Our achievements
Our aim is to prepare students for a happy, healthy and fulfilling future. This is based on a rich curriculum and range of learning pathways to support their development as individuals and as part of a wider deaf community. Following our most recent Ofsted inspections we were delighted to receive Good overall grading with two areas of provision deemed Outstanding. Inspectors described the Academy as ‘a place of inspiration for the pupils who attend’, where ‘leaders prioritise pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs’ (Ofsted 2023). In the latest inspection of College, Ofsted described the prevision as providing ‘learners with the essential knowledge and skills they need for their future success in their adult lives’ (Ofsted 2024).
Our approach
We believe that with every day there comes a new opportunity to learn, triumph, and overcome obstacles. Be it preparing for the world of work, living independently or in supported accommodation, we believe that with the right support and motivation anything is possible. We have a fantastic team of staff at the Academy dedicated to preparing our students for independence, adulthood, and their best futures. As a Deaf and SEND specialist provision, the range of skills and experience across teaching, care, therapies and corporate services teams combine to create a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to support our students with additional needs to thrive.
We are a bilingual and bimodal learning environment, where students are enabled to develop their language in BSL, English or Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AACs). Language and communication are the cornerstone of our approach to learning. Being a student at the Academy is more than just learning; it is being part of a community, exploring your Deaf identity, making friends, having fun, learning new things, being healthy and most importantly being confident and self assured in who you are and knowing your potential. Our holistic approach extends to working with families and carers to ensure support is integrated and tailored to the individual.
Our Curriculum Intent
The needs and aspirations of our Deaf/SEND students are at the heart and centre of our curriculum. The 4 areas of the Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) are threaded through the school curriculum leading onto a focused PfA curriculum in college.
The curriculum is fully tailored to their needs, adaptable to personalisation, underpinned by students pertinent next steps, as identified in their EHCP.
Through our ambitious, broad and balanced bespoke curriculum, students will develop and consolidate new knowledge and skills built on prior learning.
By prioritising multi-modal communication and rich language development, our students can enjoy and maximise their learning opportunities.
They gain independence in their learning and social communication and improve their inter-personal skills and relationships.
The design of the curriculum and provision ensures that students develop a strong sense of self, feel proud of their unique Deaf Identity, and feel valued as part of the Deaf Academy and the wider community.
They will have opportunities to gain awards, accreditation and/or qualifications to support them in the next stage of their education. Life and employability skills are key in ensuring students can make meaningful choices and engage successfully in the wider world.
The Deaf Academy curriculum equips our students to become confident, independent, healthy, engaged young adults who are ready for their futures.
