A Nurturing Final Key Stage Experience at Bennerley

Welcome to Derwent Class – a bespoke key stage provision designed for students who thrive in a more nurturing, sensory-based learning environment. This is a pivotal stage in our students’ journey, and we are proud to offer a supportive and engaging space that helps every learner flourish.

Our Approach

Derwent Class is tailored for students who benefit from:

• A sensory-rich learning environment
• Consistent emotional support and structured routines
• A focus on communication, independence, and self-regulation

Our days are filled with music, singing, regular sensory input, and as many learning experiences beyond the classroom as possible. We believe in learning through doing – whether it’s exploring the community, working on life skills, or experiencing new environments that prepare our young people for the world Beyond Bennerley.

Learning with Purpose

Throughout their two years in Derwent Class, students work towards achieving AQA Unit Awards, which give them recognition for their progress and effort across a wide range of personalised topics.

Every learning opportunity is planned to:

• Build confidence and independence
• Support communication in a way that works best for the individual
• Encourage self-awareness and self-regulation

Life Beyond the Classroom

We go beyond traditional classroom learning by offering invaluable real-world experiences such as:

• Work experience placements
• Off-site volunteering opportunities
• Community engagement to build life and social skills

These experiences help students develop practical skills, confidence, and a greater sense of purpose as they prepare for life after school.

Key Stage 4 Uniform

As part of Key Stage 4, students are invited to wear black sweatshirts or jumpers instead of the standard blue worn by the rest of the school. This helps to identify them as members of Key Stage 4. 

We are incredibly proud of our Derwent learners – each one bringing something unique and amazing to our class. Our aim is simple: to support and empower them for a fulfilling life beyond Bennerley.

If you’d like to know more about Derwent Class or how we support our learners, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

In English, Derwent designed their own bedroom in class after reading what Isobel's bedroom was like in our class text ‘The Invisible’. It was a good opportunity to practise making a bed and they also demonstrated some great listening, speaking and amazing teamwork!  

In Science we have been learning about habitats. Today we explored our outdoor environment and searched for mini beasts in their natural habitat. Everyone looked carefully and completed their worksheet circling what they found. Back in the classroom we played a matching activity on the Interactive Whiteboard. 

Our first lesson of the new school year was English. We started off with Squiggle Whilst You Wriggle and got our shoulders warmed up. We then learnt what invisible means. We listened very carefully to our class text - The Invisible and all tried on our own imaginary invisibility cloak!