Impact
Key Stage 4 Alternative Curriculum
IMPACT was a pilot programme in 2001 and is now a full time
provider of Alternative Curriculum for those pupils in Year 10 and
11 in Sefton for whom a work related curriculum provides a more
appropriate learning environment.
IMPACT offers a 2 year programme to approximately 180 pupils
each year who benefit from a full time programme which offers the
opportunity to follow core GCSE’s alongside a range of vocational
courses. The programme works in partnership with a wide range of
professional services, the most important of these being the Work
Based Learning Providers and Employers.
The programme is based at the Dale Acre Campus, Dale Acre Drive,
Bootle. IMPACT is a registered school and at present there are 23
staff. These include a Head Teacher, Deputy Head, Off-Site
Mananger, Teachers, Mentors, Teaching Assistants, a Counsellor, an
Attendance Officer and a Home/School Liaison Officer.
A typical week for a young person would include 2 days of
National Curriculum Core subjects leading to GCSE’s; a day of sport
and physical activities and 2 days of work based learning. This can
be with a Training Provider or an employer, learning a wide range
of employability skills. All vocational courses are accredited
through OCN or OCNW with an increasing range of BTEC and Vocational
GCSE’s being developed. Personal and Social Development of the
young people is of prime importance and opportunities to develop
self confidence and self esteem are incorporated throughout the
curriculum.
The young people are offered opportunities for extra curricular
courses, the most successful of these being the Young Enterprise
Company Programme. Under the guidance of our Business Advisor, Roy
Broadbent, IMPACT has achieved remarkable results every year. The
company has represented Sefton Schools in Merseyside Finals on 4
occasions and won through to the North West Finals.
The young people are also involved in community programmes which
are highlighted by the Christmas Parties but more recently have
extended their community involvement to include all year round
gardening and work with the local community
IMPACT was inspected by OFSTED on
20th/21st June 2007 and received an
outstanding overall judgement. Particular areas which were
highlighted as outstanding included the Personal Development and
well-being of the pupils who feel secure and feel valued and the
care, guidance and support with pupils receiving outstanding
personal care. Leadership and Management was also judged
outstanding.
As a result of this, IMPACT is now a model of good practice and
has been the focus of visits from other Local Authorities to share
good practice especially in behaviour management and innovation in
developing personalised learning programmes.
The progression routes for the young people include moving on to
Further Education at one of the 3 Colleges or into KGV
6th Form College, gaining full time employment or moving
into full time Training Programmes.
IMPACT has been continually evolving over the past 6 years. The
move from Mast House to Dale Acre Campus has been the most
significant development providing a stimulating and well equipped
learning environment. This has enabled the development of a wider
range of vocational courses especially on site.
For a significant number of young people in Sefton, IMPACT has
offered an alternative learning style which is more practical and
has allowed them to achieve success and enjoy their final years of
compulsory education.
Last Updated on 1/9/2012