Curriculum
Beechcliffe School
Intent
Our curriculum is designed to allow our pupils to experience a safe and joyful learning environment for all. We provide opportunities for all within a broad and balanced, therapeutic curriculum so that each child can achieve success. We have high aspirations and support individuals to overcome their personal challenges to become rounded individuals, to achieve success, and to develop - educationally, socially, physically, creatively, and morally.
At Beechcliffe School we believe that all pupils are individuals and as such, are all working within their individual developmental area at each key stage. The key stages are: Key Stage 3, 4 and Post 16.
Within our curriculum there are 4 distinct strands – Explore, Discover, Enquire and Thrive. These areas are ordered developmentally so that pupils are taught in developmentally appropriate groups. As pupils progress further and become young adults each strand reflects and incorporates a Preparation for Adulthood dimension. This allows for specific, targeted and adapted learning opportunities at an appropriate developmental level for each young person. Pupils also access mixed whole school community activities such as Performing Arts, where all pupils work together in their chosen art areas.
Our pupils will leave school with relevant core skills, accreditations and functional skills in a range of academic and vocational areas. Academic, behavioural and communication interventions support the personal, social development and attainment of our pupils through a referral process which follows the APDR cycle
Each pupil’s wellbeing and personal development curriculum is supplemented by a diverse and regular calendar of whole school activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and links to charities, visits, and events such as Children in Need and Red Nose Day. Pupils also participate in awareness days, fund raising and charity events such as the Winter and Summer Fayres and our Super Cars and Superheroes Day. All pupils join a weekly celebration assembly led by the Headteacher or a senior staff member. This celebrates our pupils’ achievements and reflects on the ‘Thought for the Week.’ Assemblies are an opportunity for all our pupils to perform and showcase their many talents. Each class has a representative on the School Council which is an excellent chance for pupils to have their say and their voice heard within the school. We have Healthy Schools and Investors in Pupils status, and we are working towards ArtsMark.
Implementation
Each subject area (PoS) is revisited numerous times throughout a student's time in school through rolling programmes allowing them to continue to build the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in future destinations. Subject topics are sequenced to build on students’ knowledge and ability to apply skills. Classroom environments are organised to meet the needs of pupils and they access a range of specialist spaces within school (e.g., hydrotherapy, swimming, rebound, sensory integration, cooking room, IT suite and music room). Learning is delivered through a range of whole class, small group and individual learning activities depending on the needs of the pupil. Learning how to apply knowledge and skills to real life situations to ensure meaningful and active processing is a key part of curriculum delivery. Pupils work on a range of accreditations from the time they join the school until they leave. During a pupil’s time in school, they can access a range of experiences which enhance their education both in the local community and further afield through trips, visits, work experience and volunteering.
Explore Curriculum.
The Explore classrooms are set up to offer the students continuous provision and encourages procedural knowledge as well as access to more focused led learning topics.
The classrooms are divided into different areas which support pupils to develop according to their needs. Pupils develop skills in: Exploration, Realisation, Anticipation, Persistence and Initiation. Lessons include: messy play, sensory stories, multi-sensory activities. These areas will be offered for a half term enabling opportunities for repetition and development of specific skills and is based on a thematic approach that repeats and embeds learning through a range of topic areas which the curriculum is based upon. This allows for collaboration for Explore groups in different key stages through drop down days such as MFL, RE and other topic areas
Pupils will work in these areas either individually or through shared sensory experiences. Where possible, pupils will, by using a total communication approach be able to select the areas they wish to work in, and it is expected that pupils will visit the different areas within the school day and often make repeated visits to some areas.
Pupils within the Explore learning group access PSHCE and PD through sessions at our allotment, rebound lessons, hydrotherapy pool sessions, P.E., music and drama lessons, life skills, cooking, and physiotherapy. Pupils have access to the sensory rooms, and individuals can access sensory integration therapy in the Oasis room, as well as intensive interaction and deep pressure as pupils require it though out the day.
Discover Curriculum.
Our Discover groups learn through adult led 1-1 or small group work. Pupils participate in shared concrete experiences. Learning through play, experiential learning and repetition.
These pupils are taught the core subjects, English, Maths and Science regularly throughout the week alongside a range of subjects, such as History, Geography and Art.
Enquire Curriculum
Our Enquire groups learn through adult-led small group work. Pupils participate in functional activities with emphasis and opportunities for independent learning.
These pupils are taught the core subjects, English, Maths and Science regularly throughout the week alongside a range of subjects, such as History, Geography and Art.
Each planned topic enables the teachers to deliver their lessons in a creative and student led way. The lessons will be tailored to their class interests and will build on and introduce key skills which lead to procedural knowledge which is planned for each specific group of learners. Throughout all subject areas, independence is encouraged, and a love of learning and knowledge is fostered and cultivated through a curriculum that encourages pupils to ask questions and to find their own answers. Pupils within the Discover and Enquire groups are timetabled with access to horticulture sessions which take place at our allotment, and they get to visit local garden centres to buy seedlings etc. for their work at the allotments.
Other lessons that are timetabled include hydrotherapy sessions, P.E., music and drama sessions, life skills and cooking, PSHE and R.E and languages.
Some pupils who need extra support with managing their emotions or who have sensory needs will have timetabled access to our rebound room, sensory rooms, physiotherapy and may be timetabled to access to the Oasis room which offers a sensory integration therapy and Lego therapy sessions.
All pupils receive Creative and Performing Arts sessions which prepare for whole school performances. In this whole school timetabled session, pupils get to select and join their favourite group such as drama, dance, set design, music, lighting and sound and have the chance to be with students from across the key stages.
Thrive Curriculum.
Our Thrive Curriculum delivers a personalised approach to learning for pupils across the age range of the school. These groups consist of a mixed age/key stage range of pupils with a predominance of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or SEMH needs. The learning and other needs within this group requires a structured and predictable learning environment and a curriculum featuring elements of Explore as well as Discover and Enquire curricula. Enhanced staffing, small class environments up to 6, and a personalised approach to learning contribute to being able to meet the needs of these pupils within these classes. Thrive groups still participate in the range of whole school events such as assemblies and performances. The pupils have access to specialist facilities in hydro, rebound, Oasis, cooking and Creative Performing Arts.
Impact
Through the provision of safe, joyful, learning for all, pupils will progress knowing what success feels like, being confident, independent, inspired while knowing how to keep safe. We expect ALL pupils to leave KS4 and Post 16 with a range of accreditation that are appropriate to them, and which will support them in the future destinations. They will have the knowledge needed to ensure they are able to flourish and continue to achieve in their future destinations.
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