Academic
Appleford offers a range of subjects delivered by an experienced and highly qualified body of teachers. Lessons are undertaken in well-equipped classrooms with high levels of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) making use of the latest multi-sensory resources. Our IT facilities offer an unrivalled ratio of computers per child in every classroom.
Class based lessons are also developed through a range of off-site experiences including visits to art galleries, museums, theatre trips and historical sites.
In the Summer Term, Year 8 pupils make their subject choices for Year 9. These include a core of English, Maths, Science and ICT.
PSHE, Citizenship and careers guidance is provided for through the group tutor system.
Vocational
All pupils, as part of their options, have the opportunity to engage in a range of vocational courses leading to GCSE equivalent qualifications at 16. These include a selection of BTEC courses and the National Vocational Certificate. Additionally, pupils learn vital life and functional skills which help them access a successful adult life.
Pastoral
The development of responsibility, good manners and well-honed social skills are fundamental to life at Appleford. We still adhere to ‘old fashioned’ principals of politeness and respect for others and we reinforce this through a well-developed PSHEE programme and fair systems of reward and sanction.
Our Pastoral team is headed up by the Head of Pastoral Care and is an integral part of Appleford. The team of fully qualified ELSA practitioners and school counsellor, alongside other staff, guide pupils who may need a little more support.
Pupils are encouraged to take on extra responsibility around the school and our Prefect system provides support for younger pupils and the acknowledgement by the school of those pupils who ‘go the extra mile’. The introduction of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, based on ‘The Diana Anti-Bullying Award’, create a safe environment and peer support within the school community.
Our Prep and Senior School Councils meet with the Head of Pastoral Care on a half termly basis, where pupils’ ideas and concerns are discussed. Our well-developed ‘Buddy’ system ensures new pupils are made to feel welcome and soon settle into Appleford life. The Tutors and Pastoral Care staff provide a compassionate and understanding point of contact for the children and, at Appleford, no concern goes unheard or unacted upon. A pastoral ‘drop-in’ provision is available to all children during breaktimes.
Appleford prides itself on its Pastoral Care, where children thrive and become confident young adults.
