Curriculum

LVS Oxford offers personalised approaches to delivering an inspiring curriculum offering a blend of vocational and academic study and qualifications, set in a context of exceptional nurture and wellbeing. The outstanding setting of the school offers us ample opportunities to further inspire and support young people’s complex needs in their journey towards adulthood and independent living.

By providing and developing horticulture and land-based studies, through our Learning for Life (KS3) and Ready for Life (KS4) pathways, our young people will gain real-life experiences and qualifications leading to the very best employment opportunities. Students in Lower School visit a variety of workplaces to learn more about working life and participate in workshops delivered by employees from land-based or hospitality industries.

We have forged successful partnerships with local businesses to offer work experience to Upper School students, including Blenheim Palace, Soho Farmhouse and Fairytale Farm. We work collaboratively with them to shape our curriculum to meet industry requirements so that our students can enter the workforce where shortages exist, and transition successfully into the workplace.

In addition, we have an impressive record of supporting students with transition into internships and colleges that offer vocational pathways.

Furthermore, LVS Oxford offers exceptional support for young people’s wellbeing, with a team of therapy specialists who work with our young people to meet a wide range of complex needs so that they are enabled to thrive and achieve greater independence. This includes explicitly addressing barriers to employment around physical and sensory, communication and interaction difficulties.

The courses we currently offer are:

Academic Pathway:

Core Subjects:

English (Entry Level, Level 1 and 2, GCSE)

Mathematics (Entry Level, Level 1 and 2, GCSE)

Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Entry Level, GCSE)

Humanities (Entry Level, GCSE)

  • Geography
  • History
  • Beliefs and Values (Religious Education)

ICT (iDEA Award, ECDL)

Art and Design (ASDAN Expressive Arts, GCSE)

Options:

Art & Design (ASDAN Expressive Arts, GCSE)

Geography (Entry Level, GCSE)

History (Entry Level, GCSE)

Beliefs and Values – Religious Education (Entry Level, GCSE)

ASDAN Vocational Short Courses in:

  • Land-based Employment (with animal care)
  • Hospitality (with Cooking)

Learning for Life/Ready for Life Pathways:

KS3 Learning for Life Pathway

ASDAN Life Skills Challenges (PSHE in Years 7 and 8)

ASDAN Key Steps (PHSE Transition Course in Year 9, covering the following topics: identity, community, health, citizenship, environment, personal finance, enterprise, values, international)

Health and Fitness

Outdoor Learning (John Muir Award, Years 7 – 9)

Music (Years 7-8)

Drama Projects and LAMDA Entry Level Course

Cooking and Nutrition

Arts and Crafts / Therapeutic Projects

The KS3 Enterprise Project: Nurture, Thrive, Bloom!

Horticulture / ASDAN Gardening Short Course

KS4 Ready for Life Pathway:

ASDAN PSHE Short Course (emotional wellbeing, keeping safe and healthy, social media, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, sexual health, respectful relationships, families and parenting, financial choices, careers and your future, living in modern Britain)

ASDAN Employability Level 1

Health and Fitness

Cooking and Nutrition

Arts and Crafts / Therapeutic Projects

Travel Training

Work Experience

Duke of Edinburgh Award