Skip to navigation

Teaching and learning

Teacher and students at Barnardo's High Close School

Learning at High Close is stimulating, interesting and, above all, fun! Within our purpose-built school we have a bright and welcoming environment in which good behaviour and respect are the order of the day.

Download our Teaching and Learning policy (PDF).

We teach the full range of National Curriculum subjects at a level suited to the individual child, and our teachers use a range of methods and resources, including the latest technology, to engage reluctant learners.

Classes

Classes are kept small, with a teacher and learning support assistant in every lesson. Where required, extra support is provided by the residential and day unit staff.

There is also access to a range of specialist support, including a speech and language therapist, a dyslexia specialist and a consultant educational psychologist.

Achievements

Students at Barnardo's High Close School

High Close prides itself on the achievement of its pupils.

Individual Education Plans set challenging objectives and daily targets encourage pupils to give their best.

At Key Stage 4, pupils gain nationally accredited academic and vocational qualifications, including:

  • NVQs in horticulture
  • entry levels
  • Duke of Edinburgh bronze awards
  • up to seven GCSE subjects, including English, mathematics and science.

These achievements allow our young people to move on to a variety of college and work placements after they leave school at the end of year 11.

Parents are given regular updates about their child’s progress through twice-yearly reports, annual reviews, six-monthly planning meetings and parent consultation evenings.

Parents and carers are very well informed about all aspects of their children’s Achievement’s. Regular telephone calls, letters home and home visits ensure that they have accurate information about their children’s experiences at school, and that their views can be taken into account in individual planning Ofsted June 2011