A dedicated on-campus learning space and low teacher-student ratio, coupled with access to daily whole-school opportunities mean that students will experience a bespoke programme whilst also taking advantage of aspects of regular school life at St Andrew’s.
Core Curriculum
The core curriculum is based on a standards-based life skills curriculum developed by the HMB Special Services Cooperative in Indiana, USA. There are eight key strands through which students will learn, develop and take assessments.
Small Class Size
The THRIVE class will be capped at a maximum of eight students for the time being, led by an experienced class teacher and supported by a dedicated teaching assistant.
Programme Goals
- Independent living
- Academic progress
- Vocational preparedness
- Financial and IT Literacy
- Healthy relationships
Students following the THRIVE programme join mainstream school advisory groups, house events, assemblies and clubs and also access Physical Education and Lifelong Learning lessons with larger groups.
Below you can see how this will work:
| THRIVE Students will join their grade peers for: | THRIVE Students will NOT join their grade peers for: |
|---|---|
| Daily Learning Advisory | IGCSE/BGCSE Subject classes |
| Physical Education | |
| Social and Emotion Learning | |
| Level Up | |
| House Activities and Events | |
| Assemblies | |
| Break and Lunch | |
| Extra-curricular clubs |
Dedicated Learning Space
This is a large and flexible learning space, with additional breakout options. The room will be fully refurbished before the beginning of the new term with the installation of brand new UPVC doors and windows, carpet flooring and freshly decorated walls.
This area has been chosen for its size, flexibility and for proximity to outside spaces, our newly refurbished student bathrooms and also our kitchen classroom.
Adaptable Programme
Since we are creating our own programme at St Andrew’s, we will have the flexibility to make changes in response to students’ individual needs. Working outside the examination system also means that there can be more integration across disciplines, in line with IB methodology.
We will be relying on feedback from students and parents as we go, in order to ensure that our THRIVE programme is as appropriate, enjoyable and effective as possible.