Mission Statement

At Torbay School we seek to create a safe and stimulating environment in which individual pupils reach their potential, gain full access to education, grow emotionally, develop self-discipline and confidence and adjust their social behaviour so that they can overcome any previous barriers to learning.

For our youngest pupils, the 9 – 11 year olds, successful, gradual re-integration into mainstream schools should be a real aim and possibility and remain the ultimate goal. Our educational programme will place added emphasis on progress in basic skills such as literacy, numeracy and ICT. It will provide a nurturing, confidence-building environment, where positive behaviour is rehearsed and rewarded and negative behaviour confronted. Parents and/or carers are close partners in this process.

For our 11 – 14 year olds we will combine specialist subject-based teaching with cross-curricular themes. Whilst providing a broad and balanced curriculum an emphasis on basic skills remains. Personal, Social and Health Education, participation in the school council and residential experiences will enrich the curriculum and foster maturity. The application of a simple but unambiguous traffic light system provides motivation to change negative patterns of learning or social behaviour through meaningful rewards. Re-integration into mainstream schools will be a realistic aim for some pupils.

For our 14 – 16 year olds we combine a variety of relevant examination courses with life skills, work experience, vocational and pre-vocational training. Many activities will be conducted in conjunction with other training providers. The transition to further education or the world of work is enhanced by confidence-building activities. Age-appropriate rewards are given for good achievements, behaviour and attendance.