Update following our first cohort finishing their GCSEs and Level 2 diplomas in July 2025.
This is a hugely positive milestone for the school, and we are especially pleased to see our pupils rewarded for their hard work and commitment. The introduction of GCSEs alongside Level 2 Diplomas has proven to be a strong combination, enabling all learners to achieve success and secure the pathways they wanted.
The Level 2 Diploma results were especially strong, providing pupils with the opportunity to demonstrate their real potential and pursue their interests through their portfolios. This approach allowed them to showcase their skills and creativity without being limited to exam-only assessment, and the outcomes reflect both their talent and sustained effort.
The grades ranged from 2 to 9 in the GCSES and Level 2 diplomas. They really represent our inclusive approach, and the fact that this combination of GCSEs and Level 2 diploma enables students to shine in different areas with assessment in GCSEs focusing on exams and the Level 2 diploma a portfolio of coursework.
From the school’s perspective, this first set of results has also been an important opportunity for reflection. Our analysis shows that the teacher's predictions were accurate, demonstrating a clear understanding of pupils’ progress and performance. Teachers have also used this experience to reflect further, taking on board both the data and feedback, which will strengthen teaching and learning for the next group of pupils working towards qualifications.
We are very proud of what our pupils have achieved and grateful for the support of parents and carers throughout the journey. This is an excellent foundation to build upon, and we look forward to celebrating even more successes in the years ahead.
Tina Hobday (Teaching and Learning Lead and Upper School Science and Maths teacher)
The next steps for Alder Tree also show a wide variety of interests and future plans, as you can see -
We wish all of Alder Tree the very best in the future, and we look forward to hearing how they are getting on!
Upper School is for young people aged 14-16 years.
The Class 9 child’s powers of intellect continue to develop and, with this, their power of analysis and judgement. At a time when their lives may feel insecure and unstable, the curriculum provides content that supports pupils orientating themselves and finding balance. Judgements are usually made based on emotional responses. Often polarised in their views, and almost self-centred in their thoughts, the opposites of autonomy and belonging, needing support and authority, provide conflict in the teenagers. Part of finding balance is exploring the extremes. Examining the polarities of natural environments, historical context and black and white contrast in art all help pupils to think more deeply about the world and therefore beyond themselves.
Examples of curriculum content – Biology (Ecology and Forestry), Chemistry (Alcohols and distillation), Physics (Energy and Renewables), Modern History, Physical Geography, Permutations and Combinations, Geometry, Black and white contrast, Woodwork, History of Drama.
The Class 10 pupil continues to seek and develop balance and harmony. This, with a greater clarity of thought and an increasing ability to form balanced judgements, supports young people have greater stability and a capacity for reflexion. A desire for knowledge broadens into, not only information about a topic, but also insight in how we know, and how things came to be as they currently are. Pupils are increasingly able to form more balanced opinions and justify their thought processes, meeting situations with empathy and practicality rather than solely emotionally.
Examples of curriculum content – Biology (Embryology), Chemistry (Minerals and salts), Physics (Forces, Vectors and Motion), Astronomy, Poetry, Earth's structure, Algebra – quadratics, Projective Geometry, the development of human consciousness.
Subject lessons include - Art, Woodwork, Handwork, Combined Science (GCSE preparation), Maths (GCSE preparation), English Language and Literature (GCSE preparation), Games and Sport, Learning for Life (PSHEE).
8:15 - 8:30 - Arrive at school, settle into class with class guardian
8:30 - 8:45 - Registration and catch up
8:45 - 10:15 - Subject lessons
10:15 - 10:45 - Break time
10:45 - 12:45 - Main Lesson blocks of 3 or 4 weeks on a topic or subject
12:45 - 13:30 - Lunch time
13:30 - 15:00 - Subject lessons