LOWER SCHOOL: The lower School has mixed ability classes grouped according to age and maturity. The achievement of educational success and the re-integration of pupils into the mainstream educational system is an integral aim of each child's programme. In order to achieve these objectives the teachers in the Lower School seek to attain a realistic balance between the pursuit of academic standards and the development of each pupil's social awareness.
Key stage 2 pupils (ages 7-11 years) spend the majority of their time with their own class teacher receiving specialist subject teaching in Physical Education. The timetable allows the teachers to team teach mixed age/ability groups in relation to a range of cross curricular 'themes'. The Primary School mode is intended to develop each pupil's awareness and interests in a number of educational experiences and allow them gradually to become aware of the expectations and demands of normal school life.
Key stage 3 pupils (ages 11-14 years) spend at least 40% of their time with a class tutor following appropriate English and Mathematics programmes whilst developing good working relationships. In the remaining periods each child is taught by a number of specialist teachers delivering all of the National Curriculum core and foundation subjects, Religious Education and Personal and Social Education.
The majority of children who return to mainstream education do so from the Lower School. By following the above curriculum Bridgeview School aims to enable pupils to make significant progress academically in preparation for this move. At the same time teachers, child care staff and teacher's aides work closely together to provide a structured programme aimed at overcoming learning difficulties, correcting inappropriate behavioural responses, improving the child's self esteem and establishing appropriate social skills to enable pupils to cope with the social and academic pressures they may encounter at home or in their local school.
Pupils for whom, due to educational, emotional or behavioural problems, a return to mainstream education is deemed inappropriate will move into the Senior School to cover Key stage 4 (ages 14-16) of their education.
SENIOR SCHOOL : The Senior School is organised into three tutorial groups. The majority of pupils entering Senior School leave when they are sixteen. The curriculum aims to further progress the work in National Curriculum subjects whilst preparing all pupils for increased independence away from the secure and protective environment of school. To achieve these aims a cross curricular approach has been developed including Social Education, Business Initiatives, Careers and Leisure and Physical Education. Running alongside these are core courses in Mathematics, English, European Studies, Art, History, Geography, Science and Design and Technology. At all times children are encouraged to take responsibility for and be active in, the decision making processes within school whilst learning how to communicate thoughts, feelings and opinions to others in a sensible, socially acceptable fashion.
The move towards independence is also facilitated by College link courses, Community Work placements and the implementation of work experience schemes. These progress from short internal placements to a minimum of three external placements during each pupil's final year, with the final work experience being in the home area. Arrangements are influenced by the accessibility of placements and the individual circumstances of each pupil.
If, during their final year of schooling, a child's needs could be best met through placements within their local area, he/she may follow an alternative learning programme that includes modules of school based work, college courses, work experience, community work and self supported and home tutorial study units. The decision as to whether a child will join this programme will be made at his/her year 10 Annual Review, or at subsequent meetings involving parents, students and appropriate professionals.
At all times senior pupils are treated as young adults and given the respect and attention to them that this entails. However, it is clearly pointed out that an important facet of increasing independence is the ability to accept responsibility and treat others pupils and adults with the same respect and consideration.
All pupils within key stage 4 follow courses that lead to GCSE qualifications in English, Mathematics and Science awarded by the Southern Examining Group. If students are unable to fulfil the assessment requirements for GCSE then they will follow courses that lead to AEB Basic Skills certification in English, Mathematics and Science.
In addition there are opportunities for pupils to gain AEB certification in other curricular areas (eg World of Work, Geography and History). Cross Curricular courses will be accredited through the Youth Award Scheme, which has been introduced into the Senior School curriculum.
Following general discussions during year 10 each child is formally interviewed by the Specialist Careers Officer during the Autumn Term prior to leaving school. Details of the interview are forwarded to each child's local careers office where further interviews are arranged. Career opportunities, employment and individual counselling are an integral part of the 'Senior School' programme. | 
