Curriculum for Primary Learners/Lower KS3
Our primary curriculum/lower KS3, is tailored around the needs of our pupils. Learners at ALP are offered a broad curriculum in line with their specific needs and attainment levels. The core subjects of English, Maths, Science and PSHE are taught using a variety of methods and where appropriate, incorporate individuals interests – often being taught discretely. Learner progress is not monitored using dated linear measures, but rather with a focus on the ‘seven aspects of engagement’, which focuses on pupils skills and abilities around responsiveness, curiosity, discovery, anticipation, persistence, initiation and investigation.
In line with this model and individual interests, learners also have access to a range of enrichment activities, practical subjects such as construction and art as well as fishing, cycling and music. Where appropriate learners are able to gain qualifications in these subjects, as well as benefiting from the therapeutic attributes associated with them.
At ALP we understand the diverse and ever changing needs of our pupils and are therefore prepared to differentiate the curriculum to suit each individual learner. Our skilled tutors work in collaboration with the senior management team to ensure that each pupil is receiving the most relevant foundation of essential knowledge and skills, enabling them to grow into well-educated citizens.
Curriculum for Secondary and Post 16 Learners
Our secondary/Post 16 learners are offered bespoke courses to suit the individual’s needs. Our curriculum is based around a model of foundation learning which ensures that all of our students have an element of Functional Skills, vocational learning and personal and social development within their timetables.
Functional Skills
These are essential skills needed for English, Maths and ICT which are vital for young people and adults to participate in life, learning and work.
Functional Skills feature in most educational and training choices. They are an essential, compulsory element in two main qualification routes for young people from 14 to 24, in apprenticeships and in the foundation learning tier, as well as being stand-alone qualifications in their own right at Entry Level (1-3), Level 1 and Level 2.
The development of Functional Skills is seen by the Government as essential to address employers’ concerns that young people and adults are not achieving a firm enough grounding in the basic education and life skills. At ALP Leicester we recognise that Functional Skills strengthen and bring consistency to learning routes.
Vocational Learning
Vocational learning is used to equip learners on their journey towards a particular trade or craft. Within the school environment we are able to deliver a variety of creative studies, including art, jewellery making, street art, 3D modelling and sculpture. We are also able to offer vocational qualifications in a variety of sport and leisure activities, music, cookery, enterprise and occupational studies in construction trades and hairdressing to name a few.
In addition, we have developed working relationships with local alternative education providers who deliver a wide variety of practical learning, thus enabling us to be flexible to the desires of the individual. This includes, but is not limited to, outdoor pursuits, climbing, equine studies, fishing, animal care, mechanics, traditional crafts, beauty therapy, IT maintenance, woodwork and more.
ALP Leicester is an approved NCFE/CACHE, Asdan and AQA UAS centre which allows us to ensure that our learners work towards accredited qualifications in their vocational choices and other academic subjects such as science.
Personal and Social Development
Our focus on Personal and Social Development (PSD) means we come up with imaginative ways of supporting young people in:
- Becoming confident individuals who are physically, emotionally and socially healthy
- Being responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society and embrace change
- Managing risk together with their own wellbeing as well as introducing them to new activities and personal challenges.
Our Personal and Social Development can lead to young people receiving recognised accreditation at various key stages:
- Key Steps – encourages learners aged between 10 and 14 to develop their personal skills and take responsibility for their own learning through engagement in citizenship based challenges.
- Short Courses – provide a range of flexible programmes to accredit young people’s activities when aged between 13 and 19.
- Bronze/Silver/Gold Personal Development Programmes – provide challenges over 13 modules of topics such as Sport, The Community, Technology and Healthy Living.
- PSHE – to allow our learners to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and prepare for life and work in modern Britain.
Our school has identified a structure that caters for the diverse range of needs of our learners. We are proud to have specialist staff who complement our team of Tutors and Higher Level Tutors. Our specialist team includes:
Lead Teachers
Leading in teaching and learning at ALP Leicester. We have qualified teachers leading on the planning, delivery and assessment of a range of subjects and qualifications associated with the schools’ approach to learning. Thus inspiring our team of tutors to deliver a holistic approach.
Careers Information, Advice and Guidance Officer
Our internal careers service is offered across all three schools to guide and support our learners at both primary and secondary level. We recognise that careers advice should start at a young age, therefore, we work in partnership with external careers agencies to ensure all of our learners receive appropriate information, advice and guidance in relation to their key stage.
Primary Specialist
Different teaching and communication approaches work for different learners. Having a designated specialist makes it easier for us to Identify the strategies that work. Our primary specialist engages with teaching and learning activities and supports tutors with the planning, preparation and delivery of lessons to implement specific strategies to support behaviour and education through ALP Schools’ thematic approach. They also champion our ‘Communication Commitment’ and speech and language support.
Art and Craft Specialist
Each of our learners engage in one to one or group based craft lessons. Each learner is involved in the process of identifying a craft that they enjoy. Our specialist uses a variety of techniques to embed our wider curriculum into art and craft based learning. It is widely recognised that art and craft can be a calming and inspiring influence on all young people. Learners can gain NCFE and Arts award qualifications
Behaviour Specialists
Our specialist takes a lead in the management of behaviour within the school. They support and guide our tutors with Team Teach strategies, the writing of Positive Handling Plans for students and the regular analysis of behaviour within the school. This ensures our school has the best behaviour systems in place to allow for a positive teaching and learning environment.
Outreach Manager
We recognise that some learners do not feel comfortable to enter the school environment. In response to this, we offer an outreach service where our curriculum is delivered within the home environment or at a variety of community provisions that meet the needs of the learners. Our Outreach Manager aims to create learning environments that encourage the learner to engage and progress
Forest School
We provide an opportunity for individuals to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves through our dedicated Forest School provision. We provide a safe and non-threatening environment in which our learners can take risks, make choices and initiate their own learning. We aim to help our learners understand, appreciate and care for the natural environment. Through this provision our learners will develop:
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Communication
- Social skills
- Physical Skills
- A greater understanding and awareness of the natural environment
- Natural motivation and a positive attitude of learning
- The ability to recognise and manage risk
- Promote healthier Lifestyles
Wellbeing Specialist
Our in school wellbeing specialist provides therapeutic support to our learners. This can include theraplay interventions, lego therapy and engagement in ELSA (emotional literacy support) whenever needed. Learners can also be signposted to participate in scheduled wellbeing sessions to help build self esteem, confidence and resilience.