Teaching and Learning

ACE Tiverton School educate students, in receipt of an Education, Health and Care plan, with a primary need profile of Communication and Interaction. We aim to ensure academic and social success for our pupils by maintaining an ambitious, flexible and adaptive approach, securing successful future pathways for all our pupils from Key Stages 3 and 4.

We want to make sure our students are enabled to achieve the best academic, social and personal outcomes, preparing them for their next steps in the real world. We are highly ambitious for our students and have our sights set firmly on maximising outcomes at KS4, with a particular focus on improving the percentage of pupils achieving high quality grades at GCSE (including English and Maths), while ensuring that every student leaves us with a suitable, purposeful post-16 placement.

Our curriculum is research-driven and incorporates high-quality, inclusive pedagogy that challenges students to recognise and exceed their own expectations. Our curriculum delivers appropriate nationally recognised and accredited courses and qualifications which promote high attainment. Transition planning is central to each stage and phase transfer that ultimately guides our students towards the achievement of aspirational goals and preparation for adulthood.

We know that our students learn best a few short, step-by-step instructions, reinforced with visuals where possible. ‘Now and Next’ boards are used in all rooms and our bookletised curriculum is the vehicle for delivery that ensures high quality pedagogy with subject knowledge and skills.

We teach new content in small chunks and then give students the opportunity to apply what they have learnt in independent activities or tasks. All students have their own laptops which may be used in any lesson. Above all, we believe that building relationships with our students is key and we recognise that this will take time, patience and flexibility.