River Dart Academy (Dartington)

Get in Touch

Principal & Main Contact: Nathan Hayes - Principal River Dart Academy

Address: Shinners Bridge Dartington TQ9 6JD, Devon, England. UK

Senior Administrator: Heidi Correlli

Phone: 01803 865580

Email: riverdart@wavemat.org

Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 0800 - 1600

About

River Dart Academy is located in a picturesque area of Dartington. Our aim is to work closely with primary and secondary schools to provide support to the most vulnerable students.

Our students come to us at various points throughout their schooling, usually as a result of their school placement having broken down. Our purpose is to support students to create an environment where everyone can grow and develop, as they become responsible citizens and lifelong learners. Our role is to help students get back on track, either through a return to regular schooling or by completing Year 11 at River Dart Academy.

We work closely with a diverse range of outside agencies both statutory and voluntary so that our students can access the support and guidance they need. We are committed to tailoring our curriculum to meet the needs of our students, developing a range of skills knowledge, attitudes and understanding so all our students can aspire to their full potential.

Staff

Nathan Hayes

Principal

Nathan has been a teacher for 14 years (having taught Science and Mathematics), with varying TLR responsibilities, including Head of Visual Impairment Unit, Inclusion Manager for KS3, Second in charge of Mathematics, Quality Assurance Manager & ITT mentor. He enjoys looking at the data behind student outcomes and how they can be improved. He was a two sport international, having achieved caps for Wales in basketball (Men’s, U23’s & U18’s) and volleyball (Junior men’s) and won the National League and Cup Final (Wembley Arena) with Plymouth Raiders in 2001. He now enjoys spending his spare time with his family enjoying all that Cornwall has to offer.

Family Support Manager

Sam McGregor

Sam McGregor has worked in education for the past 10 years. Starting as a Primary School Teacher and building to take subject responsibilities and support the pastoral development of pupils who were struggling in education. From there Sam went to work in Torbay to reduce exclusions of Primary Children, working with Families, schools and agencies to bring about positive outcomes for young people. Sam's passion is helping children engage in education to improve their chances of being successful.

SENCO

Claire Treliving

Claire gained her PGCE in History and PE at Exeter University in 2000. She spent seven years working in a secondary in Yeovil being Head of Year 11 for the final two years. Relocating to Devon Claire began at an outstanding KS3 PRU called Voyager as an outreach behaviour teacher to help reduce exclusions. Following the merge of the Devon PRU schools and the medical division, Claire continued to with students permanently excluded from school. Over the years Claire has seen many changes and carried out various roles but has been the SENCO for the last four years and has successfully gained the National SENCO Award with Plymouth University. Claire enjoys being the voice for students with special needs and is committed to make positive changes for all no matter the barriers.

Curriculum

KS1 and 2 Curriculum

We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing environment in the KS1/2 classroom. The curriculum offer is based upon the new National Curriculum and is focused on supporting the pupils in building their self-esteem and developing skills that will prepare them for successful transition to a more permanent placement. THRIVE, PSHCE, and Protective Behaviours are delivered alongside a core curriculum to ensure that all our pupils can access and make progress in learning. Learning Outside the Classroom is an integral part of the curriculum as it enables pupils to build confidence and resilience in outdoor settings. Every primary pupil is encouraged to set themselves both curriculum and personal targets each term. In spite of the fact that most of the children are brought into school by taxi, we are able to develop a positive working relationship with parents.

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum - English

In KS3 English students are developing their reading, writing and communication skills. This covers interpretation of text, exploratory writing and speaking and listening. Our aim is for students to improve their functional English skills and descriptive writing. In Year 11 students are currently entered for GCSE English Language and have an option to enter for GCSE English Literature. Students may also take Functional Skills at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2.

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum - Maths

At KS3, each student is assessed and follows appropriate Maths work. Within each grouping there may be students working on different topics at different levels according to their individual needs, but this can be easily resourced due to the small class sizes. Students will tackle basic arithmetic skills in the initial weeks to fill commonly existing gaps in their knowledge. Y11 students follow the AQA GCSE Maths specification. Students may also be entered for Functional Skills at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2.

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum - Science

All KS3 students follow the National Curriculum. KS4 students follow the AQA Biology course.

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum - PSHE/Careers

All KS3 and KS4 students study a range of subjects incorporating personal and economic wellbeing. Personal Wellbeing includes sex education, drugs education, hygiene and self-esteem. Economic Wellbeing topics include target setting, enterprise and study skills. Lessons are structured to ensure discussion and debate on different issues. KS4 students follow the GCSE PSHE course.

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum - ART

All KS3 students study Art at least twice a week. KS4 students will be able to complete the AQA Art and Design course, choosing between the following options below to suit their interest: Art, craft and design Fine art Graphic Communication Textile Design Three-Dimensional design Photography

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum - Home Cooking Skills

We will be offering BTEC level 2 Home Cooking Skills to all students and be working on the basic life skills of healthy eating, budgeting, food preparation & hygiene and cooking skills.

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum - SEMH

All KS3 and KS4 students follow this personal development course; a practical approach to learning which supports young people to fulfil their potential.