progress in aspects of their life and learning.

Pupils will follow the National Curriculum but the approach will be enquiry and nurture based, with a strong emphasis on the development of social and emotional awareness, resilience and self-regulation.

Castle School is typically accessed by young people who are unable to attend school for medical reasons and are referred by their mainstream school or via the Local Authority SEND team. In order to reengage pupils in their education, a bespoke integration is offered in order to readjust to full time learning and this is the expectation for the majority but each case is individually considered based on need. There is a core National Curriculum offer that encompasses Maths, English, Science, Humanities, Art, PHSE, Physical Activity, Languages and ICT.

Currently Year 7 and 8 are taught together with one teacher (in a Primary style) and study a Nurture curriculum. This follows the National Curriculum with distinct subjects which is often focused on bridging gaps in learning and social/emotional development resulting from historical non-engagement in education. The Nurture model is designed to provide a holistic, personalised approach to learning and enable our students to be involved in a range of opportunities and experiences in a safe and structured environment. Lessons aim to encompass a variety of activities to scaffold and extend learning in a way that sparks curiosity thus facilitating ‘buy in’ and engagement with learning for life.

In year 9, pupils continue to follow the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum but the delivery model changes to have specialist teachers preparing them for Key Stage 4 where personal development and PSHE continues to be a focus to further build self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence.

During Key Stage 4 pupils embark on a GCSE (level 2) learning pathway; studying English Literature and English Language, Maths, Science, Geography, Art and ICT alongside ensuring that Functional Skills are also

achieved in Maths, English and Science. This provides pupils will broad body of knowledge and learning and supports pupil’s next steps by providing a passport for progression into a range of post 16 options.

Throughout both KS3 and KS4 all pupils receive alternative provision engagement opportunities within their timetables, some of which allow them to progress towards a level 1 qualification. The school maintains strong links with external stakeholders in education, health and SEND who are supporting the young people to ensure there is an integrated approach to providing a rich and relevant learning experience that supports pupil transition back into a mainstream setting if possible or into a secure post 16 destination.

In some instances Castle School will provide an entirely bespoke curriculum offer to support pupils whose illness makes it impossible to attend or engage in school life in a typical way. Our intent with these programmes is to provide pupils with an enriched learning experience that is understanding of the pupils needs but also one that is ambitious and prepares pupils for appropriate next steps.

Across all pathways there is a strong emphasis on developing strategies to promote independence and overcome barriers to attendance and engagement.

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