We would love to see you at Woodlands THE ENHA NCED RESOURCE FACILIT Y FOR DEAF STUDENTS AT A L L E S T R E E W O O D L A N D S S C H O O L
“I was excited but a bit nervous because it’s a big school, but I met my form tutor who is so kind and funny, and I feel I have settled in straight away.” Rachel Year 7
Allestree Woodlands School is the enhanced resource school for deaf students of secondary age in Derby. The students are supported in a variety of ways by a team comprising of full time Teachers of the Deaf and Communication Support Workers. At Woodlands our aim is to give your child the best of both worlds; the breadth, diversity and specialisms of a large mainstream secondary school, but in a fully supportive environment with a team of qualified staff and a deaf peer group. For further information, or to arrange a visit, please contact Tom Bate (Head of ERF for Deaf Students) on 01332 551921 or email t.bate@woodlands.derby.sch.uk
“By the time I leave I know I will be more confident about communicating with deaf and hearing people.” Luke Year 7
Communication Policy The Enhanced Resource Facility caters for the full range of hearing loss, from moderate to profound and the full range of communication needs. Students are supported using their chosen mode of communication; oral/aural, Sign Supported English (SSE), British Sign Language (BSL) or any combination of these (Total Communication). Levels and type of support offered are geared to the individual needs of each student. Oral/Aural Support Students who communicate orally and are able to access the subject teacher directly are given additional help to have full access to the curriculum being delivered. In class, support may involve note-taking, explanation of key words, differentiation of language, help with work set etc. This support is given either by a Communication Support Worker, Teaching Assistant or Teacher of the Deaf. Sign Support Students requiring sign support to access the curriculum are supported differently; information from the subject teacher is signed to the student either through SSE or BSL depending on their needs. Once the information has been delivered, support staff may need to further clarify particular concepts and/ or offer help with work. This support is given by a Communication Support Worker or Teacher of the Deaf.
“Arrangements to support who are hearing impaired them to make big gains in
t the progress of students is good and is helping n their learning.” Ofsted Report 2012
Integration Policy In Year 7, all deaf pupils are allocated to a tutor group along with all other pupils who join the school. They remain part of that tutor group for the next five years and attend registration and the vast majority of lessons with their peers. Grouping of deaf students varies according to needs and pupil / parent request. They may be placed with other deaf students or may be integrated independently.
Audiology Policy The deaf students at Woodlands have a variety of audiological needs and arrive at the school with a range of equipment, including hearing aids, radio aids and cochlear implant systems.
“Art is my favourite subject and with the fantastic support and really friendly environment I feel more confident and enjoy my work.” Jess Year 11
CASE STUDY
“What was the best thing about being at Woodlands? The support was great throughout and enabled me to achieve my full potential.” Jake Beech attended the Enhanced Resource Facility for Deaf Students at Allestree Woodlands School between 2006 and 2011. He is profoundly deaf and has a cochlear implant in his right ear. He is currently studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Media at the Joseph Wright Centre at Derby College.
Tell us about your experience at Allestree Woodlands School. I had five successful years at Woodlands and ended up with some good qualifications. I achieved 8 GCSEs at A*-C including English and Maths, which enabled me to go on and do my chosen course at college. The support was great throughout and enabled me to achieve my full potential. There was a good balance between independent learning and support when I needed it. Everyone was friendly and the school was very deaf aware. I made a mixture of deaf and hearing friends and I still keep in touch with them now. What about your future ambitions? I intend to go to university and further my skills in gaming development. I have already gained a merit and a distinction in my first year at college and if I get the same again this will allow me to go to university. I have many happy memories of Allestree Woodlands School and I often go back and visit the staff there.
“I’m really happy at Woodlands, I get confidence from how the teachers make it easy.” Dain Year 10
A L L E ST R E E WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L Blenheim Drive, Allestree, Derby DE22 2LW. Telephone: 01332 551921 Fax: 01332 553869 Email: the.office@woodlands.derby.sch.uk or headteacher@woodlands.derby.sch.uk www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk