Abbot's Way Learning Chapters are hierarchical only in terms of age range and of the progressive layering and cyclical re-visiting of knowledge along the journey through them.
Our Chapters are not hierarchical in terms of the level of personal progress expected to be made within each one, and their names reflect that.
Each of Spirit, Flair and Charisma encourage and enable students to excel within it and make expected progress in line with their potential.
Each chapter's name reflects the individual ‘brilliance’ which our exceptional students possess.
Within each Chapter there will be individual stages of progression for specific students in terms of 'exploring', 'discovering' and 'thriving' as a measure of their progress.
Students will 'thrive' within each Chapter, symbolising that they are on track to achieve their targets.
Click here to see Progress Tracking
Meet our Chapters.
Let’s start from the top...
Charisma
Our provision for KS4 is relevant and as multisensory in its delivery as Spirit and Flair, with the appropriate preparation for coursework, practical work and assessments.
We continually research, resource and tailor a range of relevant programmes suitable for a range of abilities, interests and strengths.
Most of our students follow a GCSE and BTEC route or equivalent, alongside suitable alternatives for those requiring a different pathway.
Our approach to learning is as kinaesthetic and accessible as that for Years 3-9, to ensure that Years 10 and 11 acquire the skill sets necessary to successfully process, sequence, plan, manipulate and apply their knowledge in exam conditions, interview situations and beyond.
Students have a broad and flexible curriculum offer, tailored around each cohort's strengths and uncompromising in its aspiration and content. A vibrant range of option courses complement core subjects to create a weekly timetable which inspires and provides both challenge and support. All students have a weekly Learn To Learn session, which does what it says on the tin, focusing on enabling students to use what they know effectively.
Charisma promotes the development of skills, qualities and attributes vital for further and higher education, and the world of apprenticeship and work.
Students are equipped with the tools needed to be able to make a successful leap to their next steps.
Very dynamic, very relevant, very unique.
Flair
Years 7, 8 and 9
Spirit
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
We keep it simple..,
Both Spirit and Flair experience all aspects of our Learn to Thrive curriculum and are similarly fluid in terms of detailed composition, one of the fantastic aspects of our cross-curricular approach (see provision overview).
Across a typical week, students from Years 3-9 enjoy English & Literacy, Maths & Numeracy, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Learning For Life, Life Skills, Sport and Therapy.
Learning in terms of curricular knowledge is suitably layered year on year, with regular consolidation and appropriately paced progression through Spirit and then Flair, so that Year 9 students are suitably prepared for Charisma in Years 10 and 11.
Learning in terms of skill sets is implicit throughout, ensuring our students are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive lifelong.
Between Spirit and Flair, and between Flair and Charisma there is a clear, structured 'PACE' transition providing a stepping stone to the next learning chapter in each student’s personal pathway.
Pace
/peɪs/
noun
a step taken
verb
to develop
Prepare
Aspire
Collaborate
Extend
Transitions between Chapters prepare students for a change of pace, expectation and content through explicit, structured PACE sessions. Our young people work with students in the next Chapter, to experience and evaluate the next stage, before moving forward.
From Charisma onto life beyond Abbot's Way there is a supported 'LEAP' transition - for info click here
Learning For Life, our pastoral programme, builds students’ awareness of the Wider World, their own Brain and Physical Health & Safety, the World of Work and Social Skills.
Experiential learning is intrinsic through all learning and therapeutic areas.
Our curriculum is delivered through blended learning sessions and very regular Venture Days and events.
Comfy clothing and wellies are at the top of the kit list!