Prospectus
acornschool Acorn School is a small independent day school which provides a caring learning environment for 11-16 year olds who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Acorn School, empowering learning through positive and creative education.
At our school we recognise that every pupil is different, yet equal, and all staff are committed to treating each individual with inclusion, compassion and understanding. We recognise that pupils make mistakes and offer a safe and nurturing learning environment where, pupils can feel supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
CURRICULUM Acorn School offers students a holistic, broad and balanced curriculum which allows pupils to grow academically, vocationally, socially, physically and morally. We encourage a ‘Can do’ culture at the school and by recognising students individual needs, we are able to work with their particular situation and help them towards their potential. Literacy and Numeracy are the main focus of every morning and students are taught in small groups or 1:1 allowing teachers to target their individual literacy and numeracy needs.
SUBJECTS OFFERED: • Literacy • Numeracy
• ICT
• Science
• MFL
• Humanities
• Music
• Design & Technology
• Outdoor Education
• Art & Textiles
• Physical Education
• Cookery • PSHE & Citizenship
• RE / Cultural Studies
At Acorn School we have high expectations of all our students and celebrate all successes, however small they may be.
ACHIEVEMENT We aim to build confidence and self-esteem through the use of praise and encouragement, which is re-enforced with a reward scheme and the opportunity to earn credits for improved behaviour and a positive attitude to learning. These are presented at the end of each week, when pupils can also take part in a fun activity after all their hard work! We offer a range of qualifications and awards across the curriculum, including GCSE’s, Entry Level Certificates, ASDAN awards and short courses, Functional Skills Certificates and AQA unit awards.
GARDENING AND ENVIRONMENT We are lucky enough to have land and countryside as a teaching tool. We have a polytunnel and raised beds where pupils can grow their own vegetables, which they can then use in their cookery lessons. Our gardening projects link closely to many areas of the curriculum including science, design and technology and speaking and listening skills.
ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS We offer a sports activity at least once a week. This can be on site, or using local amenities. We can offer tennis, football, basketball, badminton, volleyball, climbing, sailing, kayaking, orienteering, assault courses, horse riding, running, walking and surfing. Trips are offered once a week as a reward and motivation for good behaviour and learning. This can be a trip to a museum, bowling, the beach, Horse Riding, Go Karts, quadding, shooting, archery, skating, high ropes, cinema or a trip to an adventure park.
LIFE SKILLS
WORK EXPERIENCE
The PSHE curriculum enables learners to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to manage their lives now and in the future.
Work experience can be arranged for students, if appropriate, and we teach skills such as filling in an application form, writing a CV and interview skills.
The program facilitates young people in taking responsibility for themselves by preparing them for their future roles as responsible adults. We offer a short course in personal finance which aims to help young people to understand where money comes from, how to budget and live independently and understand the financial implications of personal life choices. We have weekly cookery lessons which teach pupils to cook sweet and savoury recipes from around the world and students are encouraged to think about healthy food choices and how to budget for food and ingredients.
Previous work experience placements have included nursery work, mechanics, hairdressing and charity work.
Experiences of life outside school and care are a very important part of the education we offer and we maintain links with outside agencies such as careers advisors, colleges, police and youth services in order to widen the curriculum and provide motivation.
Life skills are an important area at Acorn School. We teach practical skills which the young person will need when they leave education.
OUTDOOR LEARNING Acorn School is located next to a small woodland, edging into moorland and has two bordering rivers. We try to use the beautiful natural environment to stimulate an interest in the outside. Our Forest School lessons encourage learning, confidence and self-esteem through practical activities and plan activities which foster enjoyment, participation, practical and social skills. Independence is encouraged by an understanding of health and safety needs, group and individual tasks.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: • Woodwork • Tool construction • Shelter Making • Cooking • Natural Craft • Construction • Controlled Fires • Bushcraft • Natural Dyes • Orienteering • Metal Detecting
Directors Executive Directors Keith Burley Jon Pain Mark Parker Francois Delbaere Non-Executive Directors Michael Buckingham David Sherratt
Little Oak Knowstone South Molton EX36 4SA Tel: 01271 859720 Email: acornschool@plcl.org.uk Headteacher: Mrs Abbie Heard Policies: School policies, admission arrangements, term dates and school timetables are available on request.
Governors Keith Burley Jon Pain Mark Parker Francois Delbaere Charlie Mead Teachers Christine Thomas Robert Kemp Teaching Assistants Mike Watkins Tess Thornton
PROPRIETOR DETAILS Phoenix Learning and Care Group 1st Floor Rolle Quay House Rolle Quay Barnstaple Devon EX31 1JE Tel: 01271 859720 Email: enquiries@plcl.org.uk