Excluded Pupils

The SPARK Learning Centre has thirty five computer terminals all internet linked which offer a broad range of fully supervised activities and most importantly, offer an award winning software package specifically focusing on Maths, English/Literacy, Science, technology and all core curriculum subjects from Key Stage 1 up to A level.

Once the Learning Centre was established, SPAAK began serving Reading Borough Council by supporting a specialist Pupil Referral Unit - Cranbury College and is now contracted to do so until the end of the school year 2010 offering vital services to pupils excluded from school for a variety of issues, on a one-to-one basis.

Finally and very importantly we are with a number of Special schools in neighbouring education authorities to provide in house and onsite services to them, similar to what we offer Cranbury College, the recently established education cornerstone of Reading Borough Council’s Children Education Support Services.

NEETs*, LDDs and Distance Learning

The modern school presents a challenging population dynamic which throws up a large number of education issues. Many of the problems which can disrupt the school environment can often be traced to a simple disenchantment with learning due often only to language difficulties or a lack of home supervision.

At SPAAK it is our aim to offer schools and parents, directly, the possibility of a short-term safety net with a long term strategy for assisting NEETs* and young people nearing permanent exclusion. Part of our ongoing development is the provision of VLEs (Virtual Learning Environments) and distance learning facilities as well as providing a Residential school for pupil with LDD.

Meeting challenges. The 14-19 Diplomas

The SPAAK we believe that small groups and one-to-one tuition ethos will contribute greatly to meeting 21st century challenges such as the delivery of “14 – 19 Diplomas” and the resulting timetable re-alignments which could see the disadvantaged student drop off the pace.

Assisting schools in achieving the rehabilitation of pupils who are temporarily disconnected has far reaching positive implications not only for the school but for the family and the broader community. At SPAAK we have the experience to keep those young people on course for success.