Arc School Old Arley

Our school offers a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils from Year 3 to Year 8, ensuring a strong foundation across a wide range of academic and creative subjects. We base our curriculum offer on the National Curriculum so that our pupils have access to the same subjects their peers would have. We do however adapt the curriculum in ways that are more accessible and meaningful to our pupils. From Year 9 onwards, students follow a more tailored pathway that includes core academic subjects alongside a selection of vocational courses, allowing them to explore their interests and prepare for future careers or further education.

In addition, all pupils from Year 9 upwards, participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, fostering personal development, resilience, teamwork, and community engagement through a structured programme of physical activity, skills development, volunteering, and expeditions.
 

Our school is committed to supporting the holistic development and well-being of every pupil through a comprehensive therapy provision. We are proud to offer a multi-disciplinary team approach that ensures each child’s individual needs are met with expertise and care.

Our provision includes:

• A qualified Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) who works with pupils to develop communication, language, and social interaction skills.
• An Occupational Therapist (OT) who supports pupils in developing the physical, sensory, and motor skills necessary for everyday school activities.
• Access to a range of external agencies, including educational psychologists, mental health services, and specialist advisory teachers, to provide additional targeted support.
• A dedicated Family Support Worker who works closely with families to offer guidance, practical help, and emotional support, strengthening the home-school partnership.
• A proactive Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who oversees all aspects of SEND provision, ensuring that interventions are well-coordinated, inclusive, and tailored to each pupil’s needs.

Together, this team works collaboratively to create an inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are currently on the pathway to gaining our accreditation as a trauma-informed practice school and are confident that the approaches being embedded across the school will support all the pupils who come through our doors to flourish.
 

Our school’s Vocational and Life Skills Programme is designed to equip pupils with the knowledge, confidence, and practical abilities they need to thrive in life beyond the classroom.

The curriculum is delivered through a personal development lens, ensuring that every learning experience contributes to the growth of well-rounded, resilient, and future-ready individuals.

From Key Stage 2 upwards, pupils benefit from independent careers advice, helping them begin to explore their interests, strengths, and aspirations early on. All pupils also take part in regular Personal Development and PSHE lessons, which support their emotional well-being, social understanding, and preparation for adult life.
In Year 9, students are given the opportunity to sample a range of vocational courses, allowing them to make informed choices about their future learning. By Years 10 and 11, each pupil selects two vocational courses to study in depth, aligning with their interests and career goals.

Additionally, Year 10 pupils follow a structured Life Skills programme, covering essential topics such as financial literacy, independent living, healthy relationships, and workplace readiness.

This integrated approach ensures that all pupils leave school with a strong academic foundation, practical skills, and a clear sense of direction for their future.