Abbey Hill "Sheraton" Building provides extended education for students transferring from the main school building.

Students come to the Sheraton at the end of Year 11 at age 16 and can remain until they are 19.  In addition some students, in years 10 and 11, transfer from mainstream schools.

Students have a range of special educational needs.  A strong pastoral structure and careful curriculum organisation ensures that the varying needs of all students are met.

Our aim at the Sheraton is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes learning and prepares students for the wider world of work, college or further training.  Emphasis is placed on the core subjects of maths, English and reading and students transferring from the main site benefit from the continuity of education provided here.

Programmes of study include nationally recognised accreditation in the form of GCSE, AEB and RSA courses.  Practical independence skills and careers and vocational training are also given priority.  Through the options curriculum students are able to influence their own timetable and are encouraged to develop social and leisure skills.

Pastoral Organisation

Students are placed in ability groups with a tutor assigned to each group.  The role of the tutor is to ensure the welfare of each student in their group and to liaise between home and school.  If you have any concerns about your son or daughter you should, in the first instance, contact their tutor.

Curriculum

The range of subjects at the Sheraton includes maths, English, careers, food technology, science, geography, general studies, personal and social education, art and production, to GCSE level where appropriate.  These subjects are taught during morning teaching sessions.  Numeracy and Literacy are a daily part of the curriculum.

Options Curriculum

The options curriculum operates for sessions in the afternoon.  A range of courses are offered and these include:-

Sports – football, swimming, ice-skating, walking, badminton and rebound therapy.

Vocational – art, production, horticulture, catering, industrial visits and vocational research.

Leisure & Educational – First Aid, crafts, fun cookery, pet-care, music appreciation, information technology, drama, health & beauty, “Know Your Area” and self study.

Students are allowed an element of choice within the options curriculum but are encouraged to select at least one course from each area.

Students are given the opportunity to choose a different area each half term.

Accreditation

At the end of their final term each student leaves with their Progress File which contains a record of all their achievements during their time at Abbey Hill.  It will include a number of nationally recognised awards.  For example: AQA GCSE courses and entry level courses in 7 subjects: Maths, English, Art, Science, General Studies, Geography and Travel & Tourism.

Certification in other areas such as communications, numeracy, personal skills, information technology and practical work skills are provided by OCR and AQA and are particularly suitable for students with severe learning difficulties.

NEAB Unit Accreditation provides certification for all students.  In addition we offer accreditation in National Skills Profile and CLAIT.