Knightsfield School

Built within the grounds of a mainstream secondary school, Knightsfield School offers the best of both worlds, small group teaching within a purpose built school for hearing impaired children together with inclusive educational and social opportunities in the adjacent mainstream school. We specialise in teaching pupils, who despite their hearing loss, which is usually severe to profound, are making progress in developing their language skills through the auditory-oral mode.

The school works in partnership with the neighbouring comprehensive school and the Welwyn Garden City 14 to 19 Consortium. There are opportunities for supported integration, in the mainstream link school, on a part-time basis, in a variety of subjects. Pupils can attend on a full-time basis and receive help and support from Knightsfield School staff. This unique partnership enables the school to respond flexibly and effectively to meet the needs of all our pupils.

Purpose built in 1997 for hearing impaired pupils, the school is acoustically treated throughout. The furniture and equipment are state of the art and a new Science lab was built in 2003 which is within the mainstream link school's Science block. The school is fully networked with a pupil computer ratio of 1:1, access to the Internet and a huge range of hardware and software to support learning. In the residential area each pupil has his or her own comfortable study bedroom with wash basin and facilities to do homework in the evenings. The light and airy leisure rooms provide pupils with comfortable areas to relax and socialise. The 'Knight Club' offers a range of evening activities to residential and day pupils.

All teachers are qualified teachers of the deaf. New teachers are required to gain this qualification within three years of becoming members of staff. There is a speech and language therapist, support from the county audiologist, visits from a specialist careers adviser and a comprehensive work experience programme. Support from other outside professionals such as educational psychologist, occupational therapist etc can be arranged.

Our goal is to provide the best possible secondary education for deaf children. We encourage our pupils to develop their speaking and listening skills through consistent use of an auditory-oral approach. Our aim is to give each of our pupils a high quality, personalised educational experience that equips them for a full and fulfilling role in society.