Dovedale – Key Stage 2-4 (ASC)
Welcome
Welcome to James Brindley Academy. Dovedale is an 81-placement provision for pupils with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) from upper KS2 (years 5 & 6), KS3 (years 7, 8 & 9) and KS4 (years 10 & 11.) All pupils that attend Dovedale have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and are referred via the Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review Service (SENAR) for a place at James Brindley.
At Dovedale, many of our pupils have co-existing conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette’s Syndrome, attachment disorders and other social, emotional and mental health needs. Pupils at Dovedale are taught using the national curriculum and have access to a broad range of qualifications that can meet their needs. Alongside their academic progress, pupils are supported to develop their social and emotional wellbeing through our whole school approach of Thrive. At Dovedale we have several staff who are licensed Thrive Practitioners who can deliver 1:1 and group interventions. We also have an Interventions Lead, Mentors and a Therapeutic Practitioner who are all highly skilled and have a good understanding of the necessary ‘building blocks’ needed for learners to be happy and independent.
We also work with a variety of external professionals such as; Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Mental Health Practitioners. We have identified that many of our pupils have difficulties with attending school for a variety of reasons and therefore have an Attendance Officer who is able to personalise and offer transition plans and strategies to support pupils and their families.
Sam King
Dovedale Centre Leader
Contact: dovedale@jamesbrindley.org.uk
Our Centre Management Team consists of:
Interim Centre Leader / Associate Assistant Principal: Neil Reading
Interim Centre Leader / Associate Assistant Principal, SENCO & DSL: Emma-Lee Thomason
Assistant SENCO: Gabby Trotman
Interventions Lead: Ayanna Flash
Pastoral Manager: Daniel Westwood
Attendance Officer: Josephine Stephenson
Pastoral Manager & DSL: Saffron Southall
Lead Therapeutic Practitioner: Sanjay Badhan
Contact: dovedale@jamesbrindley.org.uk
Curriculum
Our curriculum is broad and balanced meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum and the needs of our pupils to allow them to reach their full potential. We take a personalised approach to teaching and learning, matched to the individual needs of pupils, whilst taking account of particular health and medical needs. Smaller class sizes allow for bespoke learning pathways, tailoring learning to individual pupil’s abilities, interests and needs. Dovedale seeks to build pupil resilience so that they can transition onto appropriate post-16 provision following successful completion and attainment of qualifications and skills.
All pupils have access to the core curriculum of English, Maths and Science along with Personal Development, Physical Education and Wellbeing Curriculum.
KS2 pupils receive a core curriculum of:
- Maths
- English
- Science
- Computing
- Religious Education
- Art
- Design Technology
- Geography
- History
- PSHE
- Spanish
- P.E
All pupils will be entered for their SATs examinations if they reach the minimum age-related expectations KS4 Pupils will choose 2 options for subjects which may include:
- Fine Art
- Arts Award
- Music
- 3D Design
- Food Technology/ Catering
- Sports Leadership
- Geography
- History
- Creative Media
The purpose of the Primary Curriculum is to engage all pupils to develop curiosity and inspire a life-long love of learning. They are encouraged to persevere and reflect upon their own learning through a cross curricular approach. Their growing knowledge enables them to develop empathy for a diverse society whilst considering and responding positively to their own attitudes and beliefs as well as those held by other people. Key Stage 3
Pupils receive a core curriculum of Maths, English, Science, PSHE, RE and PE. In addition, they will be taught Art, Design Technology, Geography, History, Spanish, Catering, Computing and Music. Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) is taught within the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum, alongside Work-Related Learning in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks. Key Stage 4 Dovedale pupils study Maths, English, Science, Computing, PSHE and PE. The curriculum is personalised by pupils choosing to study option subjects. SRE is taught within the Personal Development curriculum, alongside Work Related Learning. Our Year 10 pupils have an opportunity to participate in Work Experience. Elements of Religious Education are delivered through Cross Curricular Learning days. Through our ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ programme, pupils are given the opportunity to participate in a range of life skills including, first aid, finance, horticulture and other activities designed to improve the personal development and wellbeing of all our pupils. Some pupils will also benefit from additional 1:1 or group mentoring programmes.
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