St Philip’s School is a special educational needs school for young people aged 11-19 years. All our students have Statements, or Education and Health Care Plans, for moderate learning difficulties. Many students have additional needs such as mild to moderate Autistic Spectrum Disorders, language impairment or emotional issues; a few have sensory or medical needs. The majority of students come from mainstream Primary Schools where they have been supported 1:1 by an adult, mostly on a full-time basis. The adult to student ratio at St Philip’s makes this unnecessary as class sizes are between 8-10 students. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) students are organised into ‘mixed ability/need’ tutor groups for registration times, tutorials and most of their subject lessons. (link to KS3 curriculum page)
The school provides a broad range of subject option choices at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), in addition to the statutory core curriculum; all courses result in a recognised accreditation. An array of enrichment opportunities is provided within and beyond the school day; for example, residential trips in Years 8, 10 and Post-16 and after school activity clubs. Independence, key to the underlying ethos of the school, is supported and developed through a life skills programme, travel training and work experience. The Post-16 provision caters for those young people who have not yet gained sufficient independence or confidence to transfer to a further education (FE) college environment at the end of Year 11. Their curriculum is designed to develop functional life skills rather than the attainment of higher level qualifications. We provide significant emotional support through our well-being and emotional support team; providing individual targeted ‘counselling’, Play Therapy and Drama therapy. Students’ academic progress is monitored every 6 weeks. Any concerns are referred to the school’s Cognition and Learning Team for further insight, advice and guidance.
