Curriculum
The aims of the school include giving all pupils their full entitlement to the National Curriculum. All subjects are covered, including the non-statutory components. This ensures, amongst other things, that most pupils are able to be considered for re-integration into mainstream when it is time for them to leave Brantridge.
Particular emphasis is placed upon literacy and numeracy, because pupils often come with deficits in these areas. The National Literacy Strategy and the National Numeracy Strategy are key components in the school’s programme of remediation in basic subjects.
Science and Information and Communication Technology are areas of the curriculum which have emerged as strengths for our pupils. The school’s statutory assessment results at 11 (end of Key Stage 2) over the last few years have shown good results in Science, compared with pupils nationally. Pupils often leave Brantridge with ICT skills which are in advance of their peers in other schools.
The majority of foundation subjects are taught as separate items on the timetable, but there is scope for topic-based approaches, especially for the youngest pupils. Creativity is positively fostered, and the school is justifiably proud of the quality of the pupils’ art work, on display throughout the school.
All pupils have an Individual Education Plan, which addresses targets set for them at the Annual Reviews. This is linked to an Individual Care Plan, which focuses more on their social development.
Religious education is taught, on a non-denominational basis, ensuring that all pupils are aware of the multi-cultural and multi-faith society in which we live. The school has no affiliation to any religious denomination or religion, and parents have the right to withdraw their child from the RE lessons and from the school’s very simple daily act of collective worship if they so wish. Alternative provision will be made if necessary.
Sex education is taught in accordance with the National Curriculum guidelines for Science, and is modified to take account of the age and maturity of the pupils. In addition, within Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) there are elements of sex and relationship education. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the latter, if they so wish.
The curriculum is extended into a wide variety of play and leisure activities. The majority of these are available in the evenings and at weekends, but there are timetabled opportunities for outdoor pursuits, drama and dance. “Out of school” activities include; cycling, horse-riding, golf, canoeing and camping. The curriculum is constantly being evaluated in terms of its breadth and range. Every effort is made to ensure that it is relevant, stimulating and balanced. Good use is made of visits to museums, theatres, outdoor activity centres, etc.