At Pilton Community College we are both relational and research-led in our approach to school expectations. This means that the decisions we make to provide reasonable adjustments for some students are not only routed in our core ethos to provide excellent personal outcomes for our students, but also based on cognitive science.
We understand that a small number of students may require additional support and adjustments to achieve their best. The following information explains how to apply for these adjustments and how they work in school.
Homework
We firmly believe in the importance of homework in supporting learning. Having the opportunity to recap and over-learn the subject content is essential, particularly for those with additional learning needs. On the other hand, we are fully aware of the family challenges that can present themselves when you have to insist that homework is completed, especially when children are exhausted from their school day.
To avoid being in a position where children are receiving negative points and detentions for work that is beyond their capacity, we work closely with parents and carers. If you feel that your child may require reasonable adjustments to manage homework expectations as a result of an SEN need, we ask that you have a conversation with them and make an agreement as to how much work is reasonable for them to complete. We would hope that completing English and Maths homework is possible at the very least. Once you have had this discussion, please complete this application form to allow us to consider an adjustment to their homework expectations.
Uniform
A small number of students may also need adjustments to their uniform to support them to thrive in school. This may include an alteration to a material or the purchasing of more loosely fitting alternatives.
To apply for a uniform adjustment, please complete this application form.
Fiddle Tools
Please find a link to a useful document, giving guidance about Fiddle Tools here.
Exam Access arrangements
One of the key measures of progress and attainment are public exams. Exam boards allow us to apply for access arrangements for students who have been identified as benefitting from extra exam support. These applications are usually made in the summer term of Year 10, once we have a history of the support that has been beneficial to students in their previous school assessments. Our Assistant SENDCo manages this process and can be contacted directly here.
Timeout cards
We no longer use timeout cards. Instead we are moving towards a more flexible, rational and in-class model of support, which better meets the needs of all pupils and reduces unnecessary disruption and missed learning. To read about the systems, please find the letter attached here. There is also an audio version here.
