The School's Curriculum

We use lateral thinking when we plan for successful alternatives

Broad, balanced and matched to pupils
Teaching and learning at Inaura School follows the prescribed curriculum as laid down in the Education Reform Act of 1988 and Curriculum 2000, adapted and differentiated for individual learning needs and styles.
All our students have an entitlement to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, individualised to recognize different learning needs and styles, irrespective of ability, gender, ethnicity or social background.
Flexible approach
Our approach to education within this framework however is flexible in order to recognise the individual needs of each student. Most of our students have previously experienced difficulties in engaging with learning and education has, for them, become a negative experience. We aim to reverse this trend and re-kindle our students' enthusiasm for learning.
Year 7 to 9 students
follow an appropriate curriculum including the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, Information Technology, History, Geography, and Religious Education.
Other areas of study
such as careers, health education, equal opportunities and citizenship are taught through the Personal, Social and Health Education programme.
In addition students are supported through
• Liaison with the Connexions Service and careers gUidance.
• Specialist support and nurturing to encourage substantially improved and regular attendance.
• Individual Behavioural/relational strategies.
• Individual mentoring and tutoring programmes. Access to IT.
• Opportunities to express and develop emotional literacy.
• Extra-curricular activities and a variety of school visits using facilities within the community.
• Specialised PSHE and Citizenship programmes which are relevant to and address the needs of the student.
Keystage 4 (Years 10 and 11, Ages 15 and 16)
Currently all students in Year 10 and 11 take the core subjects of English, Maths and Science as well as the Key Stage 4 statutory requirements of IT, , Careers and Citizenship. Additional subjects ensure access to a broad and balanced curriculum, providing a number of options for:
• GCSE
• Entry Level examinations
• Adult literacy and numeracy certificates
• Youth challenge awards
• Youth achievement awards
• Basic skills certificates.
Work related learning
is an important part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum providing opportunities to engage in either an extended work experience or work experience block (risk assessments permitting).
This includes:
• the preparation, planning and support for such placements.
• Regular contact with the relevant Connexions service
• Preparation for the post 16 phase of their education in
conjunction with other agencies
• College link programmes with local colleges
• Life skills programmes
• Physical education and sport
All students are offered opportunities to take part in PE and sports activities,
Pupils with special needs
Inaura School provides for students with statements of special educational needs and supplies extensive support in school due to the high staff to student ratio. Where students have a particular difficulty in numeracy or literacy, an individual programme will be implemented.
The school has a Special Needs Policy. If you wish to consult this document, please contact the school.
Re-engagement with learning
All students undergo an initial assessment on admission to Inaura School which informs the initial study plan. Students unable to access a regular timetable straight away will be furnished with an induction plan. This will suggest ways of developing engagement with the student.
Our over-arching objective is to teach and provide learning opportunities appropriate to our students' ages, needs, and circumstances. We have identified a curriculum element which in mainstream settings would be taken as easily achieved - readiness for learning- and have accordingly developed a new assessment tool which provides us with a 'readiness for learning profile'.
Readiness for learning
Where there are barriers to learning we always seek to address these. In this way we will be able to identify students non-academic learning needs, and provide a psychosocial programme which reduces these barriers. We can show why some of our students make limited educational progress, what we are doing about it, and we can measure and demonstrate this and the changes which help the student be ready for learning. When students are 'ready for learning' we expect them to make rapid progress in a 1: 1 tuition environment.
Alternatives to GCSE
We modify our study plans to cater for those Key Stage 4 students for whom it may not be appropriate to follow a full GCSE programme.
Entry level certificates in a wide variety of subjects
Adult Literacy and Numeracy certificates
Level 2 equivalent to a GCSE C grade.
Level 1 equivalent to a GCSE D grade.
Ideal for students who are with us for a short time – not long enough to do a full GCSE.
Grrencrafts Programme
Two experienced and qualified staff supported by our learning mentors range over 300 acres of moor and farmland in the Sedgemoor vale. Our planning comprises survival skills, safety skills, camping, woodland crafts, and team-building initiatives.  A wide range of cross-curricular activities linking to geography, history, PSHE, and science tie in with this. 
Careers Education and Guidance
Time is always allowed during the school day in order to discuss targets, progress, coursework and any areas of difficulty the student may be experiencing. Careers guidance forms an important section of the PSHE programme. In addition, all students have access to specialist careers information and advice from a 'Connexions' Adviser to provide wider advice and guidance.
Religious education and collective worship
The school has no religious affiliations. Religious Education is included in the PSHE curriculum for all young people. Parents and Carers who do not wish their children to follow the programme of Religious Education are asked to write to the school. An alternative provision will be made for these students.
Sex education
Sex Education is delivered a part of our PSHE course. All the areas specified in the National Curriculum are covered. Parents and Carers who do not wish their children to follow the programme of sex education are asked to write to the school. The school has a detailed policy statement. If you wish to consult this document, please contact the school.
Citizenship
All students in Key Stages 3 and 4 are required to follow a national curriculum course in Citizenship. The key elements in the programme of study are 'Becoming Informed Citizens', developing skills of enquiry and communication and developing skills of participation and responsible action. This is delivered through a range of subject areas including the Personal, Social and Health education programme.