Middle School

Middle School (Years 9 and 10) is an extremely important time in a student's life, leading to GCSEs, Functional Skills and Entry Level examinations, NCFE and BTEC courses. At West Heath there is a strong belief in the value and importance of the core curriculum. This combines academic, physical and emotional education (Self Science), together with a Life-Skills programme with additional studies.

In Year 9, students follow a programme of study that includes: English, Maths, Science, Humanities, IT, Art, Textiles, Performing Arts, Music, PE, Catering, Life Skills, Forest school and Self-Science

In Year 10, students will choose a further four subjects to study within the optional curriculum from a total of 15 subjects. Within these 15 subjects they include a wide variety of practical, creative and academic courses.

Opportunities exist to participate in offsite activities such as: Willow Farm, Equine Therapy, Trail Blazers, Horse Riding, Challenger Troop, Skills for Employment.

With class sizes set at a maximum of 8 per class in Year 9 and in Year 10, students thrive in a safe, secure and comfortable environment which allows them to explore their talents and achieve their aspirations.

Our teaching and learning support staff are experienced and provide our students with stimulating learning activities and opportunities.

West Heath provides our learners with specialist teaching facilities. Our creative departments, Science lab and professional kitchen are just a few of the fantastic learning environments open to our West Heath students.

At West Heath we thrive on discovering the talents and passions that lie within all of our students. Staff work collaboratively to create bespoke learning packages, for all of our students, which will engage and inspire them.

In Middle School we offer a work experience programme for Year 10 students. Over recent years this has grown and students were able to try their skills and gain knowledge in numerous professions.

These can range from Retail, Animal Care, Veterinary Surgeries, Restaurants, Cafes, Engineering, Aerospace, Sports Centres, Garage Mechanics, Nurseries, Primary Schools, IT, Web Design, Travel Agents, Army (if applicable depending on a variety of medical conditions on the BAR list).

Our students succeed at West Heath by gaining qualifications that are essential for academic progression and that are relevant to their future aspirations. At West Heath, we promote independent learning and nurture resilient students whom are ready to tackle the challenges and rigor of 6th Form.

Educational visits, off-site activities and outdoor learning opportunities take place throughout the year.

In order that students may widen their experience and find opportunities for social and personal development, Middle School provides activities designed to achieve these goals:

• The Tutor Group structure, where the Form Tutor has oversight of each students' progress and well-being
• The PSCHE programme including Anti-Bullying and Online Safety workshops
• Extra-curricular activities e.g. Team building days at Bedgebury Forest and Bewl Water, roller-disco, Panto, cultural visits to local castles or museums
• Independent careers advice and guidance in Year 9 with CXK, an established independent careers advisory service
• Posts of responsibility (Head Boy, Head Girl, Peer Mentors, School Council, Boarding Council)
• Educational visits e.g. Globe Theatre, Tate Gallery, Westminster Abbey
• Residential trips to YHA Derbyshire and YHA Cornwall.

Middle School can be a challenging and often stressful time for students and their families. It is a time when pupils experience a transition in, not only their academic lives, but also in their personal lives.

At West Heath we pride ourselves on the support and dedication of our Form Tutors. Tutor groups do not exceed eight pupils per group. The group has two co-tutors and at least one class Learning Support Assistant. These tutors provide essential pastoral support for the students and are the bridge between home and school. The tutors work closely with our team of therapists, teachers and Head of Middle School.

Staff work hard to establish good relationships with outside agencies, to ensure that students are meeting their targets and that each pupil feels happy and supported in school.

All learners in Middle School have an Individual Education Plan, created to take into account their unique individual needs and personal targets.

We gather and record detailed information about the learner, their needs and aspirations. We take advice from specialist services for the individual students.

We have a range of onsite therapists, which mean our students have access to a range of interventions, including: CBT, SaLT, Counselling, Mentoring, Play Therapy, OT and Head Massage.

To help to reduce stress and anxiety of our students, we offer a smaller learning environment, where we can use one-to-one rooms for quiet learning, or a chill-out zone if required.

As a school, we work very closely with parents and learners to agree interventions and support. These are tailored to the individual students needs.

Middle School can be a challenging and often stressful time for students and their families. It is a time when pupils experience a transition in, not only their academic lives, but also in their personal lives.

At West Heath we pride ourselves on the support and dedication of our Form Tutors. Tutor groups do not exceed eight pupils per group. The group has two co-tutors and at least one class Learning Support Assistant. These tutors provide essential pastoral support for the students and are the bridge between home and school. The tutors work closely with our team of therapists, teachers and Head of Middle School..

Also we establish a good relationship with outside agencies, to ensure that students are meeting their targets and that each pupil feels happy and supported in school.

All learners in Middle School have an Individual Education Plan, created to take into account their unique individual needs and personal targets. We gather and record detailed information about the learner, their needs and aspirations.

We take advice from specialist services for the individual students. To help to reduce stress and anxiety of our students, we offer a smaller learning environment, where we can use one-to-one rooms for quiet learning, or a chilling out zone if required.

As a school, we work very closely with parents and learners to agree interventions and support. These are tailored to the individual students needs and we regularly monitor their progress.

Over the years we have recognised that due to our staff dedication and professionalism, the majority of our students appreciate the help and support provided.