St. Anthony's School - Departments

Departments
Autistic Spectrum Department (ASD) - Exceptional Needs

We have a specialist department providing additional support and a discrete educational programme for pupils with A.S.D. This is a purpose built facility and there are 12 full time placements for pupils aged 5-11 years. We also have specialist accommodation for secondary aged pupils with exceptional needs. However the speech therapists and specialist staff and facilities provide support for children with A.S.D. and speech and language difficulties throughout the school. There are two classrooms, a multi-sensory room, two group rooms and a separate play area in the A.S.D. department. Miss Ruth Aspden is the Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for primary Exceptional Needs. Mrs Lucy Summerfield has responsibility for secondary Exceptional Needs.
Primary Department
The Lower Primary Department has an open plan classroom and it’s own self-contained play area which helps create a secure environment, but the children also use the facilities in the main part of the school such as the swimming pool, sports hall and playground areas. They participate in assemblies and concerts when appropriate. The classes in the Primary Department remain with their teacher for most of the timetable like mainstream primary schools. We deliver the National Literacy Strategy, the National Numeracy Strategy and also deliver the full range of National Curriculum subjects.
Secondary Department
In the Secondary Department the classes have daily contact with a class tutor, and specialised curriculum areas with other staff. This provides an educational experience similar to that in mainstream secondary schools. In the final year of school our pupils attend Chichester College of Arts, Science and Technology or Brinsbury Agricultural College for a one day course each week which has been jointly designed by the college and school staff. This provides pupils with access to vocational qualifications. A programme of careers education and guidance is carried out in the last 3 years of schooling. In Years 10 & 11 the pupils follow courses that enable them to study for nationally accredited awards such as GCSE entry level, ASDAN Youth Award Scheme and the Certificate of Achievement. Pupils are also involved in work experience and community service schemes.