Prospectus Version PDF

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Brownhill Learning Community comprises of ‘The school provides a
Brownhill School and Rochdale Pupil Referral wide range of learning
Service. opportunities within
and outside the school.’
We provide educational for pupils who are
out of mainstream schools for a variety of Ofsted 2013
reasons that include exclusion, emotional and
behavioural difficulties, medical reasons,
pregnancy and young mothers.

We operate across three sites around the
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough. Heights
Lane is formerly Brownhill School located
near to the centre of Rochdale. Darnhill Site
is located in Darnhill, Heywood. Year 11
Centre is located in Belfield, Rochdale.

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We believe in a Learning Community where everyone feels valued, included and achieves and we
aim to create a nurturing environment.

Our aim is to identify and meet individual learning needs through a nurturing environment.

Our objectives are:
 To provide appropriate high quality learning opportu-

nities for all
 To develop proactive partnership working with all

stakeholders
 To create an environment where views and opinions

are respected and appreciated

‘Each pupil is valued so there
is equality of opportunity to
access learning’

Ofsted 2013

3

‘The curriculum has a strong emphasis
on personal and social education as
well as on basic skills in literacy and
numeracy.’

Ofsted 2013

At Brownhill Learning Community we provide a broad and balanced curriculum to meet the needs
and aspirations of the young people in our care.
The curriculum at KS3 is based around literacy and numeracy and is personalised to the individuals
needs.
The KS4 curriculum is designed to prepare our students to progress into the world of work or further
education. The curriculum offers 2 days of vocational training alongside 3 days in school. All KS4
students have the opportunity to work towards GCSE qualifications in English, Maths, Science and ICT.

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The real strength of the curriculum at Brownhill
is the specialised learning which provides pupils
with appropriate challenges, regardless of
their ability, enabling them to success.

‘Parents praise the school Parents who are interested in finding out more
and the approachability of about the curriculum their child is following are
the Headteacher and her welcome to contact the school to speak with
staff. Regular newsletters class teachers. Regular reports and contact
and coffee mornings have with parents is provided throughout the year.
contributed to this view.’

Ofsted 2013

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We have our very own Youth Team at the BLC. Working to a student centred approach the youth team
aims to provide opportunities out of the classroom for all BLC students to access new activities, opportunities
and qualifications. Work will include making films, adventure, sport, producing music and practical garden
based projects.
There will be additional developmental opportunities for students who engage well and show enthusiasm,
encouraging positive behaviour.
They also provide after school trips and clubs for all BLC students to access.

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During the evenings, at weekends and during
school holiday periods we run an Extended
Schools Programme. The programme is designed
to give students opportunities to participate in
activities and events they may otherwise not be
able to.

Extended schools activities include: play sessions,
football, mountain biking, cooking, gardening,
girls groups, residential trips and much more...

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‘Some pupils find it hard to control their emotions
and there are occasional outbursts. The calm,
skilful handling of such incidents by staff enables
other pupils to continue working’

Ofsted 2013

We are absolutely committed to the full inclusion of all of our students, parents and staff.
We see inclusion as a process of identifying, understanding and reducing the barriers to
learning and participation.
Given the cohort at the BLC, the admission arrangements for students with a statement of
special educational needs are exactly the same as for those without.

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‘Pupils respond to the frequent
praising comments and value
the rewards to be gained from
behaving well’

Ofsted 2013

We really care about our young people and want to
do our best to ensure that they feel safe, secure and
valued.
Pastoral care is an absolute essential in our unique
environment and all of our staff are excellent in their
abilities to deal with the sensitive and challenging
situations that arise for students and their families.
We realise the importance of working closely with
families and carers to ensure that the best possible
care is offered to students.

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We consider practical experience to be the best way for students to learn how they are expected to
conduct themselves in a work or training environment.

We have close links with Hopwood Hall College and ACE Training who along with our in-house place-
ments, offer a range of subjects for our students to experience.

Year 10

Through Hopwood Hall College’s carousel of courses programme, students in year 10 can experience a
different subject each half term.

Year 11

Vocational subjects are a valuable learning experience for
any student and provide access to a range of accredited
courses.
We are constantly updating and changing our courses to
reflect the employment areas which are available in the
Rochdale Borough and Greater Manchester areas.

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We are committed to providing a planned programme of careers education and impartial information,
advice and guidance (IAG) for all students in years 7-11 in partnership with positive steps.

The careers programme is designed to meet the needs of the students in our community. It is designed
to ensure progression through a variety of activities that are appropriate to students’ stages of career
learning, planning and development.

Through our CEIAG programme we aim to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes and help to promote
equality and diversity.

We currently hold a Gold Award for Inspiring IAG in school and we are working very hard to ensure
that we maintain this high standard in the future.

‘The vast majority of pupils who
leave the school advance into
further education, employment
or training’

Ofsted 2013

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