Upper School
Upper School encompasses years 11 to 14. Within upper school there are four tutor groups composed of mixed year students. Students enter upper school either from within St Francis School or from other educational providers within the county of Lincolnshire. The main focus within upper school is to ensure all students are supported and encouraged in becoming as independent and self-reliant as possible in preparation for moving on to adulthood and the challenges it poses when leaving St Francis School.
The curriculum in upper school involves Tutor time, Functional Skills, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Wellbeing, Work Experience where appropriate and a good variety of Vocational Work-based learning opportunities for student’s skill set to be developed. Upper School through its differing curriculum Pathways of Formal, Semi-Formal and Pre-Formal Learning has the ability to offer a diverse and engaging programme that meets the needs of all individuals before they progress onto the next stage of their individual intended destination, weather this be upper school education or onto some form of social care provision.
A Formal Curriculum Learner...
The students in Upper school accessing this curriculum pathway will at the end of Key Stage 5 progress onto further education or a form of employment or training. This curriculum has a real emphasis on life skills, personal development and their individual preparation for adulthood. The Formal curriculum is designed to maximise educational progress in Functional Literacy and Numeracy and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education. The Formal curriculum focuses more attention on accredited subjects using a variety of different awarding bodies and at the same time encompasses all aspects of the upper school Semi-Formal and Informal curriculums to meet student’s individual needs as they progress towards their final destinations.
A Semi-Formal Curriculum Learner...
The students in upper school accessing this curriculum pathway will at the end of Key Stage 5 have the opportunity to continue in education at the most suitable Post 19 education provision as well as accessing activities within their local communities. Students following a Semi-Formal curriculum will have a strong focus on developing their individual personal development. The curriculum adopts a broad and balanced cross curricular approach including Functional and Vocational learning. The curriculum content covered supports students to make connections between key areas of their individual development. The Post 16 Semi-Formal curriculum pathway adopts aspects of the Informal Curriculum and Formal Curriculum.
A Pre/Informal Curriculum Learner...
The students in upper school accessing this curriculum pathway will at the end of Key Stage 5, be moving onto adulthood and accessing activities in their local community, to further develop their individual skill set as they strive for independence. Following the pre/informal curriculum pathway using a holistic approach, students will be supported to develop positive interactive relationships with others, proactively explore the world around them and gain valuable social skills as they prepare for adulthood. All students will continue to be given maximum opportunities to achieve the highest levels of independence dependent upon their individual needs.
These different options allow our students to experience a variety of vocational experiences that gives them a sense of what they would like to do, to support them on their path towards their destination, underpinned by the acquisition of essential life skills. Educational visits and guest speakers play an integral part to the ethos and philosophy of life in upper school. External accreditation is gained where appropriate from various Awarding bodies ranging from the school differing Assessment strands.
- St Francis Stages Assessment
- MAPP Assessment
- Functional Skills Assessment from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.
Students demonstrate, by their active involvement in all lessons and other activities, a strongly developing self-confidence that empowers them to take the initiative and also to work constructively and collaboratively with others. They learn well how to deal with change and to be creative in their thinking, bold enough to take well-judged risks, and rational in their decision making. The school grounds and the use of the local, wider environment and community partnerships enhance the curriculum for all students in Post 16.
Options...
Supporting Young People with Additional Needs...
The following videos were created in partnership with the Lincolnshire County Council to support young people in Lincolnshire who have a variety of additional needs.
LCC and St Francis School both believe it is important that young people with additional needs were able to hear from other young people with additional needs about what life is like going to school in Lincolnshire. Transition is a big focus of the videos and how and what support young people need as they transitioned through school life.
Link to Lincolnshire's Local Offer
School Transitions
Mobility
Online Safety
Healthy Eating
Health Conditions