Social Skills
Students across the school have a weekly timetabled Social Skills lesson. Students will explicitly be taught how to regulate and understand their emotions and develop their social, communication and friendship skills. They will think about their identity and personality; different ways of communicating; and how to interact positively with others. This includes exploring conversational skills, body language, gestures and assertiveness.
Teachers plan and deliver targeted interventions focussing on social skills including ‘Talkabout’ and ‘Zones of Regulation’. St Andrew’s School prioritises the importance of social skills as a lifelong skill that will enable students to be prepared for life beyond St Andrew’s in line with the school vision of “Encouraging every student through learning, creativity and adventure to become a kind, respectful and independent young adult prepared for the future.”
Talkabout
‘Talkabout’ is a structured social communication programme that helps children, young people, and adults develop essential skills in self-awareness, self-esteem, and social interaction. As a structured programme it begins with foundation skills such as listening and non-verbal communication, before progressing to more complex areas like conversation, friendship, and assertiveness.
Zones of Regulation
‘Zones of Regulation’ is taught and revisited to help students understand and manage their emotions, behaviour and sensory needs through a colour-coded system. The ‘Zones of Regulation’ framework helps students understand and manage their feelings and emotions. This approach teaches students to recognise how they are feeling at different times and to develop strategies to regulate their emotions in a positive way.
Students will have the opportunity to apply their social skills during their weekly social trips and visits.