Alternative Curriculum

Mission Statement/Intent 

The de Ferrers Academy is a highly inclusive academy.  We go to great lengths to ensure every child can and does succeed in education. As part of our provision we have developed our Alternative Curriculum; a small, specialised class on the Dove Campus for those students who struggle to access mainstream education. This may be due to safeguarding or additional needs, or they may even be at risk of exclusion.

Many students access this provision for a fixed period of time and are then reintegrated back into their normal timetable, after having the time to catch up on gaps in their learning and build their resilience. 

As part of our alternate provision unit we provide opportunities to develop skills outside of the classroom. This includes taking responsibility for maintaining the academy garden, which helps students engage positively in outdoor collaborative learning. They have the opportunity to grow vegetables that they can then use when carrying out cookery lessons.

We also introduce our students to the world of work and the different and exciting opportunities that are available to them by linking lessons to the workplace and working closely with the career’s advisor. We support them in writing a CV and applying for courses they wish to apply to post-16.

Curriculum Offer

Where possible, all students accessing the alternative curriculum carry on with all the subjects they were previously studying. Work is provided, and marked, by specialist subject staff and all students are supported by a qualified teacher and learning support assistant within the classroom. There are also additional subjects included into the timetable to allow them to express themselves, work collaboratively and achieve other qualifications (such as a BTEC in Food).

Additionally, all students work towards achieving AQA Unit Awards. These may be in the subjects they are studying, but also in other areas that they show an interest in.

Entry Level Certificates in Maths and English are also obtained for students who find GCSE level a challenge.

An Example Timetable

Key Staff

AC Teacher – Sarah Glover

Mrs Glover is the Trust and Academy Lead Teacher for Vulnerable Students and has over 23 years experience of working in the classroom. 

Learning Support Assistant – Wendy McCord

Miss McCord has worked in the AC classroom for several years and often works one-to-one with students who require a high level of support in certain areas.

Review Process

Students who attend AC for a short period of time (often a half term) have regular reviews with senior staff and parents with a subsequent plan for reintegration into mainstream lessons put in place when the student is ready. This may begin with them remaining in AC two or three days a week and then moving back full time.