Our sixth form caters for students aged 16-19 with a range of special educational needs, including autism and social and emotional needs.

Click below for an overview of our 6th form pathways. Overarching themes for each curriculum cycle can be viewed at the bottom of this page.

Our Intent:

• To support our young people in making a successful transition from adolescence into adulthood.
• To provide an engaging curriculum that further enables personalised learning opportunities, and allows our young people to both consolidate and broaden their skills.
• To ensure readiness for independent living, further education and/or supported employment.
• To support students in becoming active members of their communities, who participate and make a positive contribution.

Our 'Next Steps' Curriculum

All 6th form students access learning at an appropriate level, within small teaching groups and with well-informed pastoral support. We take a holistic approach to preparing our young people for adulthood, and key life skills are embedded within our curriculum and daily routines.

Study programmes are individually tailored to students' needs, interests and future aspirations. Teaching staff work closely with other professionals and parents/carers when setting targets (PLGs and EHCP outcomes).

Current pathways on offer at Nethergate sixth form include:

Pathway to Independence

Pupils enrolled on this programme are those who have previously been following our purple (pre-formal) pathway and are usually working between Pre-Entry and Entry Level 1. They continue to develop their maths and English skills, with a key focus on functional communication and life skills. Students continue to broaden their skills, and complete a range of OCR Life and Living Skills units in maths, English, ICT and personal and social development.

Progression routes post-Nethergate include access to adult day services and/or further education at specialist colleges (supported learning courses aimed at further developing life skills and independence). 

Pathway to Progression

Pupils enrolled on our 'Progression' pathway are those students who are following our blue (lower semi-formal) pathway. They are usually working between Entry Level 1 and Entry Level 2. The curriculum offers opportunities to further develop functional skills in maths and English, alongside digital skills. Students work towards Functional Skills qualifications and OCR Life and Living Skills units linked to employability and personal and social development.

Post-Nethergate, pupils usually continue their education at local specialist colleges, enrolling onto supported learning courses which offer both functional skills and vocational tasters.

Pathway to Work

Pupils enrolled on our 'Work' pathway are those students who are following our green (upper semi-formal/formal) pathway. They are usually working between Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3. Students follow study programmes which include functional and digital skills, working towards Functional Skills qualifications. They also complete appropriate OCR Life and Living Skills units. Students following our 'Pathway to Work' programme are usually able to access work experience opportunities in the local community, and aspire to enter employment in the future.

Progression routes post-Nethergate include specific vocational courses at specialist colleges, e.g. hospitality and catering, sport and fitness or art and design. Some students may also progress onto employability pathways or supported internships.

Preparation for Adulthood

All students in sixth form continue to develop skills and knowledge in core, functional subjects: English, maths and ICT. They continue to access lessons linked to Preparation for Adulthood, with a greater focus on My Health, My Independence, My Community and My Future. PE is taught weekly, with a focus on staying active and accessing sports facilities.

All students access daily work experience via our Magic Breakfast provision, alongside other 'work' encounters and opportunities, both in school and the local community. 'Future Fridays' offer students opportunities to try different vocational options and college courses, e.g. horticulture in Nethergate Nursery, construction at Nottingham College and café skills in our own pop-up café, Crumbs Café.

Students' study programmes also include a range of enrichment opportunities such as DJing, science, language club, dance and outdoor learning. 

For more information about the Post-16 Curriculum, please contact:

Katie Howse (Assistant Principal) at the Academy’s admin email address: admin@nethergateacademy.org