Head of Department: Gary Smith and Angela Burnett
With a focus on preparing for adulthood, Secondary 4 promotes independence, life skills, and giving our young people work experience. We offer a variety of activities that are linked to our School Curriculum. We promote many forms of AAC (PODD, Makaton, PECs ) and use a variety of access methods including Eye Gaze technology. All young people are encouraged to have their own voice and make informed choices.
We provide our young people with fantastic sporting opportunities including dance, Panathlon events each year (we are the reigning champions!) and links with Tottenham Hotspur football club.
There are 4 classes in Secondary 4. Oak class, Larch class, Beech class and Redwood class.
Our young people access our enterprise curriculum on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We currently have four businesses in our enterprise: cafe, gardening and landscape, cleaning and upcycling services and a craft/print studio. We want our young people to leave Waverley happy, confident and excited with the prospect of a future that is going to meet their individual needs. The Enterprise Curriculum allows for the students to use their skills that they have acquired during their entire school career and apply them to a work based enterprise, promoting their independence and confidence and geting them into the world of work. The students work within their business for 1 year and then move to another business to develop a range of practical skills which they can apply to the world beyond Waverley.
What do we offer?
Students in Key stage 4 and 5 attend full-time.
- Young people are supported by staff who are committed to supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- High levels of staffing ensure young people are safe.
- Staff expertise enables young people to further develop the skills they require to further their educational journey.
- Work experience 3 days per week
- Careful transition to settings beyond Waverley
Our department adopts an integrated approach across all classes, focusing on developing the core skills necessary for our students' independence, communication, physical development, and social mobility. Each class provides a vibrant and stimulating environment where young people are encouraged to explore and grow in confidence. They have access to a range of technology, including computers, tablets, and iPads, which promote internet use, educational apps, and interactive learning experiences. Communication is a key focus, with all students supported in using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods such as PODD, PECs, switches, and intensive interaction to express their wishes, make choices, and engage meaningfully with others. Physical development is prioritized through activities like swimming, hydrotherapy, trampolining, and physiotherapy, tailored to individual needs and supported by staff and specialists, helping students develop the strength, dexderity and mobility necessary for future independence and employment.
The curriculum across classes emphasises the importance of social skills, exploration, and preparing for adulthood through a variety of practical and engaging activities. For example, classes incorporate indoor and outdoor exploration, sensory stories, music sessions, and structured routines to foster independence, positive relationships, and social integration. These experiences are designed to build confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills both in school and in the community, essential for social mobility. By focusing on communication, physical development, and social interaction in a cohesive manner, our department aims to equip students with the skills they need to participate fully in society, pursue further opportunities, and achieve their potential in work and community life.
