Our Values, Vision and Ethos
At NCW it is our aim to ensure there are no barriers to success for any child with a vision impairment. The combination of tailored learning, extra-curricular experiences and the immense support offered by staff and peers means that every child has the opportunity to achieve their very best potential.
New College Worcester provides:
- Academic focus for students with a vision impairment
- Expert subject teachers qualified to teach the vision impaired
- A ‘Waking Day’ curriculum – learning doesn’t stop at the end of the school day
- An individualised approach for every student and very small class sizes
- An ethos which puts students first
- A robust safeguarding environment
- Increased student employability through academic achievement and social skills
- High aspirations for every person
- Outreach Service offering training and advice to mainstream settings
- Work experience, internships and careers guidance
- A transcription service to ensure all learning materials are individualised for each student
Thank you for making school such an amazing place. I was shocked when [daughter] said she wanted to return - it’s the polar opposite of her experience at primary!
We pride ourselves on:
- Providing opportunity for the academically gifted
- Maximising educational outcomes for all vision impaired children
- Fitting each student with skills for life that result in them being independent, self-confident and able to lead productive and fulfilled lives
The College accepts students with a wide range of vision impairments and some students have additional needs such as a hearing impairment, autism or have limited mobility. Places are usually funded by the student’s Local Authority.
NCW Students have a wide range of academic ability following the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3, following onto GCSEs and AS/A2 courses. The College offers some entry level and vocational courses in key stage 4 and 5 and some 6th formers follow vocational programmes at a local college supported by NCW staff. Students also have Independent Living Skills (ILS), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mobility, Braille and PE lessons, and some students follow ASDAN courses (personal, social and communication skills).
Accommodation for years 7 to 11 is in one of three junior houses, each with several bedrooms, dedicated residential staff, a study room, sitting room and communal kitchen – staying as full or weekly boarders, or attending daily. Once in sixth form students in the sixth form house or hostel are encouraged to be self-sufficient and independent, in preparation for their journey beyond NCW.
More information:
- Children with special education needs – Extra SEN help
- Schools colleges and children’s services – UK Government SEND Code of Practice
- UK Government publication. Young people 0-25 and SEND
This will be achieved by providing:
- a caring, safe, supportive and aspirational environment for students to develop their knowledge, skills and personal qualities
- an environment that holds high expectations and standards in education and behaviour
- an individualised approach so each student is able to reach their full potential
- an extensive outreach programme providing informed support to vision impaired students in other schools and colleges
Every time I drive through the gates of NCW, I feel good that [daughter] is in the right place and loves being at NCW.
It takes immense trust to hand over your child when you have spent the past 11 years making sure an opportunity to enhance their life is not missed. We are in awe of the children's independence at NCW - this speaks volumes and shows that you are getting it right.
*** Please note we are a nut-free school ***
NCW VISION
NCW aims to be a nationally recognised centre of excellence, providing a caring and supportive environment in which blind and partially sighted students develop the knowledge, skills and personal qualities they need to succeed in education, work and life. Further, NCW aims to ensure an extensive and successful outreach programme providing informed support to visually impaired students in other schools and colleges.
Objectives: how we work to achieve our vision
At NCW, each individual student is able to achieve their potential in their personal, academic, physical, emotional, moral and spiritual development. A differentiated and rigorous curriculum is an entitlement for all students and stimulates them to work hard and enjoy learning. A strong structure of student support underpins the curriculum. A wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities are provided for enjoyment but also to enable students to achieve and to grow in confidence and self esteem. Careful and considered support and guidance encourages independence and prepares students for effective transition from NCW.
The College is an orderly and healthy learning environment, where high expectations and standards are always evident. Staff and students take personal responsibility for their actions and progress. The contributions of students and staff are valued and learning and achievements are celebrated. Equality of opportunity is assured and an inclusive atmosphere is created and maintained.
Members of staff are professional, committed and well motivated, with opportunities for professional development encouraged and pursued. Honest and constructive self assessment underpins appropriate development and change, with the student voice being an essential element of College improvement. There is a constructive partnership between students, parents, staff and governors.
Recognising our role in the wider context, a carefully considered and well resourced outreach programme serves to support the teachers and other professionals who work with visually impaired students in a range of educational environments, sharing the exceptional expertise and experience of staff at NCW.
