Head of Departments: Gary Smith and Angela Burnett
What do we offer?
- Full-time attendance for students in Key Stage 4 and 5
- Dedicated staff committed to supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- High staffing levels to ensure student safety
- Staff expertise to help students develop skills for their educational journey
- Work experience provided three days per week
- Careful transition planning for placements beyond Waverley
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to preparing young people for a successful transition into adulthood by fostering independence, essential life skills, and practical work experience. Our goal is to empower each student to develop their own voice, make informed choices, and build confidence in their abilities, laying a strong foundation for future independence and societal contribution.
Secondary 4: A Key Transition Stage
Secondary 4 marks a vital phase in our students' journey, where learning is seamlessly integrated with our Enterprise Curriculum to ensure relevance and engagement. This stage provides practical, real-world opportunities through enterprise-based activities, cultivating skills necessary for independent living and employment. Students engage in a wide range of activities seamlessly integrated with our Enterprise Curriculum to ensure relevance and engagement.
Enterprise Curriculum and Work Experience
We are proud to have our own dedicated curriculum that focuses on consolidating the skills our young people have developed throughout their entire school journey. This enterprise-based curriculum provides a practical and engaging way for students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Students participate in one of four business groups: café, gardening, crafting, and thrift. These activities take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, offering meaningful work experiences that enhance practical skills, confidence, and independence.
The structured year-long placements within each business allow students to acquire and develop a range of practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for the world of work. After a year, they have the opportunity to rotate between different businesses further broadening their experiences and enhancing their capabilitie, ultimately supporting their journey towards a fulfilling and independent future. The aim is for our young people to leave Waverley feeling happy, confident, and excited about their future, knowing they have the skills and independence to succeed beyond school.
Holistic Development Approach
Our department adopts an integrated approach, emphasising core areas such as independence, communication, physical development, to further support their social mobility. Each classroom provides a stimulating environment where students are encouraged to explore and grow in confidence.
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Communication: We promote the use of various AAC methods and aids, including eye gaze, PODD, PECs, Makaton, and intensive interaction, enabling students to express themselves effectively and engage meaningfully with others across different settings and within the community.
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Technology: Access to computers, tablets, and iPads supports interactive learning, internet use, and educational applications tailored to individual needs.
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Physical Development: Activities such as swimming, hydrotherapy, trampolining, and physiotherapy help students develop strength, dexterity, and mobility, essential for independence and employment.
Social Skills and Community Engagement
Our curriculum activities incorporate indoor and outdoor exploration to foster independence, teamwork, positive relationships, and social integration both within school and the wider community. These experiences are designed to build confidence, teamwork, communication and decision-making skills both in school and in the community, essential for social mobility. In addition, building confidence in social interactions prepares students for active participation in society and further opportunities beyond school. Our curriculum enables our students to achieve their potential in work and community life.
Transition Planning and Support
Our primary focus in the final year is to facilitate smooth transition into appropriate adult placements, including Day Centres, Colleges, supported living, or residential provisions. We maintain strong partnerships with families, social workers, professionals, and external agencies to ensure tailored support for each student.
Regular meetings and open communication with parents and guardians are integral to this process, helping to plan and implement personalised transition strategies. Our collaborative approach ensures that each young person receives the support they need to succeed beyond school and into adult life.
Contact Us
For more information about our programs or to discuss your child's transition plan, please contact our department. We are committed to working closely with families and partners to support each student's journey towards independence and fulfillment.
Our overarching goal is to empower each young person to have their own voice, make informed choices, and develop confidence in their abilities, thereby laying a strong foundation for their future independence and contribution to society.
For more information on Preparing for Adulthood, please click this button:
Preparing for Adulthood
