A STAFFORDSHIRE special school is asking for help from local businesses as work begins on a brand-new Sixth Form block.
Queen’s Croft High School, in Lichfield, is a secondary special school for pupils aged 11-19 with moderate learning difficulties.
It has more than 200 pupils on roll and covers Lichfield, Rugeley, Tamworth, Cannock, Stafford, Walsall and Birmingham and although it has always had a Sixth Form provision, this has been integrated within the main school building.
However, work will be undertaken over the summer holidays – after requests from pupils – that will see the Sixth Form provision become a separate entity.
Headteacher Clive Lawrence said: “The remodelling of the Sixth Form block is about better preparing our students and raising aspirations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, so that it feels more like a college or work environment.
“We’re proud to offer subjects such as core maths, English, PSHE and computing as well as a two-day vocational programme in either hospitality and catering, sport and leisure, health and social care, admin and retail or horticulture.
“Pupils then undertake a mix of theory-based learning and practical learning in terms of community-based projects, careers talks and volunteering.
“Our aim is to get them as much real-world experience as possible so that they leave us with a range of accredited qualifications.
“But it was clear that the pupils felt that they needed a learning environment that reflected this, and, after consultation with our young people, we have plans to create a more ‘grown-up’ Sixth form block.”
One of the pupils who has worked alongside the senior leadership team at Queen’s Croft is Elliott Furber. He came up with suggestions such as appropriate attire for Sixth Form, ID badges to distinguish pupils from the rest of the students in school and a common area where they can socialise.
Mr Lawrence added: “Developing social skills is very important to our students and they felt that a common area where they could relax between studies would be hugely beneficial.
“We do, though, need help to improve this area and that is why we’re asking local businesses for donations of games consoles, pool tables and items that would be suitable for their ‘common room’. It’s important to them that they have space to relax outside of teaching time.
“Our school moto is ‘inspiring GREATness and we want to ensure that our Post-16 students have a great learning environment that really prepares them for future education, training of employment.
“Since joining Queen’s Croft I have been on a relentless mission to work in partnership with all stakeholders to really improve the provision and facilities for our Sixth Form learners and these exciting plans will help with that.”
