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Vocational & Specialist Offer

We are committed to delivering an ambitious and personalised curriculum that supports every student in reaching their full potential.

Our core focus areas include Communication & EnglishMaths, and Preparation for Adulthood, ensuring students build strong foundations for lifelong learning and independence.

This core curriculum is enriched by a broader range of subjects, taught by specialist staff, which allow students to explore personal interests and develop vocational skills for a fulfilling adult life.

Vocational and Specialist Subjects Offered:

  • Art
  • Animal Care
  • Cookery
  • Forest School
  • Horticulture
  • Isebrook Salon
  • Music 
  • PE

We also offer a wide range of lunch clubs. 

potting up plant cuttings

A goat standing on a large black tire in a grassy outdoor enclosure, surrounded by other colorful tires and a stone wall in the background.

Art

Our Art lessons cater to all abilities, ranging from sensory-based creative experiences for some students to GCSE-level Art for others.

Students explore a variety of materials and techniques as they create, evaluate, and refine their own artwork. Through these lessons, they develop self-expression, creativity, and confidence while gaining a deeper understanding of different artistic styles and media. They have the opportunity to showcase their creativity in different ways—from expressive performances and displays to more formal exhibitions.

In addition, students benefit from trips and visits to museums and art galleries, gaining inspiration and a deeper understanding of different artistic styles and cultural contexts.
 

Pencil drawings

Decorated doors for Platinum Jubilee

Animal Care

Our Animal Care provision gives students hands-on experience in looking after a wide range of animals. It teaches them how to behave safely and confidently around animals, developing essential skills in daily care routines such as feeding, cleaning, and handling.

 

Goat eating straw at Isebrook


Students also gain knowledge about animal nutrition, health, and wellbeing—learning how to spot signs of illness and what steps to take if an animal becomes unwell.

This practical, engaging provision builds confidence, responsibility, and a deep understanding of what it takes to keep animals healthy and happy.

Two rabbits eating lettuce

Guinea pig at Isebrook

Chickens at Isebrook

Cookery

Our Cookery lessons teach students a wide range of skills, from basic food preparation to more advanced cooking methods.

Students learn how to safely use a variety of kitchen equipment to make both sweet and savoury dishes, as well as snacks. They are also taught the importance of food hygiene and healthy eating, helping them make informed choices about the food they prepare and enjoy.

Each lesson is designed to build confidence and independence, supporting students in developing the practical skills they need to cook for themselves and lead independent, healthy lives.

Female student making vegetable kebabs in cookery

Forest School

Years 7, 8 and 9 all undertake Forest School as part of the curriculum.

Read more about Forest School here

Looking at seeds during forest school

Horticulture

Our Horticulture provision teaches students the fundamental skills needed to grow and care for plants and vegetables. Lessons cover propagation techniques, plant care, and how to maintain healthy growth in a variety of environments.

Students also take responsibility for looking after the school grounds, putting their skills into practice to create a vibrant, well-maintained environment. 

Some Post-16 students also have the opportunity to complete a City & Guilds qualification in lawnmower maintenance and brush cutting, developing valuable practical skills for future employment.

In addition, several classes take part in exciting enterprise projects, using their horticultural knowledge to grow, create, and sell products—combining hands-on learning with real-world experience.

Plant market cart at Isebrook in summer

Students moving dead plants in a wheelbarrow

Planting out for the Superbloom event

Isebrook Salon

Our Salon offers students an accessible and enjoyable introduction to the hair and beauty industry. It is carefully designed to support students with a range of additional needs, helping them to develop confidence, communication, and practical life skills within a safe and nurturing salon environment.

Through a variety of hands-on activities, students explore basic hair care, simple styling, personal presentation, and an introduction to beauty treatments. The programme also promotes understanding of personal health and hygiene, encouraging students to take pride in their appearance and wellbeing. We also identify EHCP outcomes that relate to specific health aspects, ensuring that individual targets are supported and developed through the teaching of hygiene and self-care routines.

Students develop transferable employability skills, including teamwork, following instructions, time management, and customer care. They also have opportunities to engage with the local community, helping them to build confidence and communication skills in real-life settings.

Students can book appointments to have their hair washed, cut, or styled in our accessible salon. This provides a supportive environment where students can feel relaxed in a familiar place with familiar adults.

This course reflects our commitment to providing inclusive, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities. It allows students to discover their interests, build independence, and take pride in their achievements—preparing them for future pathways both within school and beyond.

Girl curling a model's hair at Isebrook Salon

Student washing a client's hair

Music

Students across the board benefit from our fantastic music curriculum. We offer: 

  • timetabled curriculum music of at least one hour each week of the school year for key stage 3
  • access to lessons across a range of instruments, and voice
  • a school-wide choir (Creating Tomorrow Voices) timetabled rehearsal once a week  
  • school ensembles
  • a termly school performance (Christmas Carol Concert, Spring Concert, Summer CTV Concert plus additional opportunities such as Prom Band and Talent Shows
  • opportunity to enjoy live performance at least once a year 

Read our full Music Development Plan

 

Guitars hanging on the wall at Isebrook

Keyboard lessons

Creating Tomorrow Voices choir (picture Courtesy of Evening Telegraph)

P.E.

Our PE provision offers a wide range of activities to help students develop physical fitness, gross motor skills, teamwork, and confidence.

All students begin the day with sensory circuit sessions to get active and focused. Year 7 and 8 classes also enjoy swimming lessons for half a term each year, per class.

PE lessons cover a variety of sports and activities, from dodgeball, basketball, and football to padel and curling. Students practise essential skills, work on listening and leadership, and learn the importance of teamwork—building both physical fitness and life skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Older students have the opportunity to visit an external gym, where they focus on improving their physical fitness, developing strength and endurance, and learning how to use their leisure time in healthy and productive ways.

Football on the field

 

Students in the gym playing team ball games

Lunch Clubs

Our lunchtime clubs offer something for everyone, giving students the chance to explore their interests, try new things, and have fun with friends.

Clubs range from Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon, Nintendo, Chill Haven, Sports in the gym, Library, and ICT clubs to two different Art clubs—including a sensory-based Processing Club.

With such a wide variety of activities, there’s always something exciting to get involved in. And for those who prefer some fresh air, students are always welcome to head outside and enjoy playtime or sports on the field too!

Student Reading in the libary