Our Services -
Education Centre
The Boulters Education
The Boulters takes an integrated approach to education. The Boulters believes education is fundamental to a successful placement plan and future opportunities for each young person referred and is an integral part of our approach.
We provide specialist education for students aged between twelve and seventeen years with complex behavioural and emotional problems and, as a result, associated learning difficulties. Most referred young people have had disrupted schooling, often including extensive periods of exclusion from formal education. Some young people also have associated learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dispraxia and ADHD.
Location
The location of the education and skills centre was of paramount importance to The Boulters. The location and setting had to provide a calming atmosphere, with peaceful surroundings and picturesque views. The education centre is set in the heart of an area of outstanding beauty and of national interest, and because of this the building is listed with English Heritage. The premises is situated adjacent to the Oare Gunpowder Museum.
The location provides an excellent environment in which to provide supportive teaching and helps the young people with their social, emotional and behavioural skills. English Heritage have agreed that the students are able to assist with the upkeep of the park and surrounding woodland whilst under proper supervision, thus enhancing further their skills and understanding of the local environment.
Quality Assurance
The centre is registered with Ofsted; the registration number is 886/6127. This national recognition is supported by the acceptance of quality by the major academic accreditation bodies ASDAN and Edexcel.
The Boulters Approach
The Boulters' emphasis is on the development of all our pupils' literacy, numeracy, vocational skills and social skills. The aim is to develop the pupil's self-esteem and self knowledge, enabling them to improve their behaviour and develop positive relationships with peers and adults within a supportive environment. The timetable includes regular visits to the library, activities such as cookery, swimming and fishing, and individual meetings with staff in which young people can discuss any concerns and anxieties.
Individual Assessment and Planning
The Boulters is aware that all young people referred have individual abilities, skills and preferred learning styles. We therefore carry out a full assessment of their academic abilities. The assessment will identify their core skills, abilities, preferred learning styles and provide an assessment of their previous experiences of education and learning abilities. This assessment is the foundation of a highly specialised individual teaching programme that meets the educational needs of each student. The individual programmes are based on the requirements of the National Curriculum, key skills and ASDAN. Supporting schemes of work include relevant assessment criteria from examination boards and the national curriculum which help to develop literacy, numeracy and ICT. This leads to accreditation through Edexcel and ASDAN.
Rewards and Behaviour Management
The Boulters' philosophy of education promotes a behaviour management scheme that continually rewards effort, achievement and improved behaviour. These rewards are individually tailored to incentivise each student. It is a firm belief that this consistent approach will, in the medium and long term, encourage young people to take responsibility for their own decision making and actions.
Re-Integration Programmes
The Boulters aims, wherever possible, to re-integrate students into mainstream schools and to enable them to pursue courses at local schools and colleges. When re-integration to mainstream education takes place the process is often gradual, enabling young people to move from our highly individualised education experience towards the environment of a mainstream school or college. Consequently, great effort is placed on making sure that the continuity of academic progression is smooth and supported. The school also endeavours to promote life skills and independence such as the teaching of cookery etc and the promotion of social skills.
Mixing with the community
The Boulters develops links with mainstream schools and colleges and with other community resources. Our organisation has built up links with the local Connexions service, leisure and outward bound centres, the police, counselling centres and even a yacht chartering company. The centre also strives to promote the pupils' awareness of other faiths and cultures and regularly takes the students on excursions to explore these. This promotes tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions thus improving spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Working towards employment
The centre's ethos is 'To endeavour to give students the ability to challenge confidently for employment equal to their peers'. When a student leaves, it is our aim to ensure that each student is equipped with sufficient skills and the confidence to find employment. This includes experience with local companies under work experience placement programmes. The training also includes developing appropriate interview and interpersonal skills. This will enable a student to overcome any previous difficulties and to present themselves confidently and professionally within a working environment. The centre is registered with Asdan and can offer accredited courses.
- Contact
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Off Bysingwood Road,
Faversham,
Kent,
ME13 7UD - Tel: 01795 529184
- Contact time 8.30-9-30 and 15.00-16.00
For initial enquiries and referrals please contact Lisa Scott on lscott@theboulters.com
