Post 16 Overview
Intent
It is our aim in Post 16 to offer a broad and balanced curriculum for all our pupils. The pupils are following a curriculum, aimed at preparing students for later life and for some the world of work and supporting personal development for their next stage of life and living. Pupils have access to engaging and exciting lessons, which will build on their current skills and allow each pupil to pursue areas of interest to them by broadening their horizons. Building on the skills and developments made in Key Stage 4, we encourage pupils to continue to explore the areas that are of interest to them, and we try to match their interests to qualifications and accreditation so that they can be as skilled as possible for when they enter their adult stage of life.
We offer our pupils a programme of study that stretches and engages them, prepares them for adulthood, and supports their progression into work, further study, or post education provision. Our approach, offering a study programme to develop independent living skills is, for many of our student with severe and/or complex needs, entirely appropriate and accords with the 16-19 Study Programme. This would only apply to students for whom either substantial qualifications or preparation for employment are not, at this stage in their lives, a suitable option. Pupils in the different pathway areas have a range of appropriate qualifications, accreditations and pathways available to them.
Implementation
The Post 16 curriculum consists of vocational and academic subjects. Post 16 at Beechcliffe is a three-year programme, catering for years 12, 13 and 14. Most of students do not leave until the end of the academic year of their 19th birthday.
In Post 16 we deliver a curriculum combining the Government’s 16-19 Study Programmes and the Preparation for Adulthood pathways. Our programme features academic learning, vocational study, and personal development. Beechcliffe School provides a range of appropriate learning opportunities in each of the pathway areas.
Each school day commences in class groups.
For our Explore learners, a multi-sensory daily calendar and welcome to the school day is targeted to develop individual skills such as speaking and listening, awareness of the world around us and its significance to us, independence and life and living skills.
For our Discover and Enquire groups these activities include registration, guided reflection on the Thought of the Week, and an opportunity to watch and discuss a daily news programme, an opportunity to read that day’s newspaper or to discuss with staff and peers any topical events.
Academic Curriculum
For the core subjects of English, Maths, and IT pupils will complete appropriate accreditations depending on their curriculum pathway.
The following qualifications are offered to pupils:
- OCR Life and Living Skills Entry Level 1,2 and 3 (Explore / Discover)
- AQA Functional Skills Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 in English and Maths (Enquire)
- AQA Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 in English and Maths (Enquire)
- Edexcel Functional Skills Entry Level 3 in ICT. (Enquire)
- ASDAN qualification at Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 (Discover / Enquire)
- ASDAN Towards Independence (Explore)
Vocational Curriculum
Enterprise, Forest School work, charity-based work and sport and leisure activities are delivered in Post 16 to groups of mixed age and ability. These carousel groups are organised with the ideology being that all pupils in Post 16 are at the self-discovery stage of their lives where they are mapping out and developing an idea of who they are and transitioning into life as an adult.
The curriculum offered in Post 16 is influenced by and serves to promote a child’s preparation for adulthood alongside individual interests and needs.
Post 16 students are also given the opportunity to participate in a range of creative arts including as part of a whole school bi-annual Performing Arts productions.
Work experience and additional accreditations offered in Post 16.
- Enterprise activities where pupils run a small business
- Work experience at a mum’s and toddlers’ group
- Work experience at a community cafe
- Playmakers Sports Leadership awards
Impact
At Beechcliffe, we believe that all pupils deserve to have their achievements recognised at all levels of learning. To do this we offer a range of opportunities for awards and celebration. Our pupils become as independent as possible through the way the curriculum at Post 16 prepares them for adulthood.
We deliver qualifications and accreditations at the appropriate level that ensure our pupils leave school with the support, knowledge, and advice to make the next step in their lives. All our pupils receive careers support and guidance through the EHCP review process to ensure that all have a provision to move on to, provided through adult services, colleges and further education, or supported internships.