Lord Wilson School: Empowering Every Learner

Tailored Learning for Growth:

At Lord Wilson, we believe in unlocking the potential of each student, especially those with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Our curriculum caters to individual strengths and challenges, fostering academic progress, emotional well-being, and personal development.

Core Subjects:

Delivered in smaller classes, our comprehensive curriculum includes English, Maths, Science, and Humanities. Engaging teaching methods like interactive activities, visual aids, and practical projects create a stimulating learning environment.

Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Development:

Recognising the importance of well-being, we integrate dedicated SEMH support, including:

  • Social and emotional learning using ‘Zones of Regulation’: Equipping students with essential skills like self-awareness, relationship management, and coping mechanisms.
  • Positive behaviour support that is relational and restorative : Utilising a supportive approach to address behavioural challenges and foster self-control and positive relationships.
  • Thrive: Supporting and encouraging students to develop into confident, creative and curious young people who are more open to learning and are better equipped to deal with life challenges. 

Developing Independence and Life Skills:

We prepare students for independent living through:

  • Vocational skills: Practical programs that equip students with communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills for future careers.
  • Life skills: Dedicated sessions and activities teach essential life skills like personal hygiene, budgeting, cooking, and navigating public transportation.

Personalised Pathways to Success:

We create individualised learning pathways based on in-depth baseline assessments to ensure rapid and sustained progress. Students are grouped in classes with a customised curriculum offering:

  • Core curriculum: Essential subjects like English, Maths, Science, and Humanities.
  • Co-curriculum: Focuses on personal development, fostering crucial skills like social-emotional intelligence and communication.
  • Enrichment curriculum: Exciting off-site and external experiences to broaden horizons and ignite a passion for learning.

We hold high aspirations for all students, encouraging them to take GCSE exams while acknowledging individual needs. We may utilise entry-level qualifications alongside GCSEs to support them on their path to success.

Building on Progress and Bridging the Gaps: Supporting Continued Learning

At Lord Wilson, we believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and achievement. We offer several initiatives to support students in building on their progress and bridging any learning gaps they may encounter.

Extended Online Learning:

Recognising the importance of reinforcing classroom learning at home, we offer an extended online learning program for all students, including Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This program utilises dedicated platforms like Lexia, Freckle, and Tassomai to:

  • Enhance literacy skills: Lexia provides personalised learning activities that target individual reading needs, promoting fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development.
  • Solidify numeracy skills: Freckle offers engaging and interactive exercises that address foundational and advanced mathematical concepts, ensuring students grasp key mathematical principles.
  • Boost core subject mastery: Tassomai, specifically designed for Key Stage 4 students, provides targeted practice and revision materials in English, Maths, and Science. Students can access personalised learning pathways, practice exam-style questions, and receive instant feedback to solidify their understanding of core curriculum subjects.

Rewarding Effort and Encouraging Engagement:

We understand that consistent engagement and effort are crucial for academic success. To incentivise participation and celebrate progress, we offer a tiered reward system:

  • Stage 1: We award our student vivos when they have met their weekly goals. 
  • Stage: Weekly top performers (“podium placements”) receive a hot chocolate/milkshake and a positive text home, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging further effort. 
  • Stage 3:The tutor group with the most online practice hours each term wins a lunch outing, promoting teamwork and healthy competition.

Knowledge Catch-Up System:

We recognise that learning journeys can sometimes have gaps due to various reasons. Our knowledge catch-up system is designed to ensure no student falls behind and empowers them to catch up with missed knowledge efficiently.

  • Identification: We identify students experiencing learning gaps through ongoing assessments and teacher observations.
  • Targeted Support: Based on specific needs, students receive focused catch-up work. These concise 10-15 minute activities bridge knowledge gaps and prepare them for the next lesson’s content.
  • Centralised Tracking: Catch-up work allocation and completion are tracked through a central system, ensuring efficient implementation and timely support for students.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, we strive to create a supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential.

The Keystone Difference: Nurturing, Targeted Learning

Our Keystone provision provides a tailored learning experience for Year 7 and 8 students, and a specialised Year 7/8 class for those with significant learning difficulties. This approach ensures each individual receives the specific support they need to thrive.

Focus and Structure:

Keystone students focus on core skills with daily English and Maths sessions. Practical subjects like art, PE, food technology, and science are integrated for a well-rounded experience. Dedicated “keytime” afternoons prioritise skill-building with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and communication.

Specialised Support:

Students needing additional support in phonics or communication receive targeted 1-to-1 intervention with our highly trained SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Teachers work closely with the SENDCo to seamlessly integrate these interventions into their classrooms, ensuring optimal progress.

Building a Strong Foundation:

The Keystone provision aims to create a supportive and nurturing environment. Students gain a solid ‘keystone’ foundation for further academic success while  experiencing a smooth transition into our school community. We believe Keystone plays a vital role in unlocking the potential within each student.

Year 9: Charting the Path Ahead

Year 9 focuses on:

  • Broadening horizons: Introducing students to a wider range of staff and subject areas to discover potential interests and talents.
  • Building a future-oriented mindset: Fostering a growth mindset and cultivating essential skills for success beyond Year 11 through our enhanced Personal Development curriculum.
  • Exploring post-16 pathways: Empowering students to make informed decisions about their GCSE options and future aspirations through “taster courses.”
  • Developing employability skills: Providing an off-site sporting offer to enrich the curriculum and develop essential skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Key Stage 4: Focused and Future-Ready

Our Key Stage 4 curriculum has two distinct goals:

  • Exam readiness: Providing a rigorous academic experience to achieve qualifications needed for chosen post-16 pathways.
  • Post-16 preparation: Offering extensive support for exam preparation, managing exam stress, and personalised exam access arrangements.

We go beyond the core curriculum by offering:

  • Alternative provision: Tailored programs complementing the core curriculum and aligning with students’ post-16 interests.
  • Work experience: Facilitated work placements linked to students’ post-16 options, providing valuable real-world experience and enhancing employability skills.

We also provide dedicated support for college applications, transition visits, and celebrate their achievements with a student-chosen trip upon graduation.

The Lord Wilson Curriculum: Building Well-Rounded and Future-Ready Individuals:

Our holistic approach aims to:

  • Build upon prior knowledge and create a clear progression of learning.
  • Unlock the potential of every student, regardless of ability.
  • Foster respect and appreciation for diverse cultures and viewpoints.
  • Prepare students for their future, both academically and personally.
  • Shape students into well-rounded individuals who are confident, adaptable, and equipped to thrive in further education, training, or employment.

Through its diverse and impactful approach, the Lord Wilson curriculum empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

For more information about the curriculum contact Charlotte Hurst churst@kgalordwilson.uk