Engagement Pathways at The Polygon School

The Stretch and Engagement Pathways have been set up for pupils who, for a variety of reasons, find it difficult to engage with our Class Based Pathway. The curriculum that is offered to each student is personalised to their individual needs and motivations. Their personalised curriculum is designed to ensure that each pupil can make progress in relation to their needs and set them on a pathway for a positive transition from The Polygon School post-Year 11.

Life Skills

Using the relationships developed with the pupils, a programme of engagement sessions is run for them on an individualised timetable. Building on these interests and skills, the ASDAN programme of awards is used to build on these practical skills, enhance their personalised curriculum and ensure that every pupil leaves with a wide-ranging portfolio of awards.

ASDAN and Unit Awards Scheme

Every pupil will be given the opportunity to complete the ASDAN short course award in PSHE. If pupils complete this course before their time in this pathway comes to an end, the ASDAN award will be supplemented with AQA Awards Scheme PSHE units tailored to their needs. Whilst all pupils will follow the ASDAN short course, timetables are flexible to be adjusted to an individual’s needs and so alternative units will always be an option to supplement the core curriculum at Morris House.

The AQA Unit Awards Scheme offers a vast range of unit awards. Individual pupils will have the chance to gain awards in areas of interest. A variety of Unit Awards will be undertaken based on our knowledge of the individual pupils and their chosen pathway. For example, a pupil working towards their GCSE English will complete the Unit Awards in GCSE English Language as preparation for the exam, to engage them in smaller steps and to break the learning down to enable greater success along their path.

Entry Levels

All pupils will be given the opportunity to gain their Entry Levels 1-3 in both English and Maths. For many, this will become part of their journey onto further learning in these subjects. For other pupils, their success might be leaving The Polygon School with an Entry Level qualification which gives them more options in their chosen career or education path post-16. Which Entry Level each pupil starts on will depend on individual assessment of pupils when they begin their journey on the Morris House Curriculum pathway.

Functional Skills Levels 1 & 2

For those pupils that have engaged in Entry Levels 1,2 or 3, there is an opportunity to work towards their Functional Skills Levels 1 & 2 in English, Maths and Digital Skills. These qualifications are roughly equivalent to Grades 1-4 at GCSE, but their context can make them both more accessible and engaging courses for pupils. These qualifications could support pupils in gaining their GCSE in English Language and Maths here at The Polygon or at their chosen college post-16.

iGCSEs

The opportunity to study for, and sit, iGCSEs in both English Language and Maths is available for those pupils with the resilience and engagement to do so. Regular attendance above 80% is essential if pupils are to be sufficiently prepared for these exams.

Ethos

The Polygon School’s Stretch and Engagement Pathways are designed to meet the complex and varied needs of pupils who require a highly personalised approach to education.

• Stretch Pathway: Created for pupils who, for a variety of reasons, find it difficult to engage with our Class Based Pathway. The curriculum that is offered to each student is personalised to their individual needs and motivations and delivered across multiple venues and providers, ensuring a flexible and responsive educational experience.
• Engagement Pathway: Tailored for pupils who benefit from a blended learning model, combining time on the school site, at Morris House, and through off-site activities. This approach fosters connection, routine, and a sense of belonging.

Intent

Our primary aim is to raise pupil engagement and attendance through a nurturing, strength-based curriculum. We build timetables around:

• What motivates each pupil
• What they need to achieve during their time at school
• What will support their transition beyond school

We believe every pupil has unique strengths. Our role is to identify, nurture, and develop these strengths so that each young person can take their place in society and contribute positively to their community.

Qualifications

Where appropriate, pupils work towards academic qualifications or other formally recognised achievements. These may be ASDAN awards, AQA Unit Awards or GCSEs in Maths and English. Access to these sessions is determined by individual need, ensuring that learning remains relevant, accessible, and meaningful.

Implementation

Our curriculum is delivered through:

• Safe, secure, and supportive learning environments
• Structured and sequenced lessons, enriched by a ‘hidden curriculum’
• A strong PSHE focus embedded throughout the school day and in the delivery of ASDAN’s PSHE award
• Use of both on-site and off-site resources for experiential learning opportunities
• A wide range of employer encounters
• Skilled, qualified, and experienced staff
• Entry Levels and GSCEs in Maths and English
• ASDAN awards and AQA Unit Awards
• Consistent marking, feedback, and assessment practices, including ICT-based tools
• A unified approach to behaviour management aligned with school policy

Impact

We expect and strive for positive outcomes across all areas of pupil development. Progress is monitored through:

• Attendance and participation data
• Academic progress in workbooks
• Achievement of accredited awards
• Pupil voice and satisfaction surveys

We also support pupils in identifying future pathways, signposting opportunities for further education, training, and employment. Our goal is to ensure every pupil leaves us with the confidence, skills, and direction to thrive post-Year 11 whether that me in further education or in their chosen career pathway.

Examples of STRETCH Programme timetables

• 1:1 academic work
• Fishing
• Boxing
• Bushcraft
• ASDAN
• Mechanical skills
• Vocational skills
• Attending alternative providers e.g. NXT