The curriculum offer within Dovecote is based on a unique blended learning approach which offers a true hybrid model of both mainstream and resource-based sessions.  This blended learning approach is based very much on the individual learner and is constantly reviewed during their time at Bishop Young.  

All pupils are given a broad and balanced mainstream timetable around which their personalised timetable is formulated.  We then plan this in conjunctions with students and families so that personalised interventions are added where we ensure that core subjects are affected as little as possible.  We also design each timetable so that students can experience at least some of each subject, so they are able to get a taster of most of the KS3 curriculum.

All sessions in Dovecote are run on the same format as lessons in the mainstream, using the BISHOP model of learning, so the format is familiar and mirrors all of their other sessions. We run bespoke programmes of LifeSkills to prepare the students for some level of independence in their future lives and to help them keep safe as they do more and more for themselves. In this they can learn about diet & nutrition, growing food then preparing it for the table, how to keep a clean home, do laundry and manage their finances. We also look at the future, something which often frightens many, to explore positive hopes, dreams and goals and how they can achieve them.

Any subject in which pupils are struggling can be added to our Pre & Post learning sessions, where we can revisit any skills and relearn any knowledge that we need to reinforce.  We can practice skills before they are introduced, to give us a head start & we can get homework done, so it doesn’t have to be taken out of school.

All of our pupils are part of a Speech and Language Therapy programme, put in place through Chatterbug, and we have one of their therapists in school for one day per week. To allow them to concentrate on their communication skills inEnglish, many of their interventions take place when they would be having lessons, allowing them to utilise some of their PPL time to catch-up the work missed with the support of the Teaching Assistants.

We work closely with the mainstream teachers to support them with any differentiation that is needed to bridge any learning gaps that exist. We can offer alternative ways of formative assessment, for example, using images, kinaesthetic props or artwork, even recoding vocal contributions, anything to help the students demonstrate their progress.

We nurture the pupils using sensory breaks & calming techniques to help them though the stresses of the day. The Dovecote unit is a welcoming, safe space, where all our pupils can return to re-regulate, find calm & fully prepare for their next challenge.