The 14-19 department is based at Yewstock College, a short walk from the main school site, and caters for students in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) and Key Stage 5 (Years 12, 13 & 14). It includes bright, spacious classrooms and excellent facilities with access to a variety of other learning spaces, including raised beds, DIY shed, catering kitchen, life skills flat and a multi-purpose studio. The department has strong links with external providers and community opportunities, this allows us to extend our provision and improve the students’ outcomes.

Students in Post-16 are predominantly based off-site in a ‘classroom in the community’ with very strong links with adult service providers and work placements as well as utilising Yewstock College facilities.
In the 14-19 Department, supporting our students in preparing for adulthood is ultimately what drives our curriculum. We aim to equip our young people with the tools needed for ensuring good health, friendships, relationships and community involvement, independent living and employment and occupation. In both Key Stages 4 and 5, alongside the formal study of accreditation, there is a focus on essential areas such as health, personal care and wellness, work & life skills, personal development, careers education and transitions. Students follow a curriculum which provides them with recognition and accreditation for their achievements and prepares them for adult life with a focus on developing themselves, skills for independence and employability.

Key Stage Four
Students in Key Stage 4 follow a Formal or Semi-formal curriculum route. The Semi-formal route includes a broad and varied topic-led curriculum interwoven with formal accreditation in English, Maths, Science and PE as well as additional opportunities for further certification. Students following the Formal route are taught by a range of subject-specific teachers and will work towards a greater range of accreditation. Students have access to certificates or accreditation in ASDAN, AQA, OCR and WJEC exam boards for subjects including English, Maths, Science, ICT, Creative Media & Performance Arts, Preparing for Work and PE, again with opportunities for further certification. All Key Stage 4 students take part in Work & Life Skills lessons as part of Careers Education, which has a hefty focus in order to promote personal development. Depending on individuals’ needs, skills and aspirations, some students will leave Yewstock at the end of Key Stage 4 for FE college courses, Apprenticeships or other training or employment. Some Key Stage 4 students will stay on at Yewstock in our Post 16 Department for further support with key skills and independence.

Key Stage Five
All students in Key Stage 5 follow the OCR Life and Living Skills curriculum and take part in various community and Careers Education-related activities, with a focus on the Preparing for Adulthood themes. OCR units include topics such as Numeracy, Communication, Environment and Community, Home Management, Personal Skills, and the World of Work. Completion of these units results in Entry Level qualifications as either Awards, Certificates or Diplomas. Teaching and learning are individualised and range from sensory-based activities to independent work. Students may stay in Post-16 at Yewstock for 1, 2 or 3 years, depending on individual needs, skills and aspirations. After Post-16, students move on to a range of placements including day centres, bespoke care packages, FE college courses, volunteering and employment placements. The Key Stage 5 curriculum is entirely focused on Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) and each student has a Study Programme which sets out how they access and work towards all areas of PfA.