Assessments & Outcomes

Nightingale Community Academy is a special school where we believe that our role is to mitigate barriers to learning and provide our pupils and students with a broad accreditation offer that prepares them for the next stage of their educational experience or the world of work.

The examination cycles begin in the primary school where all who are able engage with the standard assessment tasks that are completed by their mainstream contemporaries.

You can read the most recent Key Stage 2 Assessment data in the document above.

In Key Stage 3 the children have access to entry-level accreditation in English, Mathematics and Science. Those who demonstrate the capability are also provided the opportunity to complete level 1 English and Mathematics. This means that almost all of the boys hold recognised qualifications before they begin their GCSE journey.

In Key Stage 4, we offer a broad curriculum with our curriculum provision largely reflecting the breadth of study offered in mainstream schools; and providing access to a similar range of qualifications such as academic, creative and vocational courses.

We deliver a core offering that is allied to work-related vocational study, accredited by industry-recognised awarding bodies. Our delivery is personalised to mitigate barriers to learning and this might include therapeutic or learning support initiatives at different times of a child’s Key Stage 4 experience.

All students follow a ‘core’ curriculum consisting of GCSE Mathematics; GCSE English (Language and Literature); GCSE Science (Double or Triple award); GCSE Citizenship; Media (Computing); and RSE. Alongside their core subjects, students are then able to select a maximum of 2 additional options subjects to study in Years 10 and 11. These options include Art and Design (GCSE); Music (GCSE); Hospitality (BTEC Level 1 &2); Sport (BTEC Level 1 & 2); Hairdressing and Barbering (City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma); Construction (City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma); Land Based Studies (City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma) and Motor Vehicle Studies.

The Key Stage 4 curriculum provides many opportunities for students to follow their interest and develop their strengths. Most of our students will progress to post-16 education at NCA, and complete appropriate and relevant courses. Others will wish to move to college at 16, so it is important to plan ahead when considering subject choices at Key Stage 4. To help with this process, we provide students with a range of support and guidance to help them make informed choices, including access to careers advice in-house.

Key Stage 4 is a critical time for students to consider their future career pathways. It is our duty to ensure that students are fully prepared for their next stage of education, training and employment and are able to make fully informed choices about their next steps. We aim to ensure that all students have opportunities to develop their knowledge and access to a wide range of careers opportunities and are thus able to make informed choices about each step of their education and future career. We want every young person to find the very best destination and pathway for them.

At Nightingale Community Academy, we are very committed to provide information about a wide range of careers at all transition stages and to ensure we cover our careers curriculum through our Personal Development teaching program. This program contributes towards helping our students prepare themselves for the opportunities, responsibilities and experience of life beyond school. We aim to help young people make decisions and manage transitions as learners and workers.