Secondary

Welcome to Ifield School Secondary Department

Within the Secondary Department pupils are grouped largely according to pupils' ages and stages of development across the two key stages.  Pupils in key stage 3 and 4 continue to follow the National Curriculum with an emphasis on personalised learning to reflect the outcomes specified in their Education, Health and Care Plans.  Personalised timetables reflect pupils’ specific needs and include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and access to the Forest Schools Programme.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 the National Curriculum provides the foundation from which a more personalised curriculum has been developed.  Learning reflects pupils’ outcomes as specified in either their Annual Review targets or their Education, Health and Care Plan.  For some pupils this means that they have a highly personalised timetable to address very specific and complex needs, for example, the Routes for Learning Programme, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Ifield’s Forest Schools initiative.  For all pupils, there is a clear focus on increasing independence and giving pupils a range of experiences to inform their progression towards adulthood. 

Key stage 3 classes are taught by subject specialists in preparation for the transition into key stage 4 but they are largely class-based to provide a bridge from primary to secondary expectations. The curriculum is designed to encourage active learning and includes PE enrichment, Horticulture, Performing Arts, Music, Art, Media, Food Technology and Life Skills. There are also many educational visits throughout the year to enrich and extend pupils’ learning experiences e.g day visit to Harry Potter World and a residential skiing visit to Italy.

Key Stage 3 Classes

Woodpecker

Robin

Magpie

Heron

Hawk 

Key Stage 4

When pupils enter key stage 4, the National Curriculum is expanded to include accredited courses where appropriate.  Some pupils continue to follow personalised timetables which reflect their specific needs and provide the most suitable progression from key stage 3.  Education Health and Care Plan Outcomes are embedded within the learning of each pupil, and the key stage 4 curriculum provides a wealth of opportunities for pupils to increase their independence in preparation for the next stage of their journey towards adulthood.  Key stage 4 pupils are taught in subject specific classrooms where they learn under the guidance of subject specialist teachers.

To encourage and acknowledge pupils’ increasing independence they choose some learning options that are consistent with their particular aspirations and talents.  Pupils continue with their PE Enrichment Programme whilst also developing skills in one of the following areas:

• Health and Fitness
• Music and Theatre
• Computing
• Art

Pupils are also given opportunities to develop essential life skills through overnight stays at Ifield Life or by joining the Challenger Troop programme.  In addition, the school offers a range of educational visits throughout the year including the ever popular Ski trip to Pila, Italy.

Key Stage 4 Classes

Dove Class

Swan Class

Owl Class

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum