The implementation of our Sixth Form Curriculum is underpinned by a pupil-centred approach that recognises and celebrates the individual strengths, interests, and needs of each young person. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that is flexible and responsive to the diverse requirements our young people, ensuring that all learners have access to a range of learning opportunities that are meaningful and relevant to their lives.
Our curriculum is enriched with a variety of curricular and extracurricular activities that promote social interaction, communication skills, and independence. We offer personalised support through specialist staff, assistive technology, and differentiated teaching strategies to ensure that every student can engage with and make progress in their learning. Regular assessment, review, and collaboration with parents/ carers and external agencies help us to monitor student progress, adapt provision, and set ambitious yet achievable targets for each individual.
We provide a structured and scaffolded approach to teaching which builds upon the Mayfield Get Real Curriculum, whilst preparing our young people for their Post-19 pathway.
Transition into Post 16:
Pupils’ complete vocational profiles as part of their transition into Post 16. These profiles identify personal skills, qualities, aspirations and careers of interest which then support us to provide a personalised, engaging and aspiring provision. Pupils in KS4 work alongside KS5 to achieve the arts award where they have the opportunity to achieve the Explore or Discovery award. This supports pupils to meet KS5 staff, their peers and work in the Post 16 environment promoting an ongoing transition process.
Pupils in lower key stages have access to careers guidance and opportunities to meet with employers to promote their careers understanding and learning. Pupils in KS4 also have the opportunity to complete internal work experience placements to develop their skills, knowledge, understanding of the world of work and identifying careers of interest. This is then extended in KS5 by providing external work placements linked to pupils’ future aspirations.
Curriculum Pathways:
Learners have personalised pathways focussed on their end goals and aspirations. Each pathway has clear destinations and provide consistent learning opportunities to meet pupils’ individual EHCP targets. Each pathway follows recommendations from the Department of Education outlined in Professor Wolf’s review of vocational education (2011) that study programmes offer pupils breadth and depth without limiting their options for future study and work. At Mayfield school we ensure high aspirations are set for all pupils regardless of their pathway or future goal. Our pathways are flexible programmes built on the needs of individual students, and pupils may move between pathways during their time in Sixth Form.
Accreditation:
Our young people at Mayfield school are offered opportunities to complete high quality qualifications. We understand that they will benefit from clear progression pathways that provide that provide the necessary skills and knowledge they need to achieve their aspirations. Pupils are offered accredited units that are carefully selected, considering their destinations and meeting their aspirations and interests. Accreditation supports our learners in developing functional skills that they can apply beyond their school journey.
Assessment:
We use Evidence for Learning to track and support students’ attainment and progress. This enables us to capture a wide variety of activities that the students carry out. The curriculum is assessed against the Get Real framework embedding learning against Get Real milestones.
In sixth form we use and embed the Skills Builder framework and promote pupils’ developing essential skills in;
- Listening
- Speaking
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Staying positive
- Aiming high
- Leadership
- Teamwork
The development and building of these essential skills boost our young people’s academic outcomes their perseverance and self-belief. Pupils also develop the necessary skills to transfer into the work force and their daily social mobility and wellbeing.
Impact:
The impact of our Sixth Form Curriculum is evidenced by the progress, achievements, and well-being of our learners. Through our curriculum, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to overcome barriers faced by young people with SEND and achieve their academic and personal goals. They make significant progress in their academic subjects, social skills, and emotional resilience, preparing them for successful transitions beyond Mayfield.
Pupils demonstrate improved independence, self-esteem, and aspirations as a result of engaging with our inclusive curriculum. They show a positive attitude towards learning, increased motivation, and a sense of belonging within the school community. The impact of our curriculum extends beyond academic outcomes to include social inclusion, emotional well-being, and preparation for life beyond school, equipping students with the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives.