Curriculum

At Bryn Tirion Hall we address the individual special needs of each young person. In all our planning and teaching we seek to focus on a varied range of interesting, engaging activities, build a young person’s self-esteem and rehearse positive behaviour patterns.

The curriculum at Bryn Tirion Hall is designed to provide for all young persons in a safe and secure environment. We offer the opportunities to experience a broad and balanced education which encourages young persons to fulfill their potential in the many different areas relevant to their abilities, skills and interests and to acquire and develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and qualifications necessary:

  • to progress with confidence to the next stage of their life and education through a process which encourages them to engage in lifelong learning;
  • to prepare for adult working life;
  • to participate as effective citizens in a multiethnic society;
  • to develop for themselves an active and healthy lifestyle

In view of the social and behaviour difficulties of the young people, the curriculum will also:

  • develop co-operative and interpersonal skills;
  • give the study skills necessary to realise their learning potential;
  • enable young people to develop a sense of personal and cultural identity;
  • develop the Key Skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT

Bryn Tirion Hall therefore seeks to give all young persons access to the full range of subjects of the National Curriculum, with their associated programmes of study. Depth, breadth and curriculum balance will vary in the different Key Stages in accord with the School’s ‘Statement of Purpose’. A special emphasis on basic skills in literacy, numeracy, and ICT will permeate all teaching in order to meet the needs of the young persons who are generally underachieving due to their previously disrupted schooling.

Key Stage 3

Throughout Key Stage 3, young people will follow the basic curriculum consisting of English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Technology, History, Geography, Art, and PE. Religious Education, Sex and Relationships Education, PSHE and Citizenship will also be taught throughout the three years.

English will be a main focus throughout the Key Stage. Extra support through the literacy strategy, individual support and other appropriate means are provided to ensure that all young people are able to access all areas of the curriculum.

Key Stage 4

All young people follow a core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Personal Development and Citizenship and PE. In view of the high staff ratio, young persons will be able to follow examination courses of their choice. They will be encouraged to take as many examinations as possible according to their ability. Where practical young people will be encouraged to attend local mainstream schools. Work experience will be an important aspect of the curriculum, consisting of careers education and guidance, work placements and college links.

Assessment

Teacher assessment will be used throughout the Key Stages for diagnostic purposes, to support young people’s progress, to record achievement, and to report to parents/carers and placing authorities.

Assessment at Key Stage 3 will be through teacher assessment only. This will cover the full range and scope of the programmes of study, taking account of evidence of achievement in a range of contexts, including that gained through discussion and observation throughout the Key Stage.

At Key Stage 4, young persons will be entered for examinations relevant to their choices and ability. We will endeavour that no young person will leave Bryn Tirion Hall without a range of externally accredited qualifications.