Strive will offer a personalised curriculum that is tailored towards meeting the interests and needs of our young people.
The Strive AP curriculum has three main themes:
Theme 1: Social Skills Curriculum
This theme is focussed around giving students the social skills and experiences that will prepare them for adulthood, employment and independent living. Social skills are the skills we use to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, through gestures, body language and our personal appearance. Our students will develop ways to communicate messages, thoughts and feelings with others in an appropriate way.
Students will be given opportunities to develop social skills needed for life beyond education and will be focussed on: Resilience, Communication, Teamwork, Punctuality, Empathy, conflict resolution and patience.
Theme 2: Qualifications and courses of study.
Where it is relevant and in the best interests of a student’s development and progress, students can study a selection of core subjects which are complemented by optional subjects. The suite of subjects being offered are designed to give a balance of core study, personal development, physical and mental well-being and optional subjects that reflect student interests. Some subjects and qualifications may have an aspect of assessment and may provide National Accreditations that are recognised in education and work-based learning sectors.
Theme 3: Vocational experiences
Strive offers a selection of vocational subjects that aim to ‘spark an interest’ in an area that students could go on to develop further, either by studying them as a qualification or to engage in some form of work experience. The primary aim of these subjects is to allow students to experience the content and knowledge of a subject area without having the pressure of following a rigid curriculum and assessment structure. These subjects will be flexible to meet the individual needs of students and will be delivered in a practical manner within a nurturing approach.
Prepare students for their next steps in education, employment and training, and their adult lives. This includes further/higher education and employment, independent living, participating in society and being as healthy as possible in adult life.
Improve behaviour and emotional responses to demands together with a reduction in episodes of dysregulation and crisis. Consistent and caring adults who provide a predictable, stable and safe routine help achieve this!
To improve attendance within education and mental well-being. To improve a student’s confidence, self-esteem and to view themselves as someone who can achieve, who has valuable skills and someone who has a positive future!
Courses on offer:
KS3 & 4 2-day Programme
Outdoor Learning with Emotional Literacy
Outdoor Learning Programme (OLP)
Students explore the outdoors and develop a range of physical skills in environments different from all others . This is designed to develop personal skills such as communication, resilience, teamwork and patience. Activities could include biking, archery, orienteering, kayaking, climbing, shooting amongst many others.
Emotional Literacy
This course will be delivered in a practical way that teaches students the basics about emotional regulation and how to help understand thoughts, feelings and emotions. Delivered by a qualified emotional literacy expert who gets students to 'connect' with themselves.
Bushcraft
Students will take part in Bushcraft activities such as campfire building and lighting, shelter and den building, making food outdoors, looking after yourself in the wild, wood whittling, camping, knots and rope work, plants, tree and insect identification and woodland games.
Animal Care
Within the school fields and paddock, students will learn how to look after and care for a selection of small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and chickens. This will involve feeding, cleaning, general care and maintenance of their pens and sleeping facilities.
Horticulture, Landscaping and Gardening
Within extensive outdoor space, students will develop skills in horticulture, landscaping and gardening. Students will build planters and grow their own produce, maintain and develop the gardens and learn key skills about plants flowers and growing.
Maths & English - Functional Skills/GCSE
This core examination course is designed to make Maths relevant to the real world and the workplace. The FS specification allow students to develop subject knowledge and apply it in a variety of different contexts. It provides a foundation for progression to employment or further education and it will help learners develop skills for everyday life. Functional Skills Entry Level 1-3 & Level 1-2. Students can sit formal FS exams at Strive. Where a student is capable of a higher level, GCSE foundation/higher is available.
Life skills: Woodworking and Homecraft
This will be delivered in a practical way that teaches students the basics about woodworking and homecraft. Basic joinery, woodwork, bricklaying, and household craft and DIY will form the basis of this course. Students will develop key skills that are superb for future employment opportunities.
Life skills: Cooking
Students will explore the exciting, creative and practical nature of cooking within the home environment. In the teaching kitchen, students will learn how to prepare, make and serve a variety of foods that can be then used at home. Healthy eating, shopping and budgeting are all essential life skills that will be taught.
Life Skills: Physical & Mental Wellbeing
Students will take part in a programme of practical exercise and activities designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Activities could range from a countryside walk to a boxing session. This is a practical course designed to allow opportunities using a range of facilities within the local community and will be designed around the needs and interests of the group.
Enrichment Opportunities
Through a rich and diverse selection of enrichments choices, students can take part in a variety of experiences that will provide valuable opportunities to enhance their skills. These choices include: boxing, gardening, pallet craft, animal care, horticulture, golf, fishing, climbing, pool, darts, baking, help in the community, hair & make-up and health & social care. Other options can be added depending on student interests.
PHSE, Careers and Preparing for Next-Steps
This KS4 course is designed to explore issues such as crime, exploitation, finance, safety, effects of drugs and alcohol and sex and relationships. This will be delivered in morning form groups. Students will also explore life beyond Y11, which is relevant to further education, the real world and the workplace. Students will study employability skills, CV writing, interview skills and techniques, job applications, careers and training pathways.
The curriculum, regardless of subject studied, is underpinned by a programme of nurturing and personal development that focuses on communication and interaction skills, cognition and learning skills, personal, social, emotional skills and British values.
If you are interested in finding out more about STRIVE, or chat about the individual needs of your student or child. Call us on 01423 649070, or simply fill out the form below and we’ll get straight back to you.