Teaching and Learning

At KS3 level, no matter their starting point with us, our courses cater for students looking to form effective reading and writing capabilities. We encourage students to engage with us in spoken language tasks where appropriate. These skills build over the course of three years to create a solid foundation for KS4. We cover a broad range of texts, authors and topics, not shying away from covering difficult literature skills such as the study of poetry and Shakespeare. However, we approach these in a way that makes them accessible, enjoyable and reduces barriers to learning.

When students move into KS4 we are ready to support them towards whatever positive outcome is suitable for them, be that English Language GCSE or one of the Functional Skill levels. Students build on their base English skills with much of our KS4 provision centred on increasing student’s confidence and helping them reach personal goals as their subject knowledge and understanding grows.

In order to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students at KS4 we support with the English Literature GCSE on request, and we will record the Spoken Language component of the GCSE where possible.

The ADL library changes each month and allows students to explore the wider world of reading, in a mix of genres, meet new authors and increase their love of books and their understanding of the world as we focus on various themes.

Our Key Stage 3 pathways are built around cohesive units of work which are visual and engaging, no matter the starting point of our students. The units are brought to life with stories of the real people who developed the maths we are working on. Lessons always start with prerequisite knowledge and are scaffolded so that everyone can succeed. Students will be taught the mathematical competencies of fluency, reasoning and problem solving and be equipped with the mathematical vocabulary to help them communicate.

Our Maths teachers provide a warm classroom environment where mistakes are celebrated, and misconceptions highlighted. We emphasise the use of representations such as bar models and double number lines to help learners to grasp abstract topics. Where needed, we show students alternative ways of doing things such as John Napier’s method for multiplication. Students work in maths-specific software and teachers can see their work in real time, offering feedback and support or challenge. Students enjoy ‘Thinking Thursdays’ and QUESTS as part of their maths ‘diet’ at ADL. Our goal is to re-engage students with Maths no matter what their special educational need, prior attainment or previous experience.

At Key Stage 4, we operate pathways for foundation and higher GCSE, as well as Functional Skills. We also run a more compact GCSE re-sit course. The content covered is suitable for any of the exam boards. Students can expect new learning to be linked to the world around them and connections made with other subjects such as, science, art and music. It is important for students to demonstrate their mathematical thinking ‘on paper’ so we ensure opportunities are given for them to show their methods: we provide constructive feedback and support. All students have access to Maths specific software Desmos, Century Tech and Mathspad to help with their independent study and each week we signpost them to the work that they should complete. The scheme of learning is designed to help students retain new information through recall, practice, QUESTS (not quite a quiz, not quite a test) and weekly revision and intervention activities. Students do also have access to exam papers, should they need them, but Maths is about much more than just an exam grade.

Students taking our Science course at KS3 level will have the opportunity to re-engage with basic scientific theories and key foundational knowledge that they may not have attained due to missing important parts of the curriculum. If a child or young person finds science particularly difficult, this course offers ideal preparation for GCSE-level work by developing a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world and building the vital skills needed for GCSE.

Our KS4 Science course involves several study pathways that consider the individual capabilities and subject preferences of students taking the course. Because our alternative learning provision is delivered via real-time video communication and best-in-class interactive software, appropriately preparing students for GCSE practical work is made entirely possible.

For students taking our core package – comprising 12 lessons of live learning and independent study per week – our enhanced package offers additional hours of learning in the following optional subjects:

• PSHE
• Animal Care
• Hair and Beauty
• Work and Life Skills
• Any other learning from the ASDAN Short Course portfolio

For some of our students, these additional subjects offer a wider accreditation pathway that can support them in working towards college placements and independent living beyond their education. They equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to help them succeed.

Our teaching staff bring with them a wealth of experience and deep subject knowledge. Because they are passionate about what they do, each teacher knows how to bring the best out of their students in an online classroom environment.

Children and young people with additional needs often learn best when they are presented with topics that are visually stimulating and engaging. That’s why we try to make each lesson a high-quality, interactive experience, with all our subject specialist teachers bringing their courses to life through wide-ranging teaching strategies and techniques.

Through the potential of two-way voice, chat and video communication, along with interactive whiteboards and tools that all students can use simultaneously, there is a real sense of engagement and involved learning throughout.

Up to 15 children and young people are present in each lesson’s virtual classroom, all of them having chosen the same KS3 or KS4 course.

Advances in digital technology mean that distance learning is now a truly collaborative experience. Course teachers are present via video link alongside other students, meaning students’ social needs are also being met while they learn.

Our real-time digital classrooms replicate the level of sensory engagement you would see in standard school environments.

Much like attending a traditional school setting, our students can look forward to meeting their friends from previous lessons online, and building relationships with their teachers and peers through the encouragement of shared learning along with gentle competition when answering questions.

Whether opting for the core package of 12 lessons evenly spread across the core subjects of Maths, English and Science, or the enhanced package with additional elective lessons, each child and young person studying with ADL has access to a personalised timetable for their relevant live digital classroom sessions.

A fun, informative environment awaits children and young people attending each lesson, with subject specialist teachers and the same peer group in attendance providing a reassuring consistency to their learning.

After each lesson is complete, a subject teacher issues an online independent learning task that allows students to develop their personal understanding of topics covered in the digital classroom.

This provides flexibility for students who like to reinforce peer-based learning with individual reflection on subject matter, while breakout sessions with a subject teacher can also be arranged for further strengthening understanding and exploring conceptual learning elements more deeply.

Once a student has received their unique log-in details and portal link, they have full access to their digital classroom lessons, timetable, 24/7 lesson archive content and independent learning opportunities from the comfort of their home, nearby library, or anywhere deemed suitable by primary caregivers.

We are also happy to work with local authorities on the development of individual solutions that meet the specific needs of children and young people accessing our online learning platform. This ensures that all students accessing our alternative learning provision get everything they can from the experience.