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 – Science

At The Sullivan Centre we believe that high-quality Science education provides the foundations for understanding the world and stimulates inquisitive minds. Our Science curriculum for KS3 and KS4 is designed to foster a love of Science and provide our students with the skills and knowledge to become confident scientists in a range of areas. We focus on Chemistry, Biology and Physics, with each area underpinned by scientific enquiry.

Our KS3 Science curriculum is introduced to students through a three-year cycle. We begin by introducing the breadth of core principles and developing an understanding of the foundations of the subject matter. Our aim is to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare them for KS4. As we recognise that our students may have gaps in their learning, we tailor our curriculum to meet their individual needs and provide extra support where necessary.

Our KS4 Science curriculum builds on the foundations established in KS3, with a focus on developing a deeper understanding of the key principles in Biology. We offer both AQA GCSE in Biology and Entry Level qualifications to ensure that our students have a wide range of pathways to choose from.

Throughout both KS3 and KS4, we emphasise the importance of scientific enquiry, with practical investigations, experiments and data analysis forming an integral part of the curriculum. We also provide opportunities for our students to develop their research and analytical skills, enabling them to become confident and independent learners.

Our Science curriculum at The Sullivan Centre is designed to provide our students with a broad and balanced education, underpinned by scientific enquiry. Our aim is to develop inquisitive minds and provide our students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their future studies or careers.

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

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

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“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

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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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“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 have very high expectations of themselves and their 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 are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 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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