The Sullivan Centre provides education for children and young people who cannot attend their usual school because of their medical or mental health needs.
A Venn Academy Trust School – Together we will… Venn is a pioneering academy trust, committed to building educational environments where all pupils are inspired to become lifelong learners who achieve the very highest standards possible. Collaborating with all partners, the Trust works with its unique settings to create world class learning experiences for all.

Subject – Computing

The National Curriculum in Computing at KS3 follows the same guidelines as a mainstream school, but with adaptations to meet the specific needs of its students.

The National Curriculum in Computing at KS3 is divided into three key areas: Computer Science, Digital Literacy, and Information Technology. These three areas are interrelated and are taught through a variety of different activities and projects.

Computing at The Sullivan Centre is taught in smaller groups with additional support and adapted instruction provided to meet the specific needs of each student. This may involve more individualized instruction, hands-on activities, and opportunities for students to work collaboratively with their peers. Some students spend some time revisiting some of the KS2 skills that have not been embedded in the long-term memory.

The Computer Science strand of the National Curriculum at KS3 focuses on the fundamentals of computer programming, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. Students may learn to use programming languages such as Scratch or Python to create programs, games, and animations.

The Digital Literacy strand of the National Curriculum in Computing at KS3 teaches students about the safe and responsible use of technology. This includes understanding issues such as online privacy, cybersecurity, and digital citizenship. The Sullivan Centre staff provide additional instruction on how to use technology safely and responsibly, and may have opportunities to practice these skills in real-world situations.

The Information Technology strand of the National Curriculum in Computing at KS3 focuses on the use of technology to solve problems and accomplish tasks. This may include using productivity software such as spreadsheets and databases, as well as creating and manipulating digital media such as images and videos.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical instruction, students can develop the skills and knowledge they need to use technology effectively and responsibly, and to succeed in their future educational and professional endeavours.

Staff are encouraged to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope the time they leave our setting, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Some of our students go on to study computing at KS4 in the form of ICT functional skills and/or an iMedia course. This can vary dependent on the options that year and the ability of the different cohorts of children.

“Pupils enjoy all aspects of the curriculum and quickly go into their classes when they arrive at school.“

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“Lessons in all subjects and in classes across the school are engaging and motivating.“

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“The enormously positive relationships that exist between pupils and staff are key to the success of the pupils.”

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“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.“

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“The school’s staff and the inclusion leader are exceptionally skilled in enabling pupils to manage their anxiety so that they can learn in a small classroom environment.”

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“Highly effective teaching and assessment systems and strategies are in place which consider specific pupils’ needs.“

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“Staff prepare high-quality and bespoke lessons which they use effectively to stimulate pupils’ interest in learning.“

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“Leaders take positive and immediate action should any issues arise to ensure the continuation of the very highquality learning that pupils receive.“

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“Lessons are calm, ordered and purposeful. This encouraging learning environment has a positive impact on the engagement of pupils.“

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“Staff ensure that pupils who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan make strong progress towards achieving their objectives.“

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“The trust uses the management structure of the school well to ensure that they are always informed and up to date with information about the school.“

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“In lessons, pupils quickly become absorbed in the variety of activities that staff design for them.“

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“Leaders check the quality of teaching and learning regularly.“

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“Staff have very high expectations of themselves and their pupils.“

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“School records show that bullying incidents rarely occur. Pupils and staff agreed with this view when asked.”

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“There is a culture of mutual respect at the school that supports pupils in developing their confidence and optimism for learning.”

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“The head of school is highly ambitious and determined for all pupils to be the best that they can be.”

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“Pupils have opportunities to gain a range of qualifications and accreditations, including English and mathematics at varying levels.“

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“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

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“Pupils use their knowledge and skills to apply their learning across the curriculum.”

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“Leaders responsible for inclusion, pastoral care and welfare are inspirational in their dedication, knowledge and actions to support pupils’ emotional health and well-being.“

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“Behaviour during social times and in classrooms is outstanding.“

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“The school is exceptionally calm and ordered. Pupils behave very well in lessons and are enthusiastic learners.”

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“Leaders provide pupils with high levels of intervention and professional support, which helps them to overcome their complex mental health and medical needs.“

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“Work in books is very well presented and neat. Strong progress can be seen.”

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“Extra curricular activities include horse-riding, rock climbing, swimming and cooking.“

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“Pupils display remarkable levels of empathy for others. They are highly sensitive and tremendously accepting of the needs of other pupils.”

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“Teachers and other staff are highly skilled in ensuring that individual pupils’ needs are met in lessons.“

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“The curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of opportunities that match the needs and interests of pupils extremely well.“

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“Parents appreciate the communication and high levels of practical and emotional support the staff provide for them.“

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“Staff work extremely closely with external agencies and a range of medical professionals to ensure that each pupil receives the best advice and care possible.“

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“The inclusion lead and other members of staff are available throughout the day to support pupils who are finding things difficult.”

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“Staff plan further bespoke activities for individual pupils who may need support on specific areas of socialising and other life skills.“

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“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.”

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“Staff provide a high level of emotional support when necessary while placing great importance on developing pupils’ independence skills.“

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“Staff receive highquality, regular training to enable them to meet the complex emotional and mental health needs of pupils.“

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“Pupils’ starting points are assessed accurately. This enables teachers to plan highly engaging, motivating and personalised learning opportunities.“

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“Leaders provide a wide range of weekly enrichment activities for pupils.“

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“Pupils overcome anxieties and, as a result, they are able to access their learning where they can make strong and sustained progress.“

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“Senior leaders’ exemplary work to enhance pupils’ emotional well-being and personal development is highly effective”

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“Staff are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

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“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

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“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

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“The trust is extremely supportive and provides high levels of challenge and guidance to school leaders.“

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“Pupils are tremendously enthusiastic about learning. Where possible, they can speak at length about what they are learning and what they have already learned. “

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“The coordinator for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities has a high level of knowledge and understanding.“

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“The school is a calm learning environment where staff encourage pupils to be the best they can be.“

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“The promotion and encouragement of independent learning can be seen in all classes and throughout the school.“

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“Pupils are kind, caring and demonstrate mature levels of empathy to one another.“

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“Regular opportunities for pupils to work on their social and emotional skills are available. These include one-to-one sessions with specialist practitioners, enhanced life skills and practical social experiences.”

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“Teachers and staff are extremely ambitious for their pupils. They are determined to equip them with skills that will contribute to a happy and fulfilled life. “

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“Pupils are enthusiastic learners who understand and appreciate the opportunities that the school is providing them with.“

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“Leaders have ensured that the curriculum includes a wide range of subjects for pupils to study.”

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“At break and lunchtimes, pupils move quietly and sensibly around school. They are occupied during these times by playing physical games with staff or chatting with each other.”

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“The vast majority of pupils become confident learners. Their developing ability to form extraordinarily strong relationships with staff and friendships with their peers is evident.”

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“The curriculum strongly supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, which is well embedded throughout the school.“

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