Welcome
Welcome to the Essential Pathways Class – a nurturing and inclusive learning environment designed to support your child’s growth, confidence, and academic success.
We understand that every student learns differently, and our aim is to provide a personalised approach that meets each learner where they are. In this small group setting, your child will benefit from focussed teaching in core subjects, helping them build strong foundations and work towards meaningful qualifications.
We believe in the potential of every student and are committed to helping them thrive, not just academically but socially and emotionally too. This booklet is designed to give you a clear understanding of how the Essential Pathways Class works, what your child will be learning, and how we will support them on their journey.
We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure your child feels confident, capable, and proud of their progress.
Warm regards,
The Inclusion Team
Inclusion Team
Beth Sargeant Head of Inclusion
Stephen Guing Inclusion teacher and Essential Pathways Lead
Zoe Phelps Deputy Head of Inclusion
Natasha Winstone Inclusion teacher
Hands on, practical learning experiences help students to deepen their understanding, build real-world skills, and develop confidence
Essential Pathways
The Essential Pathways Class is a small, supportive learning group formed of students from across Years 7 to 9. With a high teacher-to-student ratio, we are able to provide personalised, targeted teaching that is tailored to the individual needs of the students.
The class focuses on building strong foundations in the core subjects of English, Maths, and Science while also developing skills and strategies to support life-long learning Students continue to pursue wider curricular studies by attending non-core and specialist lessons with their year group.
By concentrating on the essentials, we aim to give every student the best possible chance of success in their learning journey
A Class Built for Your Child’s Journey
The Essential Pathways Class is designed for students who would benefit from a more tailored and supportive approach to learning as they transition into secondary school These students may find it challenging to keep up with the pace and demands of mainstream lessons and often require a higher level of personal support to access the core curriculum effectively.
During the admissions process, a comprehensive assessment of need is used to determine whether this would be an appropriate and accessible pathway into JESS Secondary The assessment takes into consideration the student’s academic progress and attainment data from primary school, in-person testing during the admissions process, and additional insights from third parties (e.g. therapists, teachers, psychologists) to give us a detailed understanding of each student’s learning profile and support needs.
Typically, students in this class:
Have a history of receiving 1:1 or small group support across core subjects
May be working approximately 2–3 years below age-related expectations in English, Maths, and Science.
Present with a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and/or ADHD.
Thrive in a smaller, structured learning environment with greater access to teacher attention and pastoral support.
Entry Requirements
To ensure that all learners can experience personal and academic success both within the Essential Pathways class and the wider secondary school experience, students must: Be functionally independent in a large school setting (e.g. self-management, selforganisation, navigation)
Demonstrate age-appropriate communication and social interaction skills.
Be able to regulate their behaviour within a shared learning environment or recreational setting without the need for direct adult supervision
Be able to engage in learning within a small group of up to six students and independently complete familiar tasks and assignments with modest supervision
To facilitate full participation in the blended learning timetable, students must have:
An exemption from Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
For non-Emirati students, a KHDA-approved exemption from Arabic.
Curriculum Overview
Students in the Essential Pathway Class follow a blended timetable. They spend 50% of their week learning in small groups of 2-6 students with a teacher and 50% in mainstream lessons, extra-curricular clubs, and recreational activities with their respective class or year group.
In English, Maths and Science (10hrs per week), we devote more time and attention to the core components of the Key Stage 3 curriculum, ensuring students have sufficient opportunity to master the fundamentals of each subject Our intention is to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for progression to our accessible Key Stage 4 qualification options, including:
GCSE English Language
GCSE Maths (Foundation Tier)
BTEC Level 2 Science
By aligning our sequence of study with the standard curriculum, we ensure that students are well prepared to transition into mainstream classes should they demonstrate their readiness to undertake the increased pace and scope of learning.
Students continue to study the standard Humanities curriculum (History and Geography, 3hrs per week) alongside their peers in their year group. To maximise their participation and progress within these lessons, a member of the Oasis team will be assigned to support them through co-teaching and adapted planning.
Beyond core subjects, our Essential Pathway Class engages the wider interests and aptitudes of students through Project Based Learning (2hrs per week). During this time, students engage in collaboration and problem-solving skills through practical STEM tasks (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), and develop vocational and life skills through real-world experiences. Examples include creating electrical circuits for household appliances or preparing a meal in response to a set of financial and nutritional parameters Students complete a range of hands-on projects to build a comprehensive portfolio of achievement over time.
In addition to taught lessons, Directed Studies sessions provide students with an opportunity to consolidate or catch up on prior learning, prepare for a test, or complete assignments with oversight and guidance from a member of the Oasis team Students may take this opportunity to improve their typing skills, prepare a revision timetable, or plan a timeline for completing coursework Students should self-direct their learning according to their needs, working independently or seeking support from an adult when necessary. At times, these sessions may be staffed by a subject specialist so students can access targeted teaching in this area.
Progress Monitoring
Progress of students within and beyond the Essential Pathways Class is closely monitored by the Oasis and wider teaching teams Within standard lessons, students are assessed in line with peers and their progress is reviewed regularly to ensure timely support is put in place where needed, through a Team Around the Child approach
Investing in additional assessment frameworks and online tracking tools ensures we have the capacity to monitor academic and personal progress from each student's individual starting point and in small-step increments over time. Rather than relying solely on a grade-based system, the students’ curriculum progress is continually assessed and recorded on their individual flight path, allowing us to celebrate their personal learning trajectory over time.
All students receive interim and end-of-year reports in line with standard reporting cycles, as well as invitations to parent-teacher conferences to meet with form tutors and subject teachers Furthermore, parents of students within the Essential Pathway Class will have additional opportunities to reflect on personal progress and next steps through Individual Education Plan (IEP) reviews and informal communications from the Oasis team.
Completion and Onward Progression
In year 9, all students in the Essential Pathways Class will sit a formal examination in English and Maths to obtain the Entry Level Certificate (ELC) at level 1, 2 or 3 as appropriate Awarded by Pearson Edexcel, and listed in the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF, 2015), ELCs serve as an official exit award from the programme, celebrating and accrediting each student’s accomplishments in learning. This ensures that all students obtain a formal qualification as part of their JESS education.
With a pass in Entry Level 3 being just below a GCSE Grade 1, these certificate courses serve as a stepping stone into GCSEs, establishing a student’s readiness to begin the Key Stage 4 programme of study. Preparing for life beyond school, the ELC framework ensures students have secure foundations in literacy and numeracy, which are essential for employment, further education, and everyday life
Testimonials
From Parents
Learning in small groups with students of a similar ability boosts my child’s confidence and self-esteem and gives them a feeling of accomplishment
From Students
It was invaluable for my son to have those learning opportunities in a much smaller setting It helped him focus on the task at hand much better rather than asking questions in the larger mainstream group
EP lessons are less distracting than my other lessons and the teacher gets to know me better because of the smaller class
I like the lessons because I get more thinking time because it’s a smaller group
We get to know the teachers really well and they know a lot about us
EP lessons are a lot of fun
Programme Fees
Whilst the Essential Pathways Class includes an additional fee, as a not-for-profit school and in line with the KHDA guidelines this is offered as a non-profit specialist education service, with the additional fees recorded with KHDA via an Individualised Service Agreement.
As part of our Standard School Service, JESS has committed to investing a 25% subsidy in the programme to make this highly personalised, specialist pathway financially feasible for all parties, and to ensure we represent good value for money within the wider Dubai community
In addition to taught lessons within the EP class, access to Directed Studies sessions will continue to be offered through the Standard School Service. Students following a blended timetable of Essential Pathway classes plus mainstream lessons will therefore pay the standard enrollment fee plus a supplementary education fee of AED 15,342 per term (incl VAT)
This co-funded approach helps us ensure the sustainability of this specialist provision whilst maintaining our capacity to offer the necessary support to students outside of the programme.
FAQs
1. What is the Essential Pathways Class?
The Essential Pathways Class is a small, supportive group for students in Years 7 to 9 who benefit from a more personalised approach to learning. It focuses on building strong foundations in English, Maths, and Science
2. Why has my child been placed in this class?
Students are placed in the Essential Pathways Class when we believe they will thrive in a smaller setting with more individualised support. This helps them build confidence, close learning gaps, and work towards key qualifications at a pace that suits them
3. Can I opt-out of the Essential Pathways Class?
Yes and no, depending on the circumstances
If, on admission or transition from a JESS primary setting, our assessment of need suggests that a student is working towards age-related expectations in just one or two subjects, we could most likely support their learning through our Standard School Service, or with some parent-funded supplementary support hours for specific lessons.
If, however, our assessment suggests that to engage in lessons and make meaningful progress across a number of subjects, significant curriculum modifications and individualised support is required, the enrolment offer would be conditional to the student attending the Essential Pathway Class. Should parents choose to decline the Essential Pathway offer, they would be declining the offer of enrolment.
Once a student is enrolled, placements can be flexible in response to ongoing review of their progress and attainment At any stage within Key Stage 3, if teachers agree that a student has made and maintained significant progress, and demonstrates the capacity to transition into a full mainstream timetable, we will support that move in a way that ensures continued success
4. What subjects are taught in this class?
We primarily focus on the core subjects:
English (preparing for progression to GCSE English Language)
Maths (preparing for progression to Foundation Tier GCSE)
Science (preparing for progression to BTEC Level 2)
Vocational (focusing on STEM subjects and life skills)
Other subjects will be accessed through the wider school timetable, depending on the student’s needs and aptitudes.
FAQs
Will my child still be part of the wider school community?
Yes Students in the Essential Pathways Class are fully included in all aspects of school life They start each day in form groups with their peers, participate in assemblies, residentials and enrichment activities, and enjoy all the same social opportunities
6. Will being in the Essential Pathways Class affect my child’s wellbeing?
Yes, but in a good way The transition to secondary is a big adjustment, with students of all abilities experiencing some level of anxiety around increased academic demands, personal responsibilities and peer perceptions For students whose learning journey has been more challenging, these heightened emotions can sometimes prompt them to withdraw or act out in mainstream classes to mask the challenges they’re experiencing. That said, students have reassured us that they see the Essential Pathways Class as a safe space where they can put down the mask, ask for help when it is needed, and experience success on a daily basis because the curriculum is being adapted to suit them, not the other way around
7. How will this affect my child’s future options?
The Essential Pathway curriculum has been carefully crafted to ensure students are introduced to the broad range of topics necessary to prepare them for Key Stage 4 qualifications. The exit awards offered through this Pathway are UK-accredited, internationally recognised and valued. Assuming students are successful in achieving these, they will have established a foundation for onward progression to standard Key Stage 4 courses, apprenticeships, or vocational training. While the student’s end-of-year report makes reference to Essential Pathway lessons, their official school transfer certificate follows the standard format, and there is no distinction noted on any qualifications obtained through the pathway
8. How do you support students with additional needs?
Our team includes experienced inclusion staff who work closely with students and teachers to provide tailored support. We also collaborate with parents, external specialists, and the wider school team to ensure every child’s needs are met
9. How will I be kept informed of my child’s progress?
We maintain regular communication with families through progress reports, parent meetings, and informal check-ins. You are always welcome to reach out to us with questions or concerns
Administration queries can be directed to the relevant member of staff below. Click on each to obtain the email addresses
Central Admin
JESS Secondary
Director PA to Headteacher
Admissions
Accounts
Secondary Admin (inc Buses)
Extra-Curricular Activities
Exams Health Office
Instrumental Music Lessons Oasis Dept
Parent Portal/ App help
Marketing/Website/Press
Contacting the School
You can also content the school by phone on 04 361 9019.
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