ANDERIDA LEARNING CENTRE
Specialist school breaking the mould of conventional learning.
KS4 and KS5 Pathways
This policy outlines the intent, implementation strategies, and expected impact for our four pathways at Anderida Learning Centre: Community, Transition, Vocational, and Academic. Each pathway is designed to support students in developing key skills and preparing for their exit route from ALC into employment, further education, and independence while ensuring that all students have access to opportunities for lifelong growth and development.
Introduction
When a student begins their journey at Anderida Learning Centre, a thorough and personalised approach is taken to ensure their unique needs are met and that they have a tailored educational plan that supports their development.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process
Initial Assessment
The process begins with gathering key information about the student, focusing on understanding their individual needs, interests, and background. This includes the student’s personal preferences, strengths, and areas for growth. Next a comprehensive review of the student’s EHCP is conducted to understand their current goals, support needs, and any additional considerations such as learning challenges or special educational requirements as well as any reports from educational psychologists, speech and language therapists (S&L), and mental health practitioners.
Diagnosis and Identification of needs
Conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Anxiety, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and Speech and Language (S&L) difficulties are considered based on professional evaluations.
Initial Academic Assessments
Baseline assessments are carried out to determine the student’s current academic levels in core subjects like literacy, numeracy, and other key areas. This serves as a foundation for planning their academic levels. If S&L needs are identified, the student will receive support from qualified therapists to address communication difficulties or developmental language issues.
Social and Emotional Well-being Assessments
A focus on understanding the student's emotional, social, and mental health is critical. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and conditions such as ASD, ADHD, ODD, FASD, anxiety, and PDA are taken into account to plan appropriate interventions and write their individual behaviour support plans, this is then monitored and updated by the student's key worker
Therapeutic Support
Personalised therapeutic interventions are put in place to address social, emotional, and mental health challenges. These can include equine therapy, anger management, therapeutic art, and counseling.
Timetable
With all of the above information, a bespoke timetable is developed, each student will have English, Maths, Personal Development, and Physical Education on their timetable including personalized therapies, interventions, and educational approaches. This ensures that their specific needs are met in both academic and personal development areas. IBSP is created for each student outlining strategies to help manage behavior positively and promote engagement in learning.
Pathways
Based on their EHCP, Diagnoses, academic, and social-emotional well-being assessments, each student is chosen a pathway. The student's pathway is then monitored by their keyworker, this will be accessed at the end of every short term to ensure that the student is on the correct pathway any changes will be made to their pathway tab on the student's tracker.
If a student experiences a crisis, their pathway can be adapted or changed at any point to support them on a temporary basis, this will be decided by SLT and the student's Keyworker.
Keyworkers: Each student will have a keyworker who will support them through both academic and well-being targets. The keyworker will be someone who the student can turn to with any concerns or changes they want to make with their education or pathway.
Community Pathway
Focus: Lifelong skills for social engagement and personal growth
Intent: The Community Pathway aims to equip students with essential life skills that will allow them to actively and positively participate in society. This pathway prioritizes emotional well-being, social skills, communication, and personal development, ensuring learners are confident and capable in various life situations.
Impact
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students will develop greater self-confidence and social competence, enabling them to interact effectively within diverse environments.
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Enhanced personal resilience and adaptability, empowering individuals to navigate changes in society and their personal lives.
Implementation: Holistic Development Programs: Using Passport to Success and AQA unit award scheme to focus on personal and social skills such as well-being, emotional resilience, respect, empathy, kindness, and social awareness.
Community Engagement: Provide opportunities for learners to practice social skills in real-world settings through 1:1 support Personalized Support Plans: Tailor programs to meet individual needs, focusing on personal growth, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and therapeutic approaches.
Setting achieveable goals to create confidence and self acceptance. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Using maslows as a guide through out to nurture the the student. Impact students will develop greater self-confidence and social competence, enabling them to interact effectively within diverse environments. Enhanced personal resilience and adaptability, empowering individuals to navigate changes in society and their personal lives.
Implementation:
Workplace Skills Training: Provide practical experiences, such as work placements, CV writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Life Skills Workshops: Focus on essential skills for independent living, including budgeting, cooking, time management, and household maintenance.
Bridges transition model: using Bridges to understand the stages and emotions and support the student throughout the transitional period.
Money management: using workshops to prepare students for managing their finacianes, this can include opening bank/savers accounts and accessing financial support.
Gatsby Benchmark: Using gatsby Benchmark to ensure each student benefits from the 8 benchmarks.
Transition Pathway
Focus: Job readiness and independent living.
Intent: The Transition Pathway is designed to prepare students for employment and independent living by focusing on job-related skills, daily living abilities, and personal financial management. The aim is to enable individuals to transition smoothly into adulthood and the workforce.
Impact:
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Students will become job-ready, with a clear understanding of workplace expectations and the skills necessary for employment.
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Students will be equipped with practical skills for independent living, such as managing personal finances and maintaining a household.
Vocational Pathway
Focus: Supported internships, apprenticeships, and traineeships.
Intent: The Vocational Pathway aims to provide learners with hands-on experience ASDAN short courses and AQA unit awards leading to internships, apprenticeships, and traineeships. This pathway is designed for students who require hands-on learning and seeking specific trades or careers that require practical skills and on-the-job training, with support as needed.
Impact:
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Learners will gain valuable work experience and industry-specific skills, improving their employability.
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Successful completion of ASDAN short courses or portfolio of relevant AQA unit awards will lead to supported internships, traineeships, and apprenticeship opportunities
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Learners will develop strong professional networks, boosting their confidence and job prospects.
Implementation:
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Work experience and volunteering: Offer structured programs that combine work-based learning with academic support, providing opportunities to gain industry-specific skills.
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Hands-on learning: completing ASDAN short courses to achieve various vocational qualifications
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Mentoring: Provide personalized advice and guidance to help learners choose appropriate vocational pathways aligned with their interests and abilities.
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Gatsby Benchmark: Using gatsby Benchmark to ensure each student benefits from the 8 benchmarks
Implementation:
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Academic Curriculum: Offering a strong focus on core subjects, Maths, English, ICT at a High level functional skills, GCSE’s and A-Level maths and science.
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Exam Preparation and Study Skills: Provide exam preparation, study techniques, and time management workshops to ensure learners are academically prepared with an emphasis on achieving the qualifications required for college or university entry.
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Higher Education Counseling: Offer personalized guidance on choosing college or university programs, understanding application processes, and navigating financial aid options.
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Gatsby Benchmark: Using gatsby Benchmark to ensure each student benefits from the 8 benchmarks
Academic Pathway
Focus: Preparation for higher education (college or university).
Intent: The Academic Pathway is designed to prepare learners for further academic study, equipping them with the knowledge, critical thinking, and research skills necessary for success in college or university. This pathway is aimed at students with aspirations for higher education.
Impact:
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Students will achieve the necessary qualifications and skills to gain entry into their chosen college or university programs.
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Graduates of the Academic Pathway will be equipped with the intellectual tools needed to succeed in higher education, including critical thinking, research abilities, and independent study skills.
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Enhanced confidence and preparedness for academic challenges, leading to greater success in higher education and professional careers.
Each of these pathways is designed to offer tailored support and opportunities for learners to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to achieve their personal and professional goals. By focusing on nurturing lifelong skills, promoting job readiness and independence, providing vocational training, and preparing for academic success, these pathways create a comprehensive framework that ensures all students are empowered to thrive in society.
