The Curriculum at St Andrew’s School

At St Andrew’s School we follow the national curriculum, as appropriate, but with flexibility of delivery and approach to ensure we meet the needs of all our students. The curriculum is adapted to ensure teaching and learning is bespoke to our individual students and has a positive impact on their progress. Our curriculum aligns with our school ethos and aims to encourage every student through learning, creativity and adventure to become a kind, respectful and independent young adult. Students access a specifically designed, holistic curriculum that blends national curriculum expectations alongside communication and interaction needs and the provision outlined in their individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Students will access a curriculum that prepares them for post-16 education, both academically and socially. Although students are taught in their key stage and working towards national expectations, the curriculum is adapted and bespoke. As well as provision outlined in their EHC plan, each of the classes at St Andrew’s School provide:

• The use of visual timetables, work schedules and other visual supports to structure the school day.

• Individual workstations and a low stimulus environment.

• The use of strategies to support students to understand and recognise their emotions and help them to ‘self-regulate’.

• Access to individual laptops.

• Tasks broken down in manageable chunks with additional processing time, supporting visuals and resources as needed.

• Access to sensory equipment and sensory breaks as required.

• Small classes with key familiar adults that students can build positive relationships with.

• A focus on raising aspiration so that students make excellent progress academically and socially.

• An individualised exam pathway that allows them to achieve the qualifications they are able to.

• Teaching that engages all students, builds their self-confidence and enables them to ‘have a voice’ in their own learning.

In addition to the national curriculum subjects, we place a high priority of delivering a relevant, broad and balanced learning experience for our students. We strive to expand our offer, so we include a diverse range of enrichment opportunities that develop students’ confidence and communication and interaction skills. Students have the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities throughout the academic year. This includes:

• SMSC cross-curricular days • Social skills lessons

• TITAN (Travel Independence Training across Norfolk)

• Weekly Trips, visits and outings within the local and wider community

• Half-termly student voice • Careers and Work Experience

• Visiting speakers

• Learning outside the classroom including Forest School, Swimming and RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association)

• Inter-school sports competitions

• Bikeability

• ASDAN