Welcome to The Arch: A Specialist Cognition and Learning Hub

We are a specialist cognition and learning hub in the heart of Castle Manor Academy. We opened in September 2020 and currently support the learning of 23 pupils aged 11-16.

Teaching is delivered by two experienced teachers and five teaching assistants. All students follow a personalised curriculum and are taught within the Arch. Some pupils may also attend lessons in mainstream where this is deemed appropriate.

The Arch curriculum is broad and balanced and becomes increasingly bespoke to students needs and interests as they approach Year 11 and consider their options post-16. Every Arch pupil also receives targeted intervention in line with their EHCP outcomes. The Arch expectations for behaviour, uniform and PROUD values streamline with mainstream and encourage an inclusive culture within the wider school.

Key Stage 3

In the Arch, pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9 are taught and wide range of subjects that include: English, Maths, Science, Art, Geography, History, Life and Culture, AQA Unit Awards, Music, Outdoor Learning and Multi-skills (PE).

In addition to these, pupils can choose to integrate within mainstream lessons where appropriate. These have included lessons such as English, French, Art and PE. Arch pupils also attend weekly assemblies with their year group.

Some subjects are delivered to Arch pupils by mainstream specialist teachers. Art, Music and PE are examples of these lessons and these occur weekly. We also use the school’s library service with pupils selecting up to three books to take home.

IT: Students participate in online programmes such as Lexia, Nessy and Clicker8 to support Literacy skills and 123Maths. All of our students access the school platforms in the same way as their peers, and can continue using them at home.

Multi-skills (PE): Every week Arch pupils participate in two sessions of multi-skills. his helps support some of their current challenges with independent dressing and fine/gross motor skills. Mainstream staff have adapted their lessons and aim for inclusion as much as possible over integration. Alongside PE, The Arch also has use of the school’s fitness suite which includes a wide range of gym equipment.

Outdoor Learning: Our Arch pupils enjoy learning outdoors. Having already achieved their eco-badges, we aspire to become the ‘bee-friendly’ school for Haverhill.  Outdoor learning enables Arch pupils to connect with nature, practise team building and learn how to live sustainably. Activities include gardening, creating outdoor art, combat archery and so much more! We have two fantastic gardens – a quiet, reflective garden and a working garden where we grow fruit and vegetables.

AQA Unit Awards: An all-encompassing life-skills course which accredits our children with the knowledge they need to keep them safe and promotes independence for everyday living. Topics such as banking, catering and road safety are typically covered.

Year 9: As Arch pupils move through Year 9 start they begin to consider option subjects for GSCEs in KS4. At this point the curriculum becomes more tailored to each individual.

Key Stage 4

Pupils undertake a more bespoke programme of subjects suited to their needs and interests. Lessons such as Photography, Business Studies, Health and Social Care, etc, are examples of these. Where mainstream lessons are deemed appropriate, pupils attend these with support from teaching assistants. Pupils in Year 10 also undertake three days of work experience.

Additional Information

Lunchtime: Arch pupils either bring in a packed lunch or purchase food from the school canteen. Pupils going to the canteen do so 5mins before the rest of the school to avoid the crowds. Some choose to go independently where as others are supervised by an adult.

Celebration Days: Our pupils join with the mainstream students to take part with special celebrations such as World Book Day, Children in Need, Christmas dinner, etc.

Trips: Trips are an important part of developing pupil’s independence. Examples of this include visiting a London theatre to watch Matilda, Clip n’ Climb in Cambridge and Clare Country Park for a picnic. Every year Arch pupils attend an action-packed residential trip to Thorpe Woodlands Adventure Centre! During the day pupils participate in activities including: canoeing, zip-wiring and archery. Everybody has the opportunity to be active! Arch children are also invited to attend mainstream trips. For example, PGL in Lincolnshire and the Germany field trip.

Please feel free to call our Arch Team if you would like to know more or to arrange a tour. It’ll be great to meet you!