Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1
The learning journey of our pupils begins within the Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Nursery caters for pupils with severe and profound needs and offers a variety of opportunities to explore, have fun, learn through play, interact with others and build friendships.
The Nursery follows the Government Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines.
For children, learning in the EYFS is all about making discoveries and exploring the world around them through child initiated play - exploring indoors and outdoors, and having structured activities throughout periods of the day. Through this, children will begin to make choices and decisions for themselves, learn through fun and interesting activities, gain confidence in their own abilities, interact with others and grow as an individual.
Our classrooms and outdoor areas are well equipped to stimulate each child and allow pupils to play, learn and explore.
In Key stage one, learning continues to be ‘hands on’ and very interactive. Students encounter topic based learning which builds upon experiences shared within the foundation stage and introduces new concepts to further develop knowledge and skills. Pupils follow the National Curriculum.
Key Stage 2
As pupils progress to the Key Stage 2 department, they follow the National Curriculum further develop their independence, self-help and social skills and continue to access a topic based curriculum. They are challenged to leave their comfort zone, accessing enhanced curriculum opportunities such as off-site horse riding, off-site swimming and overnight residential trips. Pupils will also be exposed to inclusion opportunities with other school settings to further develop their social awareness skills and further integrate them into their local community.
Those in Year 6 who are moving on to our Secondary department will be supported to transition smoothly with opportunities to visit their new setting for increased amounts of time. Those who are moving on from Abbey Court School will also be supported with transitioning accordingly.
Key Stage 3
As pupils begin their Secondary school experience, we focus on giving them greater independence and build upon their self-confidence. Pupils are encouraged to build friendships outside of their classroom and we offer a wide range of lunchtime clubs.
Pupils in Key Stage 3 learn through a subject based curriculum which is supported by our specialist classrooms. Pupils work towards accreditations such as AQA unit Awards, Asdan and Winstrada. They have opportunities to make more choices by offering them new experiences such as going off-site swimming and trampolining. A greater emphasis is placed on inclusion within the community and becoming a responsible citizen.
As pupils progress through Key Stage 3, the demand and expectations are increased. We continue to promote a safe and fun environment where mistakes are seen as a way to grow. At the end of Key Stage 3, pupils have had the opportunity to further develop their independence, life and social skills.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 provides the opportunity for students to develop their independence and life skills in a wider range of unfamiliar environments, with unfamiliar adults through Work Experience and Inclusion opportunities. Here they face increased challenge and have opportunities to develop those all-important social skills to continue to support them to flourish and grow into good citizens. Pupils continue to follow the National Curriculum.