NUNNYKIRK CENTRE FOR DYSLEXIA

Nunnykirk Centre for Dyslexia ISIS No. 0787 is one of a select number of schools in the country which is designated for the education of dyslexic children. Approved by the DfEE and CReSTeD, it is unique in the North of England and enjoys a high profile locally and an excellent reputation among the professionals who work in this field. An excellent OFSTED report in l998 concluded that ‘Nunnykirk offers good teaching, good resources, good results and good value for money.’

The school is situated in a magnificent John Dobson building in the heart of Northumbrian countryside, but within easy reach of the county town of Morpeth, the A1 Motorway and rail and air links in Newcastle. The grounds extend to about twelve acres of gardens and recreation areas including playing fields, and there is rough woodland and river for fishing and swimming. The school keeps a smallholding which includes sheep, hens, ducks, gees, turkeys and pigs which are used in the teaching of Rural Studies.

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

Nunnykirk is a pleasant, friendly community of young people where high standards, hard work and sensible behaviour are expected, and it us under these favourable conditions that we aim to exploit the best in every pupil whatever the severity of their dyslexia, build their confidence and self esteem, encourage social awareness, develop interests in a range of sports and hobbies and prepare them for the adult world.

‘Behaviour, being calm and well ordered, promotes confidence and makes for a very good learning atmosphere. The settled, supportive environment promotes confidence and pupils and parents regard this as a strength of the school. The school has an extremely strong and successful commitment to enhancing pupils self-esteem and this has a very positive effect on all relationships within the school.’ (OFSTED 1998)’

The school has been established for the past twenty-two years and during that time has become a leader in its field with a high degree of expertise and experience among its teaching staff. It offers education for up to 45 boys and girls aged from 9 – 16, who attend as day or weekly boarders, which we have found to be the ideal, enabling pupils to participate fully in school life, without losing contact with home and friends which is highly valued.

ACADEMIC

Pupils follow the full National Curriculum from Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 4 (excluding a foreign language) in classes of no more than eight. Fully trained specialist staff, including language therapist, work with a Special Needs Co-ordinator to assess literacy skills and develop an Individual Education Plan for each child which pupils follow in groups of 4 and also on a one-to-one basis enabling them to make optimum progress. An annual review with teachers, parents and other professional concerned with each child provides ongoing support. As part of a comprehensive learning programme all pupils practice Educational Kinesiology – BRAIN GYM on a daily basis.

‘The extent to which teachers use assessment to inform planning and to modify teaching is a strength in the school. The overall academic progress over time amongst pupils with serious literacy difficulties is good because the teaching combines specific approaches to literacy difficulties with the pursuit of a broad curriculum within a personally supportive, ordered environment which fosters confidence and good work habits.’ (OFSTED 1998).

At Key Stage 4 pupils are offered a range of National Examinations including GCSE’s,Certificate of Achievements, AEB Literacy Exams CLAIT Technology exams, and the school is a RSA Examinations Centre.

‘Pupils’ attitudes throughout the school, in lessons and at leisure or in the residential situation are very good. They approach lessons with confidence; they are friendly polite and tolerant; they offer opinions willingly, accept criticism well and ask relevant questions.’ (OFSTED 1998)

At each stage of the curriculum pupils are taught keyboard skills to enable them to use the very full range of latest word processing and computer facilities that are available , so enabling them to record their written work more easily.

HOMEWORK AND MONITORING

Pupils are expected to complete homework tasks, and reports are sent to parents each term. At the end of the summer term parents are invited to an Annual Prize Giving, where both effort as well as attainment are recognised, followed by a meeting with teachers.

‘The setting and marking of homework is frequent, regular and makes a very significant contribution to overall progress throughout the school. Homework, the clarity of teachers’ guidance, the appropriate use of worksheets and careful reiteration in lessons are significant strengths in securing progress across a broad curriculum amongst pupils with marked literacy difficulties.’ (OFSTED 1998)

CAREERS

At Key Stage 4 pupils are given comprehensive careers advice by both the Careers member of staff at school, and also the Careers Advisory Centre in Northumberland who works directly with a pupil’s local career centre. Work experience is offered in Year 10 and Year 11. The vast majority of pupils continue their education after 16, either in sixth form or colleges of further education, embarking on a wide range of courses from A levels GNVQ’s, B .Tech courses and on to University degrees, to more practical courses such as horticulture and agriculture, art, catering. Past pupils have chosen careers as diverse as Team Member for the British Downhill Cycling Team , professional yacht skipper, to photography and engineering.

SPORT

At Nunnykirk we aim to make sport fun. All pupils are given the opportunity to participate in sport at all levels, and a full range of curriculum and extra-curricular activities are provided, from traditional games like rugby to canoeing, archery, and Duke of Edinburgh Award. Certificate of Achievement and Junior Sports Leader Awards are offered at Key Stage 4. Our aim is to develop a pupil’s confidence and skills to tackle new challenges. Pupils regularly compete both regionally and nationally in athletics and cross country, and enjoy friendly matches with local schools. The success of our sports programme was recognised in the Gold Sportmark Award from the British Sports Council.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

A very wide range of extra curricular activities is offered to all pupils.

These include water colour painting, canoeing, sailing, harriers, swimming, scouts, judo, table-tennis, badminton, poetry and drama club, a variety of crafts, fishing – in fact if a pupil suggests a hobby they may want to try then we make every effort to fulfil this. A most recent and extremely popular development has been the Go-Kart Club. Nunnykirk now has several Karts and weekdays and Saturdays most of the pupils participate in this exciting hobby.

Visits to the theatre, museums and places of interest take place on a regular basis.

PASTORAL

The welfare and pastoral care is undertaken by teachers together with a staff of two housemasters and two full-time matrons. Staff enjoy a close , supportive relationship with parents who are welcome to contact school at any time to discuss any concerns they may have either by telephone or in person. Looking after pupils welfare is as important as their education to ensure a truly ‘holistic’ approach.

Parents are also welcomed into school on several informal occasions, including sports day, Open Day, barbecue, annual Christmas production and also an Information Day when teachers give advice on such topics as ‘hearing your child read’ and there is an exchange of ideas.

‘The implementation of policies and procedures relating to monitoring and promoting good behaviour and discipline are very good and are a strength in the school.’ (OFSTED 1998).

 

We are very proud of our pupils and their achievements at Nunnykirk. Our success can be measured in the confident young people who leave us to new challenges beyond school.

Visitors are welcome to Nunnykirk at any time. If you wish to contact the school with a general enquiry regarding dyslexia, a brochure, or more information please telephone, write or fax, which can be found on the main page.