Contact Info.

The Secondary Class is for children aged between 11 to 16, attending either on a full time or part time basis. The class is limited to a maximum of 12 children attending any one session. Ideally we like children to attend a minimum of 3 days / week, for at least 1 academic year, simply as this ensures a level of continuity and better helps the child to settle quickly into the new social environment.

GCSEs

The Secondary Class offers a natural progression for those children who have attended the Primary Class, whilst preparing the children for taking their GCSEs. We offer a number of different GCSEs, as can be seen in the timetable below, with pupils, in consultation with parents and the school, deciding how many and how soon GCSEs are taken.

The Secondary Class Lessons

Secondary class lessons are always designed to be...

enjoyable...we believe if pupils are not enjoying a subject they are considerably less likely to succeed in that subject, therefore we ensure that lessons are fun and active, with a consistent dose of good humour, because laughter is an indication of understanding

engaging...we believe pupils need to relate the subject matter of lessons to their own lives and experience as well as to other subjects, therefore we ensure that the pupils always see these connections through in-depth discussions throughout the lesson which involves every pupil

challenging...we believe that once a lesson is enjoyable and engaging the pupils are ready to be challenged and taken to the next level, therefore pupils are encouraged to think for themselves, to have the confidence to embrace new ideas and to constantly develop their awareness of themselves and the world around them

Outline of a Typical Secondary Class Lesson

Introduction

• Remind class of last topic area explored and relate to current topic.

• Discuss and explore.

• Practical Application – discuss how topic area is applied in every life.

• Making Connections – discuss and explore connections between topic and other topic areas and subjects.

Main Activity (involving one or more of the following)

• Drama – Pupils enact areas of topic.

• Group Work – Set small groups an area to explore.

• Individual research.

• Media – use video clips and programmes and/or computer programmes and websites where appropriate.

• Record through text and illustrations. Record using their own words.

Conclusion

• Concluding discussion, recapping the main points.

• Short quiz.

• Setting of homework.

Academic Subjects - For a full outline of how each subject is taught and what topics are covered click on the following link - Schemes of Work or alternatively click on any of the subjects above.

Free Choice Periodis a time for pupils to work on their own projects, read, work on the computer or socialise quietly with friends. Some pupils may find this kind of choice daunting so guidance is always available whilst they gain self-motivation. This period is also an excellent time for one to one lessons.

The School Meetingis a monthly forum for the Primary and Secondary classes to air any problems or queries they may have and to help each other resolve conflicts in a mature and responsible manner. The children are kept informed about any relevant changes in the school by staff and have the opportunity to debate any issues affecting them. The school meeting is an opportunity for the children to propose any changes they would like to see in the school or any specific projects or activities they would like to see the school undertake. The meeting provides the children with opportunities to work closely with one another and the staff. The meeting gives children experience in using power in a democratic and responsible way.

Sport / Breaks are highly valued at our school and usually involve the whole class or primary and secondary classes playing a wide variety of sports, plus traditional, school invented and co-operative games. Free choice is optional.