The negotiated curriculum
Alongside our focus on emotional well-being we also work hard to ensure our students re-engage with learning and continue their education. At Red Balloon we understand that we all learn in different ways and our Centres embrace this to allow our students to really thrive. That’s why we operate using a negotiated curriculum: we know that involving each individual in deciding what they learn and incorporating their interests is key to successful learning. Each of our students will have an individual programme of learning designed with their needs in mind to ensure their education is as interesting and inspiring as it can be.
Have a look at our video below to learn more.
Wellbeing
The foundation of helping our students to grow as individuals and improve academically is ensuring they are supported with their mental health and personal wellbeing. Our staff team includes mentors, and regular support sessions are offered to all of our students as part of their timetable. This ensures that throughout their time with us, our students have the dedicated help they need to heal emotionally and develop resilience against any hurdles they may face in the future. TITAN also forms part of this area and trains students to travel safely either using public transport or walking.
The RB-Norwich community
Happiness is key to doing well at school, and a huge part of being happy is feeling that you belong, that you are accepted for who you are, and that you are a valued part of the community of the school. Our small size and dedication to our students means the RB-Norwich community is a welcoming, supportive environment, where students feel like part of the family.
Subjects available at RB-Norwich
All our centres offer the core subjects of English, Maths and Science at a range of certification levels up to Key Stage 4, as well as additional subjects which can vary between centres.
The full list of subjects available at RB-Norwich, and the qualification levels at which they are offered are as below:
| Subject | Qualifications |
| Animal Care | ASDAN |
| Art | GCSE or Arts Award Bronze, Silver or Gold |
| Beliefs and Values/Citizenship | ASDAN |
| Business Studies | GCSE |
| Child Development | GCSE |
| Design and Technology – Textiles | GCSE |
| English Language | GCSE |
| English Literature | GCSE |
| Expressive Arts | ASDAN |
| Geography | KS3 |
| Hair and Beauty | ASDAN |
| Health and Social Care | Level 1/2 Technical award |
| History | KS3/GCSE, Pathways |
| Japanese | For enjoyment and therapeutic purposes |
| Spanish or German | For enjoyment |
| Maths | GCSE |
| Music | BTec |
| Personal Finance | ASDAN |
| Psychology | GCSE |
| Religious Studies | GCSE |
| Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | GCSE, ASDAN |
| Sociology | GCSE |
If a student is particularly interested in a subject not currently provided at the Centre we are sometimes able to provide additional subjects if suitable provision can be obtained.
TITAN Ready To Go!
The Ready To Go! TITAN framework is for young people from Year 7 onwards. It allows young people to become independent travellers at the right time for them.
Schools and colleges are free to deliver training at a pace and time to suit everyone involved.
Teaching staff have a good understanding of the individuals they work with. So they’ll be able to decide the most appropriate level for trainees to start on and when. This approach will allow flexibility of learning and relevant progression for all individuals.
The framework has six core modules. Young people can progress through each module, achieving Red, Amber and Green levels, awarding achievement badges to celebrate their success as they progress through the modules.
Once they have successfully demonstrated that they have mastered each of the six modules at Green level, we’ll support them to transition to independent travel to and from their school or college where appropriate.
Extra-curricular activities at RB-Norwich
We know the measure of a successful education is not simply achieving high grades in exams – real accomplishment is about growing as an individual, improving your abilities and confidence over time, and building and maintaining relationships with your peers. In addition to subject lessons, PSHEE, and wellbeing, RB-Norwich has a focus on additional activities to help our students grow, as well as have some well-deserved fun. Various trips are run over the course of the year, as small groups or sometimes joining students from our other Centres.
