UPPER DEPARTMENT STATEMENT (Post 16)

Durants Schools Upper Department aims to provide our pupils with skills needed for an independent everyday life. Our curriculum focus ties in with the main aims of the Department for Education (DfE) funded ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ programme which supports pupils to develop skills for future employment, independent living, building friendships and relationships and maintaining good health. Alongside, this we also deliver a Core Skills element to our curriculum which links heavily to essential life skills and an Options programme where pupils can explore current affairs and creative arts.

Our Upper Department curriculum is delivered via the AQA Award Scheme qualifications and is differentiated to be accessible for our more sensory learners (Pre-Entry Level) and our more independent learners (Entry Level). Students are allocated an individualised target number of units to complete by the end of each academic year and that changes year on year dependent on the progress and achievement of each individual.     

We also aim to provide an individualised transition support for students at all stages sourcing the most appropriate placements and facilitating liaison with Care Co-ordinators, Social Care Services, Colleges and Day Service providers.