Troy College (Key Stage 3 and 4)
Troy College consists of the Years 8 - 12
As a department it is our intention to promote within all our pupils an enhancement of each individual's Self Confidence, Social Skills, Communication Skills, Physical Fitness, Recreational Skills, Social Conscience, Cultural Awareness, Academic Ability, Investigative Ability and a courtesy and respect for others, and for the environment. In pursuance of these aims classroom teachers do not limit their involvement to the delivery of the curriculum but also undertake pastoral responsibilities for each of the pupils in their class.
THE CURRICULUM:
Troy operates a curriculum similar to mainstream secondary schools for Year 8 to 10 where all our pupils participate in the compulsory areas of study for Key Stage 3. Each subject is introduced at the appropriate level for each pupil's age and ability as recommended in legislation. To assist in this we also have a French Assistant to give the pupils experience of a foreign language.
Year 10 in particular are encouraged to focus attention on the preparation for the transition to adult life and the need for further education. Pre-vocational skills play a large part in their future career plan.
Key Stage 4 students in Year 11 and 12 attend NWIFHE for 2-3 days per week where they participate in the following courses - Retailing, I.C.T., Outdoor Pursuits, Catering, Woodwork, Metalwork, Motor Vehicle, Painting and Decorating, Bricklaying, Team Enterprise and Personal and Social Development.
Numeracy and Literacy is also continued within the school as are other subjects i.e. Art and P.E. - Year 11.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
As part of their preparation for adult life all pupils in Year 12 take part in work experience. This consists of one day a week for six weeks, followed by a placement in various industrial, commercial, educational and caring establishments. Each placement is established between the school, the home and the workplace with the specific needs, aspirations and abilities of the individual pupil very much to the fore. Year 12 class teacher communicates with each establishment and visits each pupil at work on a regular basis.
Troy Key Stage 4 & Year 13
The aims of our Key Stage 4 Programme are to:
l Provide a supported education service to students with M.L.D. who will have been
identified at the 14 plus transition review as being able and willing to work towards a mainstream education and training placement.
l Promote self-determination and the enablement of enhanced personal effectiveness for young adults between the ages of 14-16 years old.
Year 11& 12 students are offered an agreed individual programme that is regularly reviewed.
Features of the programme include:
l Continuation of the core subjects related to the N.I.C.C.
l Attendance at vocational link courses at NWIFHE.
l A Personal and Social Education programme designed to meet each students agreed needs.
l A Careers education and guidance programme.
l A gradual and progressive work experience programme based on student preferences and
ability.
l An integral recreation Outdoor Pursuits Programme feeding into residential placements.
Through this programme they will follow O.C.R. National Skills Profile Accreditation Scheme. This is a skills based Vocational Programme delivered over a two year period.
Year 13 - is based at Pennyburn Learning Centre. This year caters for young adults with moderate learning difficulties who will benefit from one year of further training to develop the necessary skills and qualities needed for employment or further training elsewhere. The Core elements of the Year 13 programme are:
I. Vocational training in a variety of occupational areas.
II. Gradually extending work placements that reflects student?s interests, abilities and
performance.
III. Basic skills and personal development.
In meeting these core elements it is understood that students will be required to
l attend the NWIFHE 2 days each week.
l pursue a course of training leading to an external award and other qualifications, if
appropriate, in a number of different vocational areas.
l participate in the work experience programme as required according to ability and preference.
l participate in drama and recreational pursuits as required.
l work towards independence in travel and self-supervision
l participate in programmes of study in social and life skills, numeracy, literacy and
personal development.
l participate in all activities in preparation for employment at a further training place.
SHANDON GUIDANCE & SUPPORT CENTRE
The Shandon Guidance & Support Centre opened its doors in September 2001. Since then it has become an integral component of the Behaviour Management policy of the school for pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4.
To Enable Effective Teaching and Learning to Take Place we offer:
l Support and guidance on Behaviour Management Techniques to staff in order to develop strategies in line with our Assertive Discipline Policy.
l A designated facility for pupils who are exhibiting emotional and/or behavioural difficulties within the Troy department on a needs basis.
l A designated facility for pupils requiring withdrawal from class in the line with
our Assertive Discipline Policy at the in-house suspension stage.
l Another layer of choice for pupils in danger of facing suspension and/or expulsion for continuous inappropriate behaviours.
Curriculum:
l Based on the Framework for Alternative Educational Provision as outlined in the ETI document on Promoting Improvement.
l An emphasis is placed on Personal & Social Education
l Centred on Pupils' Individual Education Plans and Class 6 week Planners
l Behaviour Modification techniques using a combination of Assertive Discipline
(Lee Canter 1992): Examine, Repair & Move On (Eileen Murphy 1993) and
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (de Shazer 1985).
l Anger Management for pupils in need using Shapiro et al 1995 strategies of
Identification, Recognition and Solution leading to a Personal Peace Plan.