We believe that the aims of our curriculum should focus on the qualities and skills our individual students need to succeed in school and beyond. Our curriculum aims enable all young people to become:

• successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
• confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
  

Our curriculum offer and our approach to teaching and learning and the experience our students receive is very different to traditional schools and colleges. We believe every young person is unique and personalise the curriculum on offer in our school in response to the needs and aspirations of each student. Bespoke pathways can be developed for students by our team of coaches to ensure every young person embarks upon an aspirational journey that fits them as an individual. In all cases we are concerned with meaningful progression into employment, either directly from the school/sixth form or onto university or further education and training.

Individual students progress is measured in terms of academic, vocational and personal development throughout their journey at Devon Studio School. We recognise each of these three elements of development equally and ensure that everyone can do the best they possibly can throughout all stages of school.

Students will be encouraged to select at least 1 optional vocational certificate to study alongside their vocational placement programme. Some students may be able to undertake more than one certificate each year depending on how they plan their enrichment time. The list provided are examples of vocationally relevant qualifications that can be obtained, though other qualifications related to sports, administration or a range of other disciplines may be available.

The following titles are examples of vocational certificates directly relevant to the field of health, social care and early years, though is not exhaustive. A range of awarding bodies will be used including City and Guilds, Edexcel and OCR, depending on the qualification being pursued.

• Medical Terminology
• Prevention and Control of Infection
• Awareness of Dementia
• Recognising and Responding to Substance Misuse
• Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Promoting Food Safety and Nutrition in Health and Social Care
• Dementia Care
• Supporting People who have Learning Difficulties
• Introduction to Counselling Skills
• Support Work in Social Care

In addition the following areas will be embedded throughout every student’s timetable.

• Citizenship and Community Development
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education
• Information and Communication Technology
• Belief, Culture and Ethics
• Sport, Recreation and Adventurous Activities
• Vocational Work Experience Programme

It is the aim of Devon Studio School to ensure all work placements are:

• Safe, as assessed through a health and safety check conducted by the Work Based Learning Coordinator;
• Meaningful, as discussed with employers;
• Evaluated by the Work Based Learning Coordinator, the student and the employer.

And that:

• Students working away from the School are aware of the risks associated with the environment in which they are studying and have taken appropriate steps to minimize them;
• Students have access to appropriate support and guidance before, during and after their placement or work-based learning;
• All parties involved clearly understand their roles – e.g. the School, the student and the placement/work-based learning provider;
• The value of placements is maximized to develop students’ skills, knowledge and employability.