• Arbour Vale School, Farnham Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 3AE
  • 01753 515 560
  • office@arbourvaleschool.org

Summer Club Letter 2023

Emergency, Out of Hours number: 07519 130641

Secondary Phase

Phase Leader: Sarah Brooks

Head of Key Stage 3: Claire Shottesbrooke

Head of Key Stage 4: Kevin Hughes

Secondary Department

The Secondary Department provides pupils with the opportunity to make the best possible progress from their individual start point in a safe and nurturing environment. Pupils are taught in class groups formed to meet their learning needs whilst remaining in their relevant Key Stage. Class groups then access one of two differentiated currciula: formal or semi-formal with Schemes of Work which are further differentiated at class level

The formal curriculum delivers content differentiated to each pupils learning needs and styles whilst maintaining discrete National Curriculum subjects. This ensures pupils are prepared for the next stage of their development for example; attendance at college post-16. The learning environment builds on pupils first hand experiences and pre-existing knowledge base, giving access to accreditations including Entry Level and Functional Skills.

The semi-formal curriculum delivers content adapted to pupils more complex learning needs through a holistic, Development Matters based, approach. This ensures pupils can develop their early learning and play skills whilst receiving a broad and balanced curriculum linked to the National Curriculum.

Transition to Post 16 provisions

Pupils in Secondary transition to different educational settings including our own Post 16 provision and local colleges (July 2020: Langley college and West London Community College).

Accreditation in Secondary

Through the formal curriculum, pupils with moderate learning needs, are prepared for the next step in their educational development through the delivery of functional Maths and English skills and life skills including careers, travel training and household activities. Where appropriate, pupils will take accreditations that support them in their next step including (September 2020 cohort):

· AQA Entry Level in Maths, English, ICT and Personal and Social Development.

· Functional Skills in Maths and English

· The ASDAN Personal Development Programme develops pupils skills in six areas: Teamwork, Learning, Coping with Problems, Use of Maths, Use of English and Use of ICT.

Through the semi-formal curriculum, pupils with severe learning difficulties including those accessing our Autism, are prepared for the next step in their educational development through the delivery of exploration based learning. This includes life skills covering personal care and knowing who can help and support them to stay safe both at school and in the community. Where appropriate, pupils take an accreditation to support them in their next step (September 2020 cohort):

· ASDAN Transition Challenge developing their understanding of making choices, feeling good, moving forward and change and taking the lead.

Latest News

Autism Parent Support Group – Tuesday 6th June

Parents and carers are invited to attend our next Parent Support group for parents of children and young people with Autism on Tuesday 6th June from 10am-11.30am. We will have a guest speaker, Joe Harvey a young man who will …

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PPE Donation thanks

Principal, Neil Sykes was delighted to take delivery of a donation of personal protective equipment for the school. SEND-Help, an organisation that supports the school, arrived at the school with a van-load of donated gloves, aprons, masks and other items …

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Arbour Vale’s Got Talent

Our Secondary and Post 16 pupils showed what a talented bunch of young people they are at a talent show, which was part of our Coronation Day celebrations in school. Acts included singing, dancing, impressions and much more. Some pupils …

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Coronations Celebrations

On Friday 5th May we celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III in style with a day of special activities. Everyone was invited to dress up for the day in red, white and blue or royalty themed outfits. The day …

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