Learning, life skills and belonging.
PCT Education values and ethos ensure that students are provided with continuous opportunities for life, skills for work and academic achievements in all core subjects, alongside the development of their Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural wellbeing.
Being a small independent school, we have a high level of experienced staff providing a two to one ratio of support to students. This allows us to provide social time so students can build trust and form positive relationships, leading to a sense of belonging.
Helping students discover what they can do.
We work with our students to develop hobbies and interests alongside social and independence skills, helping to prepare them for adult life. Supporting students to try new experiences encourages the development of their individual personalities, builds confidence and strengthens resilience.
We take an out of the box approach to education so that students can recognise their strengths, understand their challenges, enjoy positive learning experiences, develop teamwork skills, and feel confident and happy at school.
Students have opportunities to explore hobbies and interests through lunchtime clubs, one to one discussions and a range of school projects throughout the year. They also access community visits to enrich and embed learning. Clear pathways are identified and recorded, and staff encourage students to pursue interests that enrich and personalise each student's individual curriculum.
Vocational opportunities with real purpose.
Our vocational training centre gives older students supported, practical routes into post 16 education and employment.
Sequentis House is our vocational training centre and an exciting new facility for alternative education. The centre offers bespoke, supported education and training opportunities in Mechanics, Mechanical Maintenance, Engineering, Construction and Multi Trades, Catering and Hospitality, and Media and Technology.
Plans are underway to expand provision to include Sports, Music and Music Technology, Animal Care and Horticulture. Facilities are designed to support students in older year groups to explore vocational pathways and prepare for post 16 transition through active, hands on learning opportunities aligned to individual interests.
Growing challenge as students progress.
Each year students take part in a cross school group activity to support relationships, communication, confidence, resilience and understanding of the wider world.
Outdoor activity centre day
A safe, engaging introduction to challenge, teamwork and new experiences.
Overnight residential
Greater independence through a supported overnight outdoor activity experience.
Day trip to London
Experience the wider world and build confidence navigating new environments.
Overseas residential
A memorable final year experience encouraging resilience and independence.
A clear pathway from Year 9 onward.
Year 9
Students begin preparing for adulthood plans focused on personal progression routes, independent living, participation in society and being as healthy as possible in adult life.
Year 10
Students develop greater resilience, research careers, attend careers talks or events, identify subjects and skills needed for future goals, explore vocational options and consider individualised work experience opportunities.
Year 11
Students strengthen independence, resilience and focus for exams, take ownership of progress, explore post 16 options, visit colleges and use adaptive timetables to support transition.
Post 16 follow up
Once students transition, contacts are established between families, professionals and providers. PCT supports enrolment, settling into the course and follow up, and previous students are welcomed back to visit.
Progression outcomes and leavers.
Year 11 progression documents are retained as clear downloadable resources in the redesign.
Space for passions, connection and wellbeing.
There is no statutory requirement for schools to provide enrichment opportunities, but it is encouraged by the Department for Education and Ofsted. We see it as necessary that all of our students have access to things they love, as this helps build passion and confidence.
Within the Enrichment team, we support students to engage with life affirming activities that support socialisation, personal growth, self worth and family connection. Activities have included Circus Skills Workshops, after school dance club Beat Inspiration, local festivals, art, caring for the school dog, Cat Café visits and miniature garden projects.
We offer one to one personal therapy for students who wish to engage with it and support continuity during holiday periods where needed. Family Support builds robust relationships with students' homes and families through regular contact, home visits and practical help.
Staff can also access regular clinical supervision to explore worries, classroom relationships and dynamics, supporting morale, confidence and effectiveness.
Taking the learning environment outdoors.
PCT Education has undertaken a new and exciting project called WILD. The project is managed across both schools. All aspects are fully insured and risk assessed, providing a safe environment for everyone involved.
The objective is to take learning outside the classroom and encourage young people to use their imaginations and explore the world around them. WILD is situated in the countryside with 25 acres of woodland to explore.
The woods support a structured bushcraft programme built around student interests, stretching knowledge while providing a safe environment to push boundaries. Students can develop bushcraft skills, building toward an overnight stay under the stars in their own shelter.
Eight dimensions of flourishing.
Family & Friends
Encourage positive collaboration with family and peers.
Learning
Hands on, problem solving, STEM, self reflection and increased engagement with Gatsby benchmark informed targets.
Opportunity
Access to new skills, hobbies and interests and learning to find new things fun.
Understood
Mentoring sessions so students can express ideas and feel listened to.
Resilience
Encouragement to give everything a go and push through challenge toward a positive outcome.
Individual
Recognising unique learning styles and strengths.
Safe & Secure
Developing positive relationships and using a restorative approach to challenging behaviour.
Healthy
Promoting confidence, self esteem, wellbeing and positive rapport.