Secondary (Key Stage 4 / Key Stage 5)

Hillingdon Manor School is an independent day school which offers excellent education, opportunities for national accreditation and effective support to pupils on the Autistic Spectrum. Teaching is structured and focused to cover the National Curriculum, taking into account individual difference, ability and interests in learning. Besides the core areas of learning (English, Maths, Science, ICT) students are offered options in a range of subjects and skills at different levels: History, Geography, Citizenship, PE, Art, Textiles, Photography, Life skills, Work related Learning, Music Tech, Performing Arts, Painting and Decorating, Multi skills, Horticulture and Food Technology. Accreditation available to the students at Hillingdon Manor School includes ASDAN, GCSEs, Entry Level qualifications, certificates/awards/diplomas in life and vocational skills in line with the National Qualifications Framework. Pupils are able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The students in key stages 4 and 5 are given many opportunities to practice what they learn in the school setting and in the world outside school. This is achieved through involvement with the immediate community around school, structured work experience locally, use of local sports facilities and involvement with mainstream peers in a local schools and college. If students reach a specific level of ability in dealing with mainstream situations, they have the opportunity to re-integrate and study at a local college.

The specialist curriculum at Hillingdon Manor School addresses the main areas of impairment of autism effectively alongside the pupil’s individual academic achievement. Our approach is based upon a therapeutic communication-focused environment with structure and teaching to ensure constant progress in all areas – social and emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physical.

Each student is supported by a range of positive intervention and reward systems to feel safe and secure enough to make constructive choices. Students are divided into Houses and earn points towards their house outing – points are awarded for good work, compliance with school rules and as a motivator during lessons. The points also go towards an individual total and when pupils earn 350 points, they achieve a merit which is worth a £5 high street voucher. Students who are not motivated by this system will have individualised incentives and rewards.

Our approach has proven to be very effective since our opening and facilitates the well-being of both our students and staff, resulting in a vibrant and exciting learning community.