What do we teach?

Our Curriculum

Oak Lodge School believes that all pupils should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. We also recognise that to meet the needs of our deaf pupils, aspects of the National Curriculum will need to be modified.

All pupils are exempt from learning a modern foreign language and music, and programmes of study in history and geography are modified to meet the needs of our population. These changes, agreed at annual reviews, are to enable pupils to receive additional time for English, and for the teaching of Deaf Studies and Communication.

We teach programmes of study from Key Stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum, but for some classes there is a need to modify both the content and quantity of work covered. Each department has a policy and detailed programmes of study, from which teaching plans are prepared each term for every class. These include plans for differentiated work for individual pupils.

The particular language needs of deaf children are also considered in the methods of delivery used. For this reason, the use of both Signs Supporting English (SSE) and British Sign Language (BSL) are integral parts of the Oak Lodge approach (see section on Communication Policy).

What do we teach?

Every class has pastoral time with their pastoral teacher every week.

Years 7 - 9
English, Maths and Science
Deaf Studies
Communication (with Speech and Language Therapists)
Design & Technology
Art & Design
Information Technology
Keyboard Skills
History
Geography
Religious Education
Food Technology
Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) and PATHS
Physical Education (including swimming for Year 7)

A Travel Training programme is offered to individual pupils. This is planned in consultation with families, and may take place at any age.

During the spring term of Year 9, decisions are made about examination courses.

Years 10 - 11
English, Maths and Science
Deaf Studies
Design & Technology
Art & Design
Information Technology
Keyboard Skills
Physical Education
Careers Education
PSHE
Youth Award Scheme (which may include Food Technology)

In addition all pupils complete two periods of work experience, one in Year 10 and one in Year 11. We have a carefully planned programme of Sex Education delivered through our PSHE and Science programmes.

16 Plus

The curriculum for 16 Plus students is planned and organised for individual students.

Examinations

It is our policy to enter all pupils for public examinations, which are selected for their suitability for our deaf candidates. The current range is:

OCR : Communicative Use of English
: Computer Literacy & Information Technology
: Core Text Processing

Youth Award Scheme (Vocational Education) - Bronze, Silver & Gold levels
ASDAN Life Skills Certificate
CACDP (Sign Language) exams
Effective Communication (an Oak Lodge exam)

In addition, students supported by our 16 Plus Department follow courses leading to a large range of qualifications, including:
GCSE, GNVQ, NVQ, C & G, NNEB, National Diploma, HND and BA or BSc degrees.

SAT's (National Curriculum Assessments for 14 year old pupils)

We assess pupils at the end of Year 9 and give N.C. levels in English, Maths and Science based on these assessments. These are reported to parents and Governors. Decisions are made individually on whether the externally assessed tests are appropriate for pupils.