Art & Design at Sussex APC gives students the freedom to explore, create, 
and express themselves. Through projects that include drawing, painting, photography, textiles, and mixed media, students develop both technical skill and creative confidence. Lessons encourage experimentation, imagination, 
and problem-solving, helping young people find their own artistic voice.

Students have opportunities to showcase their work within Sussex APC 
and across the wider community, gaining pride and recognition for their achievements. The subject also supports a range of accredited qualifications and opens pathways into further study and careers in the creative industries.

Preparing young people for life beyond school is a key part of our Key Stage 4 curriculum. Through our Personal Development programme, pupils work towards the WJEC Preparing for Adulthood externally accredited qualification, developing the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to become independent, responsible and successful young adults.

This is strengthened through a comprehensive careers education programme, meaningful work experience opportunities and a wide range of enrichment activities. Together, these experiences enable pupils to develop the personal qualities and employability skills valued by employers, including communication, teamwork, resilience, problem-solving and responsibility, whilst encouraging them to make a positive contribution to their local communities and wider society.

Our ambition is that every young person leaves West Sussex Alternative Provision College with not only recognised qualifications, but also the confidence, skills and aspirations to progress successfully into further education, employment or training. We believe that success is measured not only by the qualifications our pupils achieve, but by the confident, resilient and responsible young adults they become.

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At West Sussex Alternative Provision College, our English curriculum is designed to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to achieve a recognised qualification that supports their future education, employment and training.

Our primary qualification offer is AQA GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Pupils follow a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops reading, writing and spoken language skills whilst building the knowledge and confidence required for success at GCSE. Teaching is tailored to individual starting points, enabling pupils to make strong progress regardless of previous educational experiences.

For a small number of pupils who are not yet able to access GCSE Level 2 content, we offer Functional Skills English. This provides an alternative pathway, focusing on the practical literacy skills needed for everyday life, further learning and employment. Where appropriate, pupils are supported to progress from Functional Skills towards GCSE study as their confidence and attainment develop.

Our ambition is for every pupil to leave West Sussex Alternative Provision College with the strongest possible English qualification, ensuring they are well prepared for their next stage of education or employment.

Food Technology at Sussex APC combines essential life skills with practical, industry-ready knowledge. Students learn the fundamentals of cooking, nutrition, and food hygiene while gaining confidence in the kitchen. Lessons are hands-on and focus on building independence, creativity, and teamwork. Alongside developing practical skills for everyday life, learners explore pathways into the hospitality and catering industries and work towards recognised qualifications in food preparation and service.

Delivered at APC Haywards Heath (The Harbour Unit)

Recovery should never mean a pause in education.

The Harbour Unit is West Sussex Alternative Provision College's specialist hospital school, providing education for children and young people receiving inpatient mental health care. Working in partnership with clinical and therapeutic teams, we ensure that every pupil continues to access high-quality education throughout their admission, helping them maintain academic progress whilst supporting their recovery.

Our curriculum is built around the understanding that no two young people are the same. Mental health presentations, treatment plans and educational experiences vary considerably, so every programme of learning is carefully personalised to meet individual needs. By combining education with therapeutic support, we create a safe, structured environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and experience success at a pace that is right for them.

Core English and Mathematics form the foundation of our curriculum and are delivered through highly personalised one-to-one teaching. This enables learning to be tailored to each young person's current attainment, emotional readiness and future aspirations, ensuring that they continue to make meaningful academic progress during their stay. Qualifications range from Functional Skills through to GCSE, with opportunities to support learners studying Level 3 and A Level programmes where appropriate.

Alongside core subjects, pupils are encouraged to access a broad range of vocational and practical learning opportunities, including Art, Food Studies, Science, Information Technology, Horticulture and Physical Activity. These subjects provide much more than qualification opportunities; they help young people rediscover interests, develop practical life skills, improve confidence and build resilience. The curriculum has been carefully designed so that education complements each young person's therapeutic journey, supporting emotional wellbeing alongside academic achievement.

Education at The Harbour is fully integrated within the wider multidisciplinary team. Teachers work closely with clinicians, therapists and ward staff to ensure that learning reflects each young person's health, recovery goals and clinical needs. This collaborative approach allows education to remain flexible whilst providing the consistency and routine that many pupils need during periods of significant challenge.

Our ambition is that every young person leaves The Harbour with renewed confidence, recognised achievement where appropriate, and a clear pathway back into education. Whether returning to their previous school, moving into further education or progressing to another setting, we work with families and professionals to ensure each learner is well prepared for their next step.

ICT and Media at Sussex APC go hand in hand, giving students the tools to understand, create, and thrive in a digital world. Lessons combine practical computing and software skills with creative exploration across coding, design, and digital media. Students learn to use technology safely and responsibly while building confidence through hands-on projects in film, photography, editing, and visual storytelling. The curriculum encourages critical thinking about the media we consume and create, helping learners develop digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how technology shapes communication today. These skills open pathways to further study and future careers in creative, media, and digital industries.

Maths at Sussex APC is made practical, relevant, and achievable for every learner. Lessons focus on applying skills to real-life contexts like budgeting, measurement, and data handling, helping students see the value of what they learn. With step-by-step support, pupils build confidence and competence at their own pace, progressing through tailored pathways including Entry Level and GCSE qualifications. This approach ensures that every young person can develop a solid understanding of maths and use it meaningfully beyond the classroom.

We recognise that success looks different for every young person. Alongside our GCSE and Functional Skills pathways, we offer a wide range of Open College Network (OCN) qualifications, enabling pupils to achieve nationally recognised accreditation in areas that reflect their interests, strengths and future aspirations.

OCN qualifications are flexible, unit-based awards that allow pupils to develop technical knowledge and practical skills through a personalised programme of learning. This approach enables learners to build a portfolio of achievement, celebrating progress and recognising success in meaningful vocational and life skill areas.

During the 2025/26 academic year, pupils successfully achieved OCN accreditation across a diverse range of subjects, including:

• Hair & Beauty
• Construction
• Hospitality & Catering
• Health & Social Care
• Enterprise
• Creative Industries
• Horticulture
• Out and About (Independent Living & Community Skills)
• Mechanics & Cycle Maintenance

Whilst external accreditation is primarily available to pupils in Key Stage 4, all year groups have the opportunity to participate in vocational learning and begin building their portfolios of evidence. This ensures that every young person develops practical skills, experiences success and is well prepared to progress towards accredited qualifications as they move through the school.

Our OCN offer complements the wider curriculum by developing employability skills, independence, confidence and aspiration, helping every young person leave West Sussex Alternative Provision College with recognised achievements that prepare them for further education, employment and adult life.

PE at Sussex APC supports every student’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and sense of personal achievement. Lessons include a wide range of sports and activities designed for all abilities, encouraging participation, teamwork, and enjoyment. Students learn the value of resilience, leadership, and collaboration, developing skills that extend beyond the pitch or gym. With an emphasis on building confidence and healthy habits for life, PE helps young people discover the power of movement and the importance of staying active for their future wellbeing.

Personal Development, including Religious Education, equips students with the skills, values, and awareness they need to thrive in life. Lessons focus on emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills, alongside citizenship, healthy relationships, and preparation for adulthood. Students are encouraged to explore different beliefs and cultures with respect, curiosity, and critical thinking, linking their learning to real-world life skills, community understanding, and positive decision-making. Parents and carers may withdraw their child from Religious Education; please speak with your Head of School if you would like to discuss this.

Preparing young people for life beyond school is a key part of our Key Stage 4 curriculum. Through our Personal Development programme, pupils work towards the WJEC Preparing for Adulthood externally accredited qualification, developing the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to become independent, responsible and successful young adults.

This is strengthened through a comprehensive careers education programme, meaningful work experience opportunities and a wide range of enrichment activities. Together, these experiences enable pupils to develop the personal qualities and employability skills valued by employers, including communication, teamwork, resilience, problem-solving and responsibility, whilst encouraging them to make a positive contribution to their local communities and wider society.

Our ambition is that every young person leaves West Sussex Alternative Provision College with not only recognised qualifications, but also the confidence, skills and aspirations to progress successfully into further education, employment or training. We believe that success is measured not only by the qualifications our pupils achieve, but by the confident, resilient and responsible young adults they become.

‍Work Experience Pathways

Our Work Experience Pathways form part of a broader blended curriculum offer, designed to provide accessible and meaningful learning for students who require a more personalised route through Key Stage 4. These pathways are intended to support preparation for post-16 destinations by combining academic study, functional learning and real-world workplace experience. Parents can click here to see how they can engage with the careers pathways. 
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Year 11 Extended Work Experience Pathway

The Year 11 pathway is structured as a blended timetable, offering a balance between school-based academic study and extended workplace learning. A traditional offer may feature the following, but this could vary

• 2 days per week in a structured work placement
• 3 days per week in school

While in school, students continue to work towards their GCSE English, Maths and Science, alongside Personal Development (PD) lessons and targeted academic support.

The workplace element is designed to develop functional skills, employability competencies, independence and confidence - complementing the academic curriculum. Placements may run for the duration of the academic year and act as a purposeful intervention for identified students.
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Year 10 Enrichment Work Experience

In Year 10, students can access enrichment-based work experience opportunities designed to broaden aspirations, develop early employability skills and support informed decision-making as they prepare for Year 11 and beyond.

This typically takes the form of a structured two-week placement block, providing students with meaningful exposure to the workplace while reinforcing the importance of engagement in education. The experience is intended to motivate students, strengthen their connection to school, and support them in making positive and aspirational choices for their future pathways.

Where appropriate, personalised or extended work experience offers may be considered on an individual basis. However, our aspirations is that all Year 10 students return to full-time education in their local communities to complete their core academic programme.

View Resources from the Careers & Enterprise Company here.
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Partners providing engagement opportunities

Our primary provision blends academic learning with social and emotional development, giving every child the support they need to feel secure, confident, and ready to learn. With small class sizes and personalised teaching, we place a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and individual progress. Early intervention helps students re-engage with learning, build positive routines, and develop the foundations they need for future success.

Wherever possible, pupils in Year 6 continue to participate in the national SATs assessments whilst attending West Sussex Alternative Provision College. This ensures that children are not disadvantaged by their time in Alternative Provision and that their attainment is accurately reflected as they move into secondary education. The information gained through these assessments supports effective transition planning, enabling secondary schools to understand each pupil's strengths and any areas where additional support may be needed from the outset.

Science at Sussex APC inspires curiosity, investigation, and hands-on discovery. Through practical experiments, students bring scientific concepts to life while exploring the key disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics in engaging, accessible ways. Lessons are designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, helping students understand how science shapes everyday life. By linking scientific study to vocational pathways and STEM careers, the subject encourages young people to think critically, ask questions, and see the possibilities their learning can unlock for the future.

Assessment is part of everyday learning at Sussex APC, helping students understand their progress and feel confident about their next steps. Staff carry out regular checks to identify strengths and areas to develop, and families receive half-termly and termly reports that clearly show how each student is doing. Our approach looks beyond grades, focusing on both academic achievement and the wider skills that support long-term success.