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Serendipity changing outcomes for looked-after pupils
The Serendipity Centre’s radical approach to educating its mainly “looked-after” students is bucking the national trend when it comes to pupils in care.
After a glowing first OFSTED report, Serendipity’s fair but firm approach and motto of “respect” is already resulting in many of its girls, previously with no aspirations, following a full curriculum and turning in outstanding attendance records.
The highly successful Hampshire school is turning around the lives of its previously disaffected students, whose behavioural, emotional and social needs are too complex for state schools. Around 80 per cent of the 10 girls are “looked after” and many were permanently excluded from mainstream education.
In line with the TES’ Time to Care campaign, which highlighted the way the system often fails children in care, Serendipity has tailored its curriculum around its pupils, creating a holistic education model.
The girls study a personal, tailored curriculum of English, maths, science, history, art and life skills - they also have regular therapy and must follow a physical activity such as boxing, dance, PE or horse riding.
Shockingly, only six per cent of looked-after children attain five or more C grades at GCSE compared to 59 per cent nationally. Although many of Serendipity’s students will not be capable of passing GCSEs because they are sometimes as much as seven years behind, most will take entry level exams which will allow them to pursue studies at college.
Headteacher Sue Tinson said: “Previously, these girls had no hope of a future or going on to study but we are giving them that chance. We are aiming to attract even more 11 - 12-year-olds - where we have the time to help the girls catch-up and realise their potential.”
Many are now enrolling in part-time college courses in September and the future’s looking bright for the Southampton school and its students.
Last year, Serendipity was just the third UK school to be awarded a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) - a formal collaboration with the School of Education at the University of Southampton. The two-year project costing the school £65,000 aims to design and implement a holistic educational model for girls with complex special educational needs. This model will broaden and enhance the curriculum for the girls to address both their educational needs and their social exclusion.