Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Students with SEN or EAL needs at Walthamstow Academy benefit from a number of support strategies in order to meet their individual learning needs. Walthamstow Academy has a strong relationship with all the services offered by external agencies in Waltham Forest and we can direct both our students with SEN or EAL and their families to first class support. The SEN and EAL departments at Walthamstow Academy can deliver personalised intervention programmes to meet the individual needs of our learners.
In-school Support
- Students with an EHCP and those registered as having Additional Special Educational Needs receive a Student Strategy sheet which is shared with all staff.
- Appropriate information is shared about each student’s Special Educational Need with all their class teachers.
- In-lesson support is provided by our team of Learning Support Assistants. Exam access arrangements are made to support the achievements of all our students with SEN, providing extra time, a reader or a scribe where eligible.
- Intervention workshops are available to our students with SEN who need additional support with literacy, numeracy, behavioural, social, emotional and communication needs. Some of the intervention programmes offered include: Bedrock, Speech & Language Groups, Mentoring, Booster Classes and Homework Club.
The Sanctuary
- This nurturing environment offers small group withdrawal programmes to boost literacy, numeracy, social skills etc. These interventions are generally offered before and/or after school as well as at break and lunch times.
- Students are welcome in this space during break and lunch time to receive support.
- The progress of students is closely monitored to ensure they can access the full curriculum.
Homework Club
Every day after school the Academy provides a safe environment and resources to complete homework in the library.
English As An Additional Language (EAL)
Occurring most lunchtimes, our EAL learners are supported in English Language workshops at different levels. This is overseen by a member of the Inclusion Department. All EAL learners are allocated a buddy to support them during their integration into Walthamstow Academy.
Challenge for All
Every lesson will include specific stretch and challenge activities to extend the learning of our students. This may include questioning, research tasks or working at the board to model work. We also have an extensive enrichment programme which challenges and extends students. Every lesson ensures stretch and challenge for all students, regardless of their prior attainment.
Other Support Services for Students
The student support services in the Academy include; independent careers education and guidance; personal, social, and health education; our daily tutor programme; student mentoring and higher education guidance.
Overall, our aim is to encourage students to take increasing responsibility in all aspects of their learning and to support them in this process. For this reason, there is a strong emphasis in our tutor programme on individual and group interviews with tutors, target- setting and action planning. You will be involved in this process at our parents/carers consultation evenings.
There are first aiders who can provide health and medical advice as well as providing first aid.
The Academy also have a trained Student Support Advisor who is available to all students on a drop-in basis at break times and lunchtime as well as for scheduled appointments made by the Head of Year. The safeguarding team deal with any emotional, health and welfare issues.
Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE)
PSHE underpins the education of all students at Walthamstow Academy. The school considers it of paramount importance as it helps shapes the lives of each individual student. PSHE education helps pupils to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. From making responsible decisions in relationships to succeeding in their first job, PSHE education helps pupils to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities they will face growing up.
The programme is delivered via tutor time and assembly and it takes a holistic learning journey spanning your child’s whole school career, with a progressive, spiral curriculum that addresses real needs in a rapidly changing world. Each session is designed relevant to the age of each child and they explore personal, social and health issues such as taking responsibility, valuing themselves and others, health and hygiene including relationships, religious beliefs around the world, sex and drug education, careers guidance, decision making and study skills.
Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Education (SMSC)
SMSC education is taught and championed across the school’s diverse curriculum here at Walthamstow Academy we are aligned with Ofsted who highlights the importance of SMSC as central to the development and growth of pupils as people and at the heart of what teachers would say education is all about. (Promoting and evaluating pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development’ OFSTED March 2004.)
SMSC explores your child’s role in society and the wider community focusing on personal insight, values, meaning and purpose. Areas of study include: Fundamental British Values, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus) month, Black History month, The Prevent Strategy (safeguarding people from the threat of extremism) alongside other topics which promote tolerance and diversity such as social cohesion and race relations.
Work Related Learning (WRL)
The aim of WRL is to prepare students for the world of work. The programme of study throughout key stage 3 (years 7 to 9) focuses on career discovery and skills building by introducing students to the key employability skills and the different careers available to them in the future. Most of the WRL sessions that your child will participate in, will take place during tutor time, but there will also be several industry-led workshops, trips and activities throughout the academic year. At Walthamstow Academy, we view careers as a journey and each year your child will develop additional skills to support them in their future career.
For more information about our Work-Related Learning and Careers offering, please view the WRL webpage under the curriculum tab on the school website.