Independent Day School
The Advance Tutorial College Independent School was founded in 2007 to provide learning opportunities for 11–16 year old pupils who are struggling in mainstream school and would prefer their education to be in a caring and supportive yet challenging environment. We focus on the foundation skills to build social skills and help young people reintegrate into a positive pattern of learning, attendance and punctuality to prepare for sixth form or Further Education, training and employment.
Our core values and aims
We provide a caring and structured environment for learning for all pupils including those with special educational needs. The school was founded on three principles:
- Care and stable family atmosphere:
We believe it is vitally important that our students and parents feel their school is a safe, caring and sharing learning community with a strong family atmosphere. To do this we aim as a school, to work towards providing a warm secure environment with established routines and clear boundaries. To achieve such a positive community, we aim to build a real partnership between the home and the school. - Respect for All and Know Yourself:
We are committed to understanding and respecting the differences between people. In addition, we recognise the value of reflection and review in promoting a positive sense of identity for individuals as part of the school community. - Excellence through Opportunity:
We develop individual excellence by providing broad opportunities and holding high expectations for all members of the school community. Through a balanced educational experience, we aim to help and encourage students to:- develop self-esteem, confidence, self discipline and a sense of personal morality;
- understand and respect themselves, others and their environment;
- gain the skills to become lifelong learners, to accept responsibility and make a positive contribution to society;
- hold high expectations for themselves and others in all aspects of school life;
- reach the highest possible levels of achievement.
Aims
- To provide as broad and balanced a curriculum as possible for children not in mainstream school, with reference at all times to the National Curriculum;
- To seek to re-integrate pupils into school wherever possible and appropriate after a period of absence, with as little disruption to their education as possible;
- To support pupils in danger of exclusion to remain on the school roll;
- To work in partnership with schools, parents and other agencies involved with children out of school.
Teaching and Learning
Our teaching and learning policy sets out ways of dealing with pupils’ assessment, working with pupils with learning difficulties and the signs to look for. We cater for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils and we are able to provide for pupils with the following difficulties:
- Specific Learning Difficulties e.g. Dyslexia
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Language Processing Difficulties
- Mild Behavioural Difficulties
At ATC, pupils are encouraged to develop their potential, supported by able and approachable teachers, in a positive family atmosphere. Our teachers are able to communicate their enthusiasm for their subjects through careful pacing of lessons and the use of a diverse range of teaching materials. Small groups allow pupils to develop the confidence to seek guidance and for teachers to identify and respond to problems quickly.
Admission
We accept referrals directly from parents and carers as well as referrals from other schools, social services and LEAs. A registration form must be completed for any pupil referred. Details from the previous school will be required. Additionally, for all students with learning difficulties, we require copies of statements, educational psychologist reports and assessments from other professionals.
To apply for admission or arrange a visit, contact us.
Curriculum
Year 7- 9
All pupils study English, Mathematics and Science with Geography, History, IT and Spanish. In addition, pupils follow a programme of Personal, Social, Health (PSHE) and Citizenship.
Years 10 & 11
During the Spring Term students and parents receive detailed information about the courses for Years Ten and Eleven. We offer students a broad, balanced and flexible programme which satisfies the demands of the National
Curriculum, but enhance it with opportunities for students to pursue their own interests.
The core subjects taken by all include English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Business Studies, PSHE and Citizenship. Working in collaboration with other establishments, we can offer a wider choice of subjects. For example students study vocational courses at the local FE College while studying for their core subjects with us.