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 – RE

It is our intent for the Religious Education element of our school curriculum to ensure students acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in the UK; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

We believe that it is important for all our students to learn from and about faith and religion, so that they can have a greater understanding of the world around them.

Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence.

Learning is embedded through the development of knowledge and skills over time. Given the nature of our setting it is likely some students will have missed a lot of key learning.

In KS3 we aim to fill gaps in basic knowledge as well as introducing key vocabulary and concepts for KS4.

In year 10 we build on learning from KS3 to deepen student’s understanding following the locally agreed syllabus for core non-examination RS. Each unit takes as its starting point a question linking faith and religion to contemporary issues relevant to young people and the acknowledgement that we live in an increasingly secular society.

In year 11 students follow the Beliefs and Values Asdan Short Course which offers a flexible, accessible alternative to GCSE Religious Studies.

By the end of KS3 students will be familiar with the key beliefs and practices of Christianity as well as some of the other major world religions. Students will be able to describe a range of religious concepts including the practices of prayer and worship. Students will understand the significance of religious rules such as the Ten Commandments and The Five Pillars of Islam and their lasting importance in modern society. Pupils will develop confidence in expressing their own views and opinions on some of the major questions posed by life and existence.

By the end of KS4 students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of Christian and Islamic beliefs, teachings and practices. Students will confidently articulate justified opinions on ethical issues, giving personal, religious and non-religious views. Students will be able to explain how religious teachings in both Christianity and Islam can be applied to contemporary moral issues such as euthanasia, abortion, abuse of the world and capital punishment.

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

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

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

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

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

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“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

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

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

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“Staff are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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“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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“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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“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

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“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

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

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

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