Curriculum

At Birtley House Independent School we recognise how vital it is for our pupils to be numerate and literate. We balance that within a context of learning in which pupils develop emotional self awareness, confidence, decision making abilities, problem solving, communication skills and respect and responsibility so that they grow into secure, positive citizens.

‘There is a strong commitment that pupils’ particular SEND will not prevent them learning to read.’ 

‘The mathematics curriculum unashamedly prioritises number skills as the bedrock of mathematics learning.’

Ofsted – 2022

We recognise that children learn in different ways and so our teaching methods will reflect individual learning styles by using a multi sensory approach.

Our curriculum is made up of:

  • CORE SKILLS – Literacy, Numeracy, Computing, Phonics (Read Write Inc)
  • CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE ARTS – Drama, Music, Art, Play
  • TECHNOLOGY – Scientific Understanding, Design Technology
  • PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT – PE is taught by our Specialist PE Teacher, Sensory Circuits, Clever Fingers, Yoga, Gross and Fine Motor Skills
  • LIFE SKILLS – Emotional Literacy, Citizenship and Moral Development, Social Skills, Financial Awareness, Responsibility and Respect, Conflict Resolution, Health and Personal Safety, Eco and Environmental Awareness
  • SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

See below Curriculum Maps for the year 2023-2024:

Otters

Owls

Bats & Badgers

For more information about the specific curriculum taught at Birtley House, please see the below Curriculum Policy:

Curriculum-Policy-September 2023 (1)

For more information about Read Write Inc. Phonics, please click here.

For more information about Read Write Inc. Spelling, please click here.

For more information about Read Write Inc. Get Writing, please click here.

For more information about Times Tables and Number Bonds, please click here.

See fees page for more information about what is offered at Birtley House.

We welcome children with English as an additional language. These pupils needs are fully met through our supportive and comprehensive curriculum. We work in partnership with families in order to support specific language needs, through Personalised Learning targets (where relevant) and in consultation with the relevant external agencies.

Pupils with EHCPs have their needs met in accordance with the Code of Practice. Plans are monitored regularly and Annual Reviews are carried out yearly and submitted to the relevant Local Authority.

Pupils without EHC Plans and pupils with English as an Additional Language are supported through Personalised Learning Plans, tailored to each individual pupil according to the targets and outcomes detailed in the Plan.

Birtley House School works in partnership with the Local Authority, Social Services and other external agencies wherever relevant and applicable. We currently have pupils placed by Kent LA, Bromley LA, Croydon LA and Bexley LA.  Further information can be found within the Special Educational Needs policy which is available on the website or from the school office.

Assessments

Children are formally assessed throughout the school year using the Bsquared and Rising Stars Assessment programmes (PUMA, PIRA & GAPS).  Progress is reported to parents throughout the school year and in detailed written end of year reports in July.  Assessments are carried out by teachers and external professionals such as Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists and Paediatricians.  Results are recorded and tracked using the school database and provision maps.  Results are  individual and pupil numbers are very small therefore results cannot be published on line as pupils could be identified. Confidentiality is a fundamental priority at Birtley House School.  Pupils’ results are available on request to Inspectors.

The academic year 2022-23 shows the following pupil data progress summary:

Data Summary June 2023

  • Pupil progress in writing has continued to improve significantly. 58% of pupils made 1 year + progress compared to 34% in 2022. This was our school pupil progress target
  • The percentage of children achieving 1 year + in reading comprehension has slightly decreased from 81% in 2022 to 70% in 2023
  • Reading decoding results have slightly decreased from 56% of children making 1 year + progress in 2022 to 48% in 2023
  • Maths results have increased to 65% 1 year + progress in 2023 from 59% 1 year + progress in 2022

Highest and Lowest Pupil Outcomes

  • Boys’ reading comprehension: 71% made 1 year + progress
  • Boys’ reading age: 58% made less than 1 year progress

Gender Differences

  • Boys’ progress in writing is significantly higher than girls: 67% boys compared to 44% girls made 1 year + progress
  • Girls’ progress in maths overall has significantly improved. In 2022, 47% girls made 1 year + progress and in 2023 63% girls made 1 year + progress

Pupils with Additional Reading Support

  • Pupil progress in reading comprehension has slightly decreased for pupils receiving additional reading support. 58% of pupils made 1 year + progress compared to 75% in 2022
  • Reading decoding results for pupils with additional reading support making 1 year + progress largely remained the same with 64% in 2023 compared with 63% in 2022

Last School Progress Target 2022-2023:

To improve pupil outcomes for writing:

Average pupil outcomes will show a minimum of 12 months progress made

This specific target has continued for 2 years. Pupil progress outcomes for writing significantly improved in 2022 with 34% of pupils making 1 year + progress compared to 17% in 2021. Pupil progress in writing has continued to improve from 34% in 2022 of pupils making 1 year + progress to 58% in 2023. This ambitious target has now been met.

New School Progress Target 2023-2024:

75% of pupils to make 1 year + progress in 12 months in Reading Comprehension.

How will we achieve this?

Through the following reading comprehension action plan:

Find out more

If you are interested in Birtley House and would like to see how we can help your child achieve their full potential, come for a guided tour and a discussion with the Headteacher or SENCO.

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