Atkinson School

Learning together to change tomorrow

Our Vision
It is our vision that everyone has the right to develop themselves through learning. We believe that through learning students develop self-confidence, self esteem and self worth to move forward with their lives. Most importantly we look to develop, in all our young people, a love of learning and the ability to recognise their own talents and potential.


Curriculum
Our curriculum is structured around the needs of the young people. We provide a personalised approach to the learning of each individual, recognising their previous educational experiences and preparing them for the future.

The school day is structured in a similar way to mainstream schools and our curriculum reflects foundation learning. It includes core subjects, vocational subjects and personal, social development and has the flexibility to challenge all levels of student from entry levels to Level 2. Themed weeks, such as creative week, enterprise week, and science week, combined with topic days, are an integral part of the broader learning of our young people. We work closely with our learning partners to provide a greater variety of activities and expertise. Meaningful accreditation is available in all areas to provide a portfolio of attainment for the young people when they progress to their next placement.

It is important to us that all our young people achieve success whilst with us in school. Many arrive with a reluctance to engage as their experience has been based on what they see as failure. As a consequence we celebrate all their achievements, whether it is attending school for a day or gaining a GCSE qualification. Our weekly assemblies provide a forum where we can recognise and celebrate all the young people’s success.

Pastoral Care
Our young people are supported in their learning by their individual tutor. A meeting is held with the young person, tutor and their key worker to set targets and review progress. This is vital both in providing continuity of care, and extending learning beyond the school day.


Ofsted – October 2010
Key Points
‘Education in the Unit is good with some outstanding features.’

‘The curriculum allows sufficient flexibility to provide for the very diverse and complex needs of individual young people’

‘..young people participate enthusiastically in their lessons and activities. Young people are proud of their achievements and speak enthusiastically about their work.’

‘The majority of young people leave the unit with some form of nationally recognised accreditation. These qualifications gained will be of value as young people progress with their educational careers on leaving the unit.’

‘. cookery standards are outstanding..’

‘The quality of work produced in art and graphics is outstanding.’

‘Young people’s creative writing and poetry is also of a high standard’

‘Progress in mathematics is good, equal to that found in mainstream school.’