Departments: Upper

St. Giles’ Upper department caters to students in Years 7 to 14, which is equivalent to secondary school. The department has seven classes for students with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), and moderate learning difficulties (MLD). Our goal is to maximize the potential of each learner by grouping them based on their age and learning pathways: Pre-formal, Semi-formal, and Formal.

This grouping ensures that students access the appropriate pathway of the St Giles curriculum, which is appropriate to their abilities and needs and receive tailored support for their educational development. Additionally, each term a new theme acts as the vehicle to deliver the curriculum and allow students to take part in a broad wealth of experiences linked to the theme. Pupils are continuing to work on their individual Next Steps targets and therapy programs while also working towards obtaining AQA or ASDAN accreditation.

In the Upper Department, we focus on helping our students become as independent as possible, developing their self-esteem and preparing them for adulthood. All students have a chance to participate in the Upper Show at the end of each academic year, and we provide support and encouragement for work experience activities, such as preparing and running The Cool Café in the Upper department.

Keystage 3:

Pupils in KS3 follow a three pathway curriculum in order to suit their needs and to ensure their best progress.

Also, teachers use the themes as the vehicle to allow learners to take part in a broad wealth of experiences and to develop knowledge, skills and understanding across the subject areas and also work with their colleagues to provide opportunities for students to work toward a shared goal, e.g. a special assembly at the end of the ‘Let’s celebrate’ theme.

This format is the same as the one that Middle school follows. This allows students to follow familiar routines, which supports their transition.

Keystage 4:

Pupils in KS4, working in all three pathways, are supported in achieving AQA accreditation across subjects, which is a unique way to celebrate and record our students’ attainments. Pupils are supported by staff who carefully select accreditations so that students leave St Giles with a portfolio of awards. It is important that learners have their achievements rewarded and recognised with accredited awards.

Pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties continue to develop their early skills and also achieve AQA Unit Awards that celebrate their achievements.

Students in Year 10 are provided with opportunities to access Work Experience such as helping in a Primary class, assisting the music teacher or secretary.

The work experience programme is a tailored approach to Learners needs individualising the programme according to choice and curriculum pathway. Work experience allows the students to broaden their horizons by providing a real experience of the world of work.

Pupils and their families are supported to find appropriate college places and to make their transition as smooth as possible.

Keystage 5:

Students with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties remain at St Giles for KS5. Pupils access a sensory based curriculum, continuing to develop their communication, physical development, independence and emotional and social skills based around termly themes. There are practical opportunities to develop life skills such as helping with messages round school, cooking, gardening and household activities. Learning is holistic with all parts of the curriculum interconnected. The curriculum provides sufficient time for learners to repeat, practise and consolidate skills. It develops their levels of engagement by finding out what interests and motivates them and places them at the centre of the curriculum with their interests as the teaching vehicle.

Students have regular opportunities to participate in the whole school events. All KS5 pupils and their families are supported to transition to Further Education or adult services when they leave St Giles.