Norton College Worcester

Our learning environment is a calm area used for one-to-one Mathematics and English tuition.

Students work on a one-to-one basis with a Teacher/Tutor focusing on Mathematics and English, this enables teaching to be adapted to the needs of each individual student.

Mathematics – Students can access a range of qualifications in Functional skills. Ranging from Enty Levels 1, 2 and 3 up to Levels 1 and 2 plus GCSEs in Maths and Statistics.

KS3 students are offered a curriculum, in line with the National Curriculum, which is taught using problem-solving and inquiry-based activities.

English – Students can access a range of qualifications in Functional skills. Ranging from Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 up to Levels 1 and 2 plus GCSE English Language. KS3 students are offered a curriculum, in line with the National Curriculum, using several themes from literature. These include Horror and Mystery, Heroes and Villains, and Myths and Legends.

This is incentivised by our Student Reward system where students can earn points for their achievements and engagement in core lessons. The points can then be exchanged for trips and rewards.

Our  Vocational Hub supports the delivery of a wide range of Vocational subjects including Painting and Decorating, Woodwork, Bricklaying and Plastering.

For many of our students, especially those who have struggled in formal classrooms, English and Mathematics, core skills will be incorporated into this ‘hands on’ approach to learning.

Qualifications are tailored to meet the needs of the students and vary from OCN Entry Level to BTEC Level 1 Construction. We also facilitate our young people accessing CSCS Card training.

Norton College Worcester has two exciting dedicated Music Rooms.

The Music Recording Studio is used to engage and inspire students who may be reluctant to participate in English activities. Composing music and writing lyrics can be a far more creative way to develop English skills.

The Performance Room is where the students have the ability to learn to play traditional instruments such as guitars and drums.

We recognise music as an important method for re-engaging students who have struggled in more traditional educational settings.

All students are provided with practical opportunities designed to inspire an interest in Science, and are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities designed to inspire awe and wonder at the scientific world. Our well-equipped Science laboratories are solely dedicated to teaching Science, with a range of high-quality specialist practical equipment and chemicals available for use.

All Entry Level / Further Entry Level / GCSE lessons are taught on a 1:1 basis, with an experienced Science teacher/tutor (Engagement Science sessions may be taught in small groups if those students work well together) and teaching is personalised for each individual student.

ENGAGEMENT SCIENCE

All students are offered weekly Engagement Science activities, linked to the KS3 National Curriculum, based around half-termly themes. The nature of these topics is to create a broad and balanced introduction to all three Science disciplines, including opportunities to develop scientific skills and knowledge.

Themes covered in Engagement Science include:

· Healthy Bodies

· Living Things

· Mad Scientist

· Our Planet

Years 7 and 8 are the target students for Engagement Science, as well as students who are new to the College, regardless of year group.

ENTRY LEVEL / FURTHER ENTRY LEVEL SCIENCE

From Year 9 upwards*, students are offered the opportunity to gain Edexcel Entry Level and Further Entry Level qualifications, by studying across all three disciplines.

Topics covered in Entry Level Science include:

· Cells, Genetics, Inheritance & Modification

· Health, Disease & the Development of Medicine

· Atoms, Compounds & States of Matter

· Separating Mixtures, Breaking Down Substances, Acids & Metals

· Forces, Movement & Energy

· Waves & Radiation

Topics covered in Further Entry Level Science include:

· Plants & Ecosystems

· Human Biology

· Chemical Reactions: Patterns, Energy & Rates of Reaction

· Chemistry in our World: Fuels & the Earth’s Atmosphere

· Electricity & Magnets

· Energy & Particles

This is an opportunity for students to develop their scientific skills further before starting GCSE. About Edexcel Entry Level Certificates | Pearson qualifications

GCSE BIOLOGY / CHEMISTRY / PHYSICS

From Year 10 upwards*, students are offered the opportunity to work towards Edexcel GCSE Separate Sciences IF they have completed Entry Level Science* at Entry Level 2 or above. Students usually work towards one GCSE at a time; the usual progression is GCSE Biology, then GCSE Chemistry, then GCSE Physics; this is due to the perceived increase in difficulty across the disciplines.

We are equipped to carry out all of the Required Practicals for all three GCSE pathways, as well as additional practicals which enhance and support student’s learning.

*We always consider individual circumstances, so this can be flexible

ICT Curriculum at Norton College

The ICT (Information and Communication Technology) curriculum at Norton College is designed to be accessible, flexible, and tailored to the diverse needs of the students. The curriculum aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to use technology in a way that enhances their learning, communication, and daily lives. It also seeks to promote digital literacy, creativity, problem-solving, and independence through the use of ICT tools and resources. Below is an overview of how the ICT curriculum is structured:

Curriculum Aims

The ICT curriculum in a SEN school is designed to:

• Develop essential ICT skills, such as using devices, software, and online platforms.
• Encourage the use of technology for communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Provide opportunities for students to build confidence in using digital tools for both academic and personal development.
• Foster an understanding of online safety and the responsible use of technology.
• Promote independent learning and participation in the digital world, catering to individual learning needs.

Key Areas of Focus

The curriculum focuses on various aspects of ICT that are tailored to the abilities and developmental stages of the students:

Digital Literacy

• Understanding the basics of digital devices (e.g., computers, tablets, smartphones).
• Using word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
• Navigating websites and using online resources for research and learning.
• Recognizing different types of digital media (text, images, video, audio).
• Basic understanding of algorithms, coding, and logical thinking (age-appropriate).

Communication and Collaboration

• Using email, messaging systems, and collaborative platforms.
• Introducing accessible communication tools (e.g., speech-to-text, visual aids).
• Encouraging collaboration on shared documents and projects using online tools.
• Supporting communication for students with speech or language difficulties through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools.

Creative Technology

• Encouraging students to create digital artwork, music, and videos using appropriate software and tools.
• Introduction to coding and robotics (simple block-based coding for younger or less advanced learners, and more complex programming for older students).
• Encouraging storytelling and interactive media creation.

Online Safety and Digital Wellbeing

• Teaching safe internet practices, such as understanding privacy, personal information security, and avoiding harmful content.
• Promoting responsible online behaviour and social media awareness.
• Addressing the risks of cyberbullying and providing strategies for coping with online challenges.
• Promoting digital wellbeing and how to manage screen time effectively.

Differentiated Learning Approaches, Inclusion and Personalization

One of the primary goals of the ICT curriculum at Norton College is to ensure that all students, regardless of their specific needs, have access to technology that enhances their learning experience. This involves:

• Personalizing the learning environment through adaptive technology and tailored resources.
• Providing students with choice in how they use technology, ensuring that it matches their interests and needs.
• Encouraging students to engage with ICT in ways that promote their independence, creativity, and self-confidence.

At Norton College the ICT curriculum is highly differentiated to accommodate the wide variety of needs among students:

• Simplified and Structured Tasks: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps to accommodate students’ learning styles or communication challenges.
• Use of Assistive Technology: Integrating assistive tools (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text software, voice-activated assistants) to support students with learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

Assessment and Progression

The assessment of ICT skills at Norton College is focused on progress rather than comparison with peers, with an emphasis on:

• Individualized assessments based on the students’ starting points.
• Tracking progress in terms of skills acquisition, confidence, and independence.
• Continuous observation of how students engage with technology and develop problem-solving and creative skills.
• Using formative assessment to adjust teaching strategies and ensure that students are supported in their learning journey.

Students will begin to use technology for more specific learning purposes, such as research, presentations, and digital collaboration. There may be more in-depth exploration of coding, multimedia creation, and online safety. Transition planning to prepare for independent living and future employment may also include ICT skills that can be applied in the workplace. We offer Functional Skills in Digital Technology and BTEC Creative Media qualifications, alongside project work incorporating technologies such as 3D printing, programming, and drone assembly and development.

The ICT curriculum at Norton College is designed with flexibility, inclusivity, and individual needs at its core. By providing students with the tools and skills to interact with technology, the curriculum empowers them to engage with the world around them and equips them with skills that will be beneficial throughout their lives.

What we offer within Humanities

We offer Entry Level Humanities and GCSEs in History, Religious Education and Geography.

Students at Entry Level cover a range of topics that include:

· Places of worship. This includes visits to mosques, churches and monasteries.

· Christian and Hindu religious festivals. Holy Week and Diwali.

· A British Society from the Past that includes a visit to The Black Country Museum and Warwick Castle.

· A non-British Society from the past. Students study apartheid in South Africa.

· Responding to a tectonic event. Students study the recent Turkey/Syria earthquake.

· Responses to contemporary conflict in world events. The Ukraine War.

At GCSE level, students follow the AQA syllabus for History, Geography and Religious Education. Each being a two year course.

At Norton College Worcester, Careers Advice is a fundamental part of college life and is supported into all subject areas. In each area the staff share career related information across their subjects and encourage students to follow their career aspirations.

Within the careers strategy we follow the Gatsby Benchmarks that are considered the recognised standard for careers guidance in education. The careers programme is overseen by our Level 7 Careers Lead alongside our PSHE department.

The Eight Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance are:

• A stable careers programme

Norton College has developed a careers programme that supports the complex needs of the individual students. This is fully supported by SLT, teaching and pastoral staff. This is published on our website with our careers policy.

• Learning from career and labour market information

Within college we use ‘Job explorer database’ as a learning tool for students and staff. This allows students to investigate career aspirations and gain the latest up to date, information and advice on career choices.

• Addressing the needs of each pupil

All students are taught on a 1:1 basis and this allows staff the opportunity address the needs of each student individually and refer to the college Careers Lead or Careers Adviser for additional support when needed.

• Linking curriculum learning to careers

All subject areas have information readily available for students to gain knowledge on specific subjects. This also provides information on the transferrable skills and knowledge between subjects which staff actively promote.

• Encounters with employers and employees

As part of the careers curriculum Norton College Worcester actively promotes the Meaningful encounters with the world of work including engagement with employers and employees. When students are attending activities, they are encouraged to look at the world we live in and recognised the different careers available linked to their interests.

If a student has a specific career aspiration Norton College will, if possible, arrange a visit to meet specific placements for hands on advice and guidance. This can include but not restricted to Armed forcers careers, career fairs, life after school events, employment agencies, training providers etc.

• Experience of workplaces

As students attend off-site activities, these are often linked to career conversations with staff they meet and places they visit. College staff will encourage conversations with students to discuss careers they see on their activities, alongside skills needed to do the careers.

Norton College also offers opportunities for work experience placements, where appropriate, to allow students the experience of the workplace and gain skills needed in a certain career area. If a work placement cannot be secured, then Norton College Worcester will look to arrange virtual work experiences or visits to employer placements.

• Encounters with further and higher education

Students gain information and advice from the college Careers Adviser on local colleges and training providers. When discussing career aspirations, the routes into career choices can include Further and Higher education. Information on open events is shared with students and they are encouraged to attend, often staff will take students to interviews and events. As Norton College Worcester is a smaller provision, larger establishments tend not attend college site to engage our students, so College actively encourage conversations about the routes into career choices and promote individual visits.

• Personal guidance

Norton College Worcester employs a Full time Level 6 Careers Adviser alongside the Level 6 qualified careers adviser from our parent company OFG.  The Careers Adviser has in-depth knowledge of Careers Advice, Complex SEN and transition arrangements.

All students at Norton College Worcester have access to our Careers Adviser and are encouraged to engage in their 1:1 Career interviews and college career curriculum activities.

Careers Policy

Careers Curriculum Intent Statement

SEND Careers curriculum map

2024-2025 Provider Access Policy Statement

Useful information for Students, Parents and carers.

General

Careers advice – job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Worcestershire

Skills 4 Worcestershire | Worcestershire County Council

Home – Careers Worcestershire (careersworcs.co.uk)

Home – Worcestershire Apprenticeships (worcsapprenticeships.org.uk)

Choice Magazine – Life Beyond School, Autumn 2023 (worcestershire.gov.uk)

Life Beyond School Inclusive Show 2024 | Worcestershire County Council

Welcome to SENDIASS Herefordshire and Worcestershire | Worcestershire County Council

SEND Local Offer | Worcestershire County Council

Warwickshire

Careers resources – Warwickshire Skills Hub

Apprenticeships – Warwickshire County Council

SEND Local Offer – Warwickshire County Council

Barnardo’s Warwickshire (warwickshiresendiass.co.uk)

Gloucestershire

Employment and skills hub | Gloucestershire County Council

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | Early Years Service (gloucestershire.gov.uk)

SENDIASS Gloucestershire | Special Education & Disability (sendiassglos.org.uk)

About apprenticeships at Gloucestershire County Council

Our modern Catering Hub offers excellent facilities for our students to not only indulge in the creation of their favourite foods but also discover new flavours and ideas from around the world. This allows them to express their own individuality whilst gaining qualifications for those students who wish to pursue catering and hospitality as a career.

Teaching can be done on a one-to-one basis or within a group. This can be a positive opportunity for students to develop communication skills with peers through collaborative activities.

We offer BTEC Catering qualifications that can be a stepping stone into a career and importantly promote independence skills.

There are two bespoke Hubs dedicated to meeting the complex needs of youngsters with Autism and other associated special needs.

These ‘units’ include social areas for discussions and debates. Students can also access quiet areas for gaming on computers or more traditional entertainment, such as table top games and complex problem solving activities. They also include areas for accessing English and Mathematics, these can be used by the young people at times when they feel they need to be away from the full college environment.

A large area of Norton College Worcester is dedicated to Sports facilities. There are two large sports halls for tennis, badminton, basketball and 5-aside football.

We have a dedicated gym where students can access cardio machines, free weights, resistant based equipment, with supervision.

Together with Norton College Tewkesbury, we team up for larger sporting activities on a regular basis.

With all of our facilities, students have the opportunity to work towards BTEC Sport qualifications.

We have an exciting Art Hub where students can express their creative abilities and desires. We have large wall spaces specifically designated for students to customise. Students can access a variety of mediums such as messy paint, fine art, graffiti, producing 3D sculptures and table top designing.

In addition we offer innovative animation and digital art opportunities.

Students can access art for relaxation, as well as completing OCN, GCSE and BTEC qualifications.

We recognise key benefits of students experiencing and learning in the ‘outdoor classroom’. We offer students opportunities to learn outside of College, including on farms, woodlands and fishing lakes.

Woodlands

Our woodlands give students the opportunity to experience and interact with nature in a safe, nurturing environment while building confidence and self-esteem.
Activities range from: Tracking and trailing, plant and animal ID, building campfires and cooking outdoors, shelter building, basic tool use and team building.

Off-site Farm

The students have the option to attend a fully working farm where they are able to interact and care for the animals on-site including sheep, horses and cattle. Students can use these tasks to complete various Animal Care qualifications via City and Guilds.

Duke of Edinburgh

We have further expanded this approach to now offer students the opportunity of working towards Duke of Edinburgh qualifications.

We place a significant emphasis on Community Learning and developing key ‘real life’ skills so our students have the opportunity to experience shopping trips, restaurants, cinema and access to public transport so they can develop positive communication and social traits.

We offer the opportunity to participate in local community projects such as fayres and expeditions.

When students have engaged in their core learning, they can also access activities such as: adventure playgrounds, sailing and kayaking, bowling, the arcade, trampolining, swimming, pool and snooker, beauty sessions such as nails; golfing range and horse riding.

For those students who struggle to access on-site education, we offer an Outreach programme to help remove the barriers to learning with dedicated home tutors.

This can include home visits or meeting in the local community to build relationships and trust between our tutors and students.

We support our students in becoming as independent as possible whilst meeting their specific needs. We plan to provide a safe bridge between college life and preparing for adulthood. Success in the Post 16 provision can look different for each student, as we provide personal transition plans to increase confidence and relieve anxieties towards their futures. We aim to reduce their need for adult support in learning and life skills, so that they will be able to function more independently as they grow.

Post 16 provision is tailored to the students age, aptitude and ability. College creates an individual bespoke programme that takes into account students interests and levels, allowing them to try new activities in a supported environment. The Post 16 provision offers students the opportunity to carry on with their academic studies, along with a work experience placement, link days to local mainstream colleges or training providers and continued access to IAG (Information, advice and guidance).

Students can access qualifications from Entry 3 to Level 1 in Employability and Development Skills in the form of an Award, Certificate or Diploma. Students can also complete a Level 2 Award in Employability.

When a student is ready to move on from Norton College Worcester, they are highly supported in their next step to give them the best chance of success upon leaving. Our experienced college staff proactively liaise with employers, future destinations, parents/carers, LA’s and relevant agencies to find an appropriate opportunity which matches their interests. We are proud of the excellent progress our students make when they leave us and this is recognised in the high percentage of students that enter further employment, education or training.

Norton College Worcester use a variety of packages, flexible to student’s needs and learning styles.

This includes SAM Learning, Oak Academy and BKSB as online educational platforms. These are accessible from a computer, tablet and smart phone. We can offer a laptop as a loan for students who do not have access to one of these devices.

For our students who find this form of education difficult we have the ability to offer socially distanced door step visits with the addition of paper packs of work.

Remote education provision: Information for parents

This information is intended to provide clarity and transparency to students and parents/carers about what to expect from remote education if local restrictions require entire cohorts (or bubbles) to remain at home.

The remote curriculum: what is taught to students at home

A student’s first day or two of being educated remotely might look different from our standard approach, while we take all necessary actions to prepare for a longer period of remote teaching.

What should my child expect from immediate remote education in the first day or two of students being sent home?

Initially our Teachers/Tutors will be in touch to inform the students who has been allocated to deliver and monitor their remote learning. They will be introduced to SAM Learning, the Oak Academy and if necessary the assessment tool via BKSB.

Your child can login to SAM Learning at www.samlearning.com

Our Centre ID is WR5NC

User IDs are ‘Date of Birth and Initials’  e.g. 300507DB.

Passwords can be reset on request

Teachers/Tutor will set tasks for students to complete on SAM Learning, they can also access a wealth of independent learning tasks in addition to the set work.

Teachers/Tutors can also introduce the students to the Microsoft TEAMS platform that enables video conference lessons between them and staff.

Following the first few days of remote education, will my child be taught broadly the same curriculum as they would if they were in school?

We teach the same curriculum remotely as we do in school wherever possible and appropriate. These will be delivered via SAM Learning, Oak Academy, BKSB and video conference lessons. We may have needed to make some adaptations in some subjects. For example, many more self studying work and review activities will be set on SAM Learning.

Remote teaching and study time each day

How long can I expect work set by the school to take my child each day?

We expect that remote education (including remote teaching and independent work) will take students broadly the following number of hours each day:

Secondary school-aged students working towards formal qualifications this year. We will set up to 6 hours’ worth of work for students per day, where appropriate for the needs of our students. This will include SAM Learning and Oak activities, video conferencing sessions and independent studying activities.

Accessing remote education

How will my child access any online remote education you are providing?

SAM Learning provides online ‘Review and Assessment’ – with thousands of activities across all subjects at KS1, KS2, KS3 and GCSE: www.samlearning.com

Oak National Academy is a new collection of high-quality lessons and online resources, backed by the Government. Its online classroom offers access to delivering video lessons, quizzes and worksheets: www.thenational.academy

BKSB is a global leader in the creation of EdTech products which improve English and maths skills. Their solutions are designed to meet the GCSE and Functional Skills criteria: www.bksb.co.uk

If my child does not have digital or online access at home, how will you support them to access remote education?

We recognise that some students may not have suitable online access at home.  We offer a lending service on a number of laptops to enable students without access the ability to get online and to complete remote learning tasks and video conferencing lessons.

We can post out or hand deliver appropriate work books and work packs to our students who prefer not to study via the computer or internet. These will be sent with a prepaid return envelope or will be collected by staff on their next door step visit. This work will be checked, marked and feedback given to students.

Engagement and feedback

What are your expectations for my child’s engagement and the support that we as parents and carers should provide at home?

We understand the complex needs of our students and will factor this in to our expectations for each individual. We will match staff to students who clearly support them to participate in all of the activates. If students engage positively with our remote learning package they gain access to our College reward system.

We expect students to work with us to overcome any barriers that they may have learning in this way.

Our expectation of parents/carers is that they take an active role in supporting our students to access and complete the remote learning. We will communicate regularly with them to share progress and any concerns.

How will you check whether my child is engaging with their work and how will I be informed if there are concerns?

For activities set on SAM Learning we monitor twice a week that students have engaged and completed their work set by their teachers on SAM Learning; we check in the middle of the week and at the end of the week. If the student has not engaged with their learning a member of staff will contact the student to help.

For live video lessons feedback will be given to the student during the session and if required shared with parents via email.

For work packs sent the student they will contain a prepaid return envelope for the work to be returned in by the end of the week. This work will then be checked and marked and a follow up phone call to parents will be completed.

Additional support for students with particular needs

How will you work with me to help my child who needs additional support from adults at home to access remote education?

We recognise that some students, for example some students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), may not be able to access remote education without support from adults at home. We acknowledge the difficulties this may place on families, and we will work with parents and carers to support those students.

Statement of intent

Our aim is not to disadvantage any Pupil Premium student and identify, within our core budget, financial resources which will enrich their time with us and promote their academic, social and emotional well-being. We enhance our Pupil Premium (PP) allocation accordingly within our Pupil Premium spending, which the Board of Directors also approves. At Norton College Worcester, we have high expectations for all our pupils, and our vision is that we:

• Provide a high-quality, effective and inclusive provision for challenging and vulnerable young people
• Provide the appropriate opportunities and learning solutions for all students through an appropriate curriculum offer
• Respect and value each other and work cooperatively
• Develop an understanding of our strengths and areas for improvement and increase self-respect and self-discipline
• Foster an appreciation and understanding of the core values of truth, hard work, compassion and consideration
• Enable students to accept greater personal responsibility for their own actions.
• Provide students with the opportunity to access nationally recognised accreditations

We use our Pupil Premium Funding to support our vision and values to enable our students to achieve well to the best of their ability from their individual starting points to ensure they are ready for the next stage on their educational journey. Our strategy will be driven by the needs and strengths of each young person, based on formal and informal assessments, not assumptions or labels. This will help us to ensure that we offer them the relevant skills and experience they require to be prepared for adulthood. We ensure Pupil Premium students are well cared for, are not identifiable and that systems are in place to support their pastoral needs.

To see Norton College Worcester’s Pupil Premium report 2023-2024, please click here:

Norton College Worcester’s Pupil Premium report 2023-2024

To see Norton College Worcester’s Pupil Premium report 2022-2023, please click here:

Norton College Worcester’s Pupil Premium report 2022-2023

To see Norton College Worcester’s Pupil Premium report 2021-2022, please click here:

Norton College Worcester’s Pupil Premium report 2021-2021

To see Norton College Worcester’s Pupil Premium report 2020-2021, please click here:

Norton College Worcester Pupil Premium report 2020-21

We take all complaints seriously. We have a full complaints policy which is available from the school office or for download from the school website.

Initial complaints should be made to Rod Goold, Head of School by telephone on 01905 359257 or via email to Rod.goold@nortoncollege.org.uk. If the complaint concerns the Head of School, please contact Gemma Mann, Regional Director gemma.mann@ofg.uk.

We have received 0 complaints in the academic year 2022- 23

We have received 0 complaints in the academic year 2023- 24