Key Stage 3 Alternative Learning Pathway (ALP)

In Key Stage 3, selected students are temporarily removed from their Humanities and French lessons to work with our Closing the Gap primary school teaching specialist. This approach focuses on literacy through thematic lessons in these subject areas.

The Alternative Learning Pathway aims to help students close the gap between their reading levels and those required to access the wider curriculum. The teaching emphasises developing fluency and accuracy in reading, with significant focus on phonics and key vocabulary recall. Students also learn how to understand texts better by developing skills in information retrieval and inference.

Assessments are conducted throughout the year to identify key areas for improvement. Students on the ALP pathway are regularly reviewed and will return to their Humanities and French lessons once they demonstrate positive progress in their literacy skills. 

Key Stage 4 Entry Level Pathway (ELP)

Students are selected for the Entry Level Pathway during the exploration of their Key Stage 4 option subjects. In collaboration with our SENDCO and other key support staff, students choose three subjects, with the remaining time dedicated to developing essential skills to support their overall learning.

English

The Entry Level Pathway for English focuses on enhancing students’ reading and writing skills. Activities are designed to improve fluency and accuracy in reading, as well as support information retrieval from texts. Students engage in tasks that encourage writing for different purposes and help them understand writing features.

Maths

The Entry Level Maths programme helps students gain fluency in fundamental mathematical concepts through varied and frequent practice. This approach enables students to develop conceptual understanding and recall knowledge with increasing speed and accuracy.

Students will also improve their reasoning skills by following lines of enquiry, conjecturing relationships, and developing arguments using mathematical language. The curriculum encourages problem-solving by applying mathematics to various routine problems, breaking them down into manageable steps, and persevering to find solutions.

Science

The Entry Level Certificates are ideal for students who may find the GCSE (9-1) Combined Science course challenging. This course allows students to acquire basic scientific knowledge and understand the important applications of science in their lives and the world around them.

This pathway complements the expectation that students will still access all core subjects within their curriculum, enriching their learning experience and providing a strong foundation for future studies.

Lessons in this pathway not only benefit students in their core subjects but also provide the opportunity to earn AQA Entry Level qualifications at one of three levels, with teachers determining the most suitable level. Assessments occur throughout the year when students are deemed ready.