School Organisation

Curriculum

Westcroft School has accommodation for 190 pupils with complex cognitive needs. The age range of pupils admitted to Westcroft is from rising five up to nineteen years of age.

The school encompasses all stages:

  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • Post 14

Through our Specialist Curriculum we aim to:

  • provide a positive, safe and stimulating learning environment for all our pupils
  • provide appropriate, meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences, that suitably challenge individual pupils and give opportunity to experience success
  • involve pupils in their learning process, sharing learning goals and resultant outcomes
  • enable pupils to acquire skills, knowledge and understanding from a broad spectrum of subject areas and extension activities
  • encourage and develop the use of thinking skills
  • acknowledge and reward achievement, attainment and good behaviour
  • inform and involve parents in their children’s learning
  • teach, promote and encourage good and effective citizenship
  • encourage pupils to express preferences and communicate need
  • increase pupils’ awareness and understanding of their environment and the world
  • give pupils the skills to interact with a wide range of people and function as independent citizens

Phase 1

Within Phase 1, pupils are unable to access the national curriculum, instead, they access learning that will promote and focus on their communication, personal development and independence skills. Pupils are mainly taught by the same member of staff, however in the lower classes, have access to free flow sessions to enable them to access a greater variety of appropriate resources. Pupils do follow subject specific sessions but this is a more exploratory experience which focuses on improving their skills and knowledge within tutor led and independent learning activities. Pupils within this Phase also require a curriculum that allows them to learn through sensory and exploratory activities and inputs. Pupils are grouped on their stage rather than age to enable them to engage with topics that are more appropriate for their abilities and interests. There are Pathways within this Phase, again to enable staff to target Teaching and Skills acquisition and provide a curriculum appropriate to the needs of the pupils.

Phase 2

In Phase 2 pupils continue to be taught within their specific Pathway. Pupils are grouped on academic and social ability with classes ranging from development and learning through sensory activities to learning in a semi-formal, structured environment. Throughout Phase 2, pupils experience a subject specific curriculum based on those provided within the National Curriculum. These are taught through a range of age-related topics and themes. Pupils remain within their classes throughout the day for all subjects, with the exception of Phonics, which is taught based on ability and set across the phase. Pupils are also given the opportunity to develop independence skills through Cooking, Social Communication Programme and Independent Living Skills sessions. These provide the pupils with the skills and knowledge they need as they transition through the phase and prepares them for moving into Phase 3.

Phase 3

In Phase 3 pupils continue to be taught by the same teacher and remain in Pathways. We group pupils on academic and social ability. The curriculum covers the main core national curriculum subjects and pupils follow structured programmes for English, Maths, Science, PE and Computing. Pupils also have the opportunity to develop their creative skills in a rotation of lessons and topics that cover Art, Music, Drama, Textiles and Enterprise. Phase 3 also places a high importance in areas such as Personal Social Health Education and developing independence. Developing independence skills is integral throughout the whole curriculum and is taught in lessons like Our World, Social communication Programme, Cooking and Independent Living. In phase 3 there is a balance of both academic and creative subjects, but all curriculum content aims to equip children with knowledge, skills and understanding to become independent thinkers and learners, helping them to make educated and informed decisions as they mature.

Post 14

Post 14 Phase provides a personalised learning experience for every learner.  As either a two, three or four year course. The Phase offers learners their own bespoke curriculum, which changes with them to suit their needs as they grow and develop.   Learners from this mix age cohort will be placed in pathways based academic, social and personal ability.

The curriculum offer has a focus on broadening knowledge and developing skills required to lead an independent and fulfilled adult life.  With a mixture of both academic and vocational subjects, supporting every student to achieve a profile of recognised achievements and life skills they need for adulthood. This will ensure that learners are ready to make the transition to the next phase of their lives. The curriculum will also provide opportunities for each student to achieve success and grow in self-esteem.

Pathway 1 (Pre Entry and Entry Level 1)

Pre entry-level curriculum prioritises all areas of the learner’s development, such as independence, social skills, life skills, problem-solving and communication. Whist the curriculum will have some subject specific lessons, the content will be driven by the outcomes of the individuals EHCP, alongside the learners individual priorities, strengths and interests.

Learner’s achievements will be recognised through the AQA unit award scheme

Pathway 2 (Entry Level 1 and 2)

Learners on this pathway will study individual qualifications at Entry Level 1 and 2.  This pathway gives the learners an opportunity to develop skills and achieve subject specific qualifications.  There will remain an emphasis on preparing skills for adulthood but also a more academic focus.  Pathways 2 provides a rich, varied and relevant curriculum which equips learners with the practical skills to live and work successfully in the wider community.

Pathway 3 (Entry Level 2 and 3)

Learners on Pathway 3 will study qualifications at Entry Level 2 and 3. These learners will make the most progress.  Pathway 3 focusses on the progress of those learners who can access a formal curriculum with a heavier emphasis on the accreditation process.  Learners will also be given the opportunity to make informed choices about the subjects they wish to deepen their of knowledge during the options process.

CEIAG and World of Work

Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is central to the Phase. All learners receive impartial advice and support to make informed decisions about their next steps.  Where appropriate leaners will have work experience opportunities during their time in Post 14. This will be in the form of taster sessions or a longer-term work experience placement. Learners also have the opportunity to gain some work experience completing jobs in and around the school premises. Social Enterprise and Employability skills will be developed in all Pathways, allowing learners to make and sell items as well as learn skills that will help them on their journey through school life into the world of work.

Within all Pathways, the long-term aims included in the EHCP are planned for and worked towards on a termly basis.