Downland School

Aspire, Achieve and Thrive

The Hub

The Hub is a small sized specialised learning class which aims to cater for those pupils who have previously struggled in a learning environment. The Hub opened its doors this year to pupils who have previously had gaps in their school career, have had adverse experiences of school and those with large gaps in their learning. Many pupils struggle with school and the pace that can be expected of them, they can find that they may fall behind or may not be receiving the learning in a way that they can engage and actually learn from.

Key Aims

  • Developing social skills and building emotional resilience using routine ‘Thrive’ approaches, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
  • Supporting pupils’ personal development both within school and outside of the classroom throughout these sessions a variety of topics will be covered relevant to preparing them for future success.
  • Delivering subject-specific content through thematic lessons, aligning with pupils’ interests to enhance engagement and understanding.
  • Designing content that identifies and addresses gaps in learning, ensuring a targeted approach to individual pupil needs.
  • Focusing on the acquisition of core skills in Literacy, Mathematics, and Science to provide a strong foundation for academic success.

To ensure success, the delivery of learning objectives is thematic, connecting core subjects in a meaningful and integrated manner. The timetable incorporates Maths, Literacy, and Science, aligning them with the main school for continuity and coherence. Teaching methods are tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles, making content accessible to all pupils. ‘Thrive’ and PSHEE are integrated into daily routines, addressing social and emotional aspects of learning. Collaboration with the main school ensures a smooth transition for Hub pupils and alignment with broader educational goals.

The intended aim is centred around successful integration into the main school and ongoing academic progress. Academic progress is monitored through ongoing assessments, ensuring learning objectives are met and skills enhanced. Social skills and emotional resilience among Hub pupils are expected to improve, reflecting the impact of specialised approaches. Continuous evaluation involves measuring the success of Hub pupils' integration into the main school, assessing individualised programs' effectiveness, engaging parents in the assessment process, and tracking the long-term impact of the Hub on pupils' academic and personal achievements.

In summary, The Hub provides a comprehensive and supportive learning environment, preparing pupils for successful integration into the main school through a focused approach to thematic learning, skill development, and social-emotional well-being.