Who's who in Sixth Form
Kerrie Britten
Head of Secondary
Natalie Johnson
Assistant Headteacher – Llyn Derw
Lee Oldfield
Head of Department – Llyn Derw
General Overview of Sixth Form
The purpose of the KS5 department is to prepare our learners for their transition from school towards their future pathways. We aim to equip the learners with the skills that they will need as they progress onto their next steps. This may include local or specialist colleges, supported employment or an individualised program supported by social services. Learners and families are supported with transition by school staff, Careers Wales and social services where appropriate.
Pupil-centred practice is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to offer a range of opportunities and experiences to encourage pupils to take risks, gain confidence and improve independent living skills with a view that our pupils become:
Communication with parents is central to the provision we offer our learners. Class teams are in regular contact with parents via Class DOJO using class stories and/or direct messages. We hold events such as the Christmas Fayre, transition coffee morning and leavers assembly where we welcome families into school.
Classes follow a tiered approach working towards an OCR Life and Living Skills qualification at Entry Level 1, 2 or 3. This encompasses a range of units in literacy, numeracy, ICT, Expressive Arts and Health & Wellbeing with a focus on independent living skills. Learners also follow the Jigsaw scheme for PSE and take part in regular physical activity. The curriculum is planned to allow flexibility and creativity so that it can be suited to learner need, build on previous skills and prepare them for their transition from school.
Learners take part in ‘options’ on a Friday morning where they are able to choose an activity that they particularly enjoy. Option choices include hair and beauty, enterprise, paddle-boarding, outdoor fitness and Rock Band. All options are linked to a recognised qualification that learners work towards throughout the year.
Careers and work-related education is an integral part of our curriculum and wider experience for students. A wide range of internal and external placements are arranged to suit each individual and to allow them to develop transferrable work skills. Students have opportunities to work in the school café, car-washing, hairdressing and retail to name a few.
As part of our commitment to preparing learners for adulthood, Ysgol Y Deri benefits from ongoing support through the Welsh Government’s TAITH programme. This support enables us to broaden learners’ experiences beyond the classroom by engaging with international perspectives on careers, vocational pathways, inclusion and independent living. Through TAITH, we are able to enrich our Careers and Work‑Related Education provision by exploring global approaches to inclusive practice, assistive technology and preparation for future employment, supporting learners to build confidence, aspiration and real‑world readiness.
Through collaborating with teachers, the Pupil Support Team identify and assess pupils that are facing academic, behavioural, or emotional challenges. Through regular communication and collaboration with the class team and other professionals, the Pupil Support Team can offer valuable support tailored to individual pupils needs. As well as supporting pupils in their classroom environment, the PST offer opportunities for pupils to check-in throughout the day and interventions for individuals or groups of pupils; these support the pupils’ well-being needs. Identified learners have access to a wide range of specialist opportunities including forest schools, animation, ceramics and a range of outdoor activities. Learning coaches provide wellbeing support and develop strategies for identified learners in weekly sessions.
