Where to find more information
If you wish to find out more please take the time to visit our school website. https://westlancs.lancs.sch.uk/ourschool
There you will find more information on what we do and the various pathways.
If you have any questions please get in touch and we will be happy to support.
Overview
Students in Key Stage 4 have the opportunity to follow a range of pathways which meet the needs of all learners.
Students work in classes according to ability across a range of core subjects and mixed ability groupings for other curriculum areas.
Extra opportunities
There are four classes within the department.
KS4 W, KS4 L, KS4 C, KS4 H
Head girl and Head boy and prefects
Each year pupils have the opportunity to put themselves forwards for our Head boy and Head girl positions. They complete an application and are then interviewed by the head teacher and a school governor. All applications will be offered the role of school prefect following a successful interview.
Students are supported by an experienced team of teachers and teaching assistants who move around within the department to the students benefit from their expertise.
Year 11 Prom
Throughout everything there is a focus on developing life skills, increasing independence and resilience, taking ownership for your own choices and learning and making decisions in preparation for next steps.
Year 11 pupils are invited to attend a leavers prom where they are treated as royalty for the day. They are encouraged to dress smart and enjoy some fine dining and a disco.
Residential
All pupils in the department are invited to a yearly residential. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, increase independence and build on friendships.
Sport
PNE ( Preston North End) staff come in weekly to deliver sport sessions which include a combination of theory and practical sessions. Opportunities are given to coach and play a range of sports as well as create warm ups, work outs, activities and cool downs.
Horticulture/ small animals
Students will learn the theory and have practical experiences linked to both areas. They will learn about plants and growing then have opportunities to work in the greenhouse and raised beds producing vegetables and flower baskets. They will learn to care for the animals and then have practical opportunities with a wide range from reptiles to dogs.
Accreditation
All pupils will have the ability to achieve accreditation within core subjects. This ranges from ASDAN Transition Challenge which is focussed on developing functional skills such as communication and making choices through to Functional Skills accreditation and even GCSE art where appropriate.
After initial assessments pupils and family will be informed which accreditation pathway they will be following and what it entails. Some will be evidenced using photos captured within lessons, others through written work or the higher accreditation pathways include sitting exams. Pupils will always be fully prepared and supported regardless of the pathway in order to maximise success and achievements allowing pupils opportunities to be proud of their work and feel a sense of achievement.
English
Our students thrive within their English lessons! We aim to shape a curriculum which will engage, stimulate and prove to be enjoyable and challenging. We have created a learning environment where all students feel well supported, allowing them to flourish and achieve their full potential.
• Reading, writing and spelling are through Read, Write, Inc reading scheme and Teach Handwriting Scheme
• Students are taught reading, writing, speaking and listening through the various accreditation routes and topics (Fiction, Non Fiction and Poetry).
• Students access Wow days to introduce new topics and provides concrete learning opportunities.
Key Stage 4 students have access to three English curriculum offers which lead to different qualification pathways:
• Explorer
• Engager
• Challenger
•
For more information regarding the pathways follow the link below.
https://westlancs.lancs.sch.uk/our-school/ curriculum
Option 2 (Pick one)
Art
Art will include the study of a range of artists and styles of art work. There will be opportunities to work with a wide range of medias and develop technique. The local environment and art galleries will be used to inspire work and develop ideas further.
Art is taught from a sensory approach making simple choices and exploring textures and media through to GCSE where appropriate ensuring all pupils have opportunity to reach their full potential.
Music and drama
The music aspect of this option will include listening and appraising music, playing instruments and composing and finally performing.
The drama aspect will have the school drama show at the centre and the yearly talent show, there will be opportunities to observe, perform and reflect on performances. Both are celebrations of talents shared by the whole school.
Option 1 (Pick one)
Math
Technology
Throughout technology lessons there will be opportunities to design and create products and use technology to produce 3D designs. Skills will be developed making choices about designs from colours through to properties of materials, working individually and within a team and researching and planning at an appropriate level. They will work with a range of media throughout the two years.
Humanities
Humanities is a combination of history and geography. There will be a range of topics covered over the two years including the local area which will involve map work, using public transport to travel, researching the history of the area and World war 1 and World war two which will link into the English War horse topic, following the War horse route from Ormskirk and learning about the history surrounding it.
Students will study externally accredited courses through AQA Entry Level Certification or the ASDAN award scheme. Students will cover learning in the maths topics; number, money, calendar and time, shape and space, measures, handling data, counting, sorting and classifying information.
Key Stage 4 students have access to three Math curriculum offers which lead to different qualification pathways:
• Explorer
• Engager
• Challenger
For more information regarding the pathways follow the link below.
https://westlancs.lancs.sch.uk/our-school/curriculum
