Curriculum Implementation

Learning for Life.

Our curriculum is rich in experiences, positive learning, building the feeling of self-worth in our pupils, and developing the love of learning. At the heart of this learning is communication skills. We understand that the best way to ensure that our pupils feel part of their community, whether in school, home or in the world, is to promote their ability to communicate effectively to the best of their abilities. This begins in the primary phase, through access to SEN trained staff, with experience in using Signalong, PECS (picture exchange communication systems), AAC (augmented assistive communication) and use of visual aids to consolidate understanding, and the expertise of our own speech therapists.

Our emphasis is on cooperative learning, with many opportunities to develop conversation and discussion.

This continues through to the secondary phase, where pupils are encouraged to use their social skills to wider audiences, such as in assemblies, or on the school trips and other events that we offer.

In the Sixth Form, this is further developed through the wide variety of work experiences and social and educational trips which take place. The curriculum is based on the needs of the child and their EHCP outcomes.

How does the curriculum differ from mainstream schools?

Whilst we follow the national frameworks from year 1 to year 14, they are highly adapted and differentiated to meet the needs of our students. We understand that our students learn key concepts at different points in their life, which may not follow the age expected trend. We ensure that all of our pupils can access all areas of the curriculum through adaptations to content, resources, and experienced SEN trained staffing. So whilst a student’s timetable may look similar to a mainstream one, within that are many opportunities for pupils to acquire new skills, succeed in education; and, most importantly for any child, to build resilience. READ MORE ▾

We have a focus on communication skills, and developing their abilities to socialise as a priority. Key stages 1 to 3 are very similar to that offered in primary schools, where the class are mainly with one tutor for most lessons, and may join other classes or teachers for subjects such as Drama and Cookery. This will be interspersed with sessions developing their communication, balancing their sensory needs and developing self-regulatory strategies. In key stage 4, students attend lessons with specialist teachers for more of the time, and we build up their resilience and adaptability to prepare them for either our Sixth Form or college. For our more complex students whose needs cannot be met using our usual curriculum, we offer a more tutor-led curriculum.

Who teaches this Curriculum?

We are extremely proud of our staff who have dedicated years to learning about how best to teach students with special educational needs. All of our staff have completed autism awareness courses, and many have taken further study in this area. All teaching staff are trained in SEN updates and initiatives weekly. All teaching assistants undertake SEN induction, first aid training, manual handling training, and basic phonics sessions. Some of our staff are subject specialists, and others are primary phase teacher trained staff, with a sound knowledge of phonics. In the primary phase the staff to student ratios are higher, as we are just beginning to build independence. READ MORE ▾

On average, classes have ratios of 1:2 at key stage 1, and 1:3 at key stage 2. In the secondary phase, as a student’s learning engagement and independence skills are improving, the staffing ratios change to 1:5 on average. In secondary phases, tutors lead their groups for three years in key stage 3, teaching them for most of their lessons. In key stage 4, years 10 and 11, the tutors change and the timetable changes to develop the pupils’ academic and aspirational abilities, using our teachers’ expertise in subjects. The staff in Sixth Form consist of specialist support and personal care assistants, instuctors and qualified teachers. Our students require specialist provision and our staff are trained to support them. We have access to Speech and Language Therapists, Physios, ELSA and THRIVE trained practioners.

What’s different about the Sixth Form?

Our curriculum in Sixth Form focusses on key knowledge and skills required for adulthood. We prioritise Functional Skills, World of Work and community links. The majority of our Sixth for students are based at the New College Swindon, North Star Campus in our own secure area within the Orion Building. Being located at this site gives us access to college facilities and links to the wider community. Our aim is to develop independence and enable all our students to be prepared for adulthood. For core subjects the students are taught in focussed ability groups following an accredited external qualification. We also offer Duke of Edinburgh, Vocational Subjects and the ESB Careers Qualification. We offer swimming as part of the curriculum as this a valuable lifeskill that benefits all our students. Being an active member of their local community is our long term goal. READ MORE ▾

Our staff have high expectations of all of our students. Our staff and our parents/carers want equality for our students, as they become young adults. All Sixth Form students undertake work experience placements, these may be for part of a day, one day, weekly, or termly. Students have the opportunity to try a variety of careers, and some of our pupils secure paid employment as a result of these experiences. There are many opportunities for trips, both educational and for leisure, as we believe that young adults need to be aware of what’s on offer to them in their community, and how they can make friends and develop hobbies. Those students needing the use of AAC or specialist physical disability equipment, will continue to have access to specialist support.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our curriculum, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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