Key Stage 4

Key stage 4

Curriculum and Accreditation—All pupils in KS4 have access to our three curriculum strands, there are Academic, Aspirations for Adulthood and Therapeutic, pupils access these at a level appropriate to them This ensures the curriculum is broad and balanced and provides opportunities to prepare for adulthood as well as progress academically. The curriculum content is taken from the National Curriculum, Sea View Trust skills document and the PCA progression documents which cater for pupils at all academic levels. Lessons are differentiated to meet the needs of the pupils as and where necessary, whilst still being challenging in order to stretch our students to achieve their full potential, supporting all students to become successful learners, responsible citizens and resilient individuals.

In KS4 pupils work towards achieving qualifications that are at a suitable level to their learning and developmental needs. Qualifications range from AQA pre-entry level, Personal Progress Entry level 1 to GCSEs is a range of subjects across the curriculum including PE, art, RE, humanities, computing, music and drama, science, maths and English. Where it is felt appropriate, pupils who are excelling in a particular subject have the opportunity to attend inclusion lessons and local mainstream schools.

To support aspirations for adulthood the school hosts a careers event each year which all pupils, parents and carers from year 9 upwards are welcome to attend to find out what is available for students post 16. A range of college and post 16 providers attend to discuss what they have on offer.

Year 11 Opportunities

Year 11 School Leaders.

The school appoint two head pupils, two deputy head pupils and a six prefects each year. All pupils are given the opportunity to apply for these positions at the beginning of the year and are seen a role models across the school and take on a range of responsibilities throughout the school. They also form part of the schools ‘Pupil Voice’ team working on improving the school from a pupils point of view.

College Experience—Park Community Academy has strong links with Blackpool and The Fylde College and Myerscough college. Our year 11 pupils have the opportunity to access these colleges one day each week to experience a range of courses and college life to help them pre and plan for their next steps after Park Community Academy.

The range of courses include;

Blackpool and the Fylde college – Hair and beauty, catering, construction, photography, art and design.

Myerscough – Motor sports, animal care and sports.

Work Experience

As part of the schools preparation for adulthood focus, year 11 pupils are able to experience the world of work through work experience placements in the summer term. The school works with Education Business Partnership to provide safe and quality placements for students for 1 week. Recent placements have been Westair Engineering, Sandcastle Water Park, B&M Stores, and New House Nursey , pupils may access these independently for supported where necessary with a member of school staff. These placement give the pupils to experience a working life as well as an opportunity to develop their communication skill and independence.

Residential

The focus on independent living skills is continued during the year 11 residential through an action packed stay at Bendrigg Trust in Kendal. As well as taking on chores around the lodge, pupils will take part in outdoor adventure activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, orienteering, abseiling and much more.