Theme

Aims and ambitions of Thematic Curriculum 

The foundation subjects are taught in exciting and imaginative ways. 

A sensory theme threads throughout the curriculum ensuring all pupils, even those with the most complex needs access high quality and exciting learning opportunities. 

Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, all pupils will be enthused to learn about themselves and the world we live in. Units are carefully planned to allow for concepts and knowledge to be revisited and extended as pupils move through the school.  

Our themes are; Imagination, Hull, Holidays, Festivals and celebrations, People and places and Living things. 

What do pupils learn about in the Thematic curriculum? 

In the Early Years, KS1 and KS2 pupils are encouraged to play and explore to develop an understanding about the world around them. Progress is further encouraged through personalised and creative subject specific lessons in KS3-4. Post 16 pupils are encouraged to take part in art and design activities, drama and music sessions based on the whole school theme. We offer further enrichment opportunities throughout the curriculum including participation in whole school theme days and opportunities to practise skills out in the community as well as supporting parents/ carers with ideas for enrichment at home, as part of our Home Learning offer.  

The thematic curriculum is used as a basis for the teaching of Science, Geography, History, RE, Art, Design and Technology and Music.  

Each term pupils take part in a whole school ‘Theme day’ which embeds the theme throughout a variety of activities and will often include visits from outside professionals.  

Why the Thematic Curriculum is important.  

Pupils will reach end points appropriate to their abilities and understanding- this will vary greatly from our most sensory to our most able learners. We strive for all pupils to be as independent as possible and have ‘real life’ skills that support their transition to adulthood e.g.  understanding the weather to changing a light bulb as well as developing personal interests that will continue throughout their adult lives, including a love for music or a passion for art. 

The theme curriculum is assessed using ‘sticky knowledge ladders’. Progress is also measured against Individual Education Plan SMART targets and EHCP outcomes.  Some pupils may also progress to achieve ‘arts awards’ and further qualifications. 

Science

Science is planned across the two year rolling programme .Pupils are encouraged to discover things for themselves by handling materials and equipment. We aim to develop pupils’ curiosity, observational skills and an understanding of themselves and the world around them. Pupils are given the opportunity to work and think scientifically. They will take part in a wide range of hands-on science experiments and are encouraged to predict, explore and question.

Geography

Geography at Tweendykes involves pupils learning about the world around them, the natural environment, the local area and community. Pupils begin to explore through sensory stories, videos and role play and begin to develop an understanding of their world.  Pupils explore the weather and explore Countries with contrasting weather patterns. We develop our Geographical language and knowledge by exploring geographical features including coastlines, cities, rivers and mountains.

History

Pupils begin to develop knowledge of the past by exploring their own history, through past family and school photos they begin to develop an understanding of events that happened before. Pupils are surrounded by a vocabulary rich environment about time and tenses that aid pupils understanding.  We explore the lives of significant people from our local area including Amy Johnson and William Wilberforce, this is done in a fun, sensory and hands-on approach.

RE 

Religion is the experience and expression of faith. At Tweendykes, learning about Religion is important for all pupils as it helps them develop an understanding of themselves and of others. We understand that abstract thought or seeing things from the viewpoint of another person is often difficult so we try to help with the understanding of the world by offering a RE curriculum that 

• develops self-confidence

• helps understand the world in which they live in as individuals and a member of a group

• develops positive attitudes towards others, respects their beliefs, cultures and experiences

• brings their own experiences and understandings of life into their classroom

• helps reflection of their own values and those of others

Music

Music is an integral part of the Tweendykes curriculum, pupils are encouraged to explore instruments, perform, compose and listen to a range of genres. Pupils are encouraged to join in with group songs, class performances and focussed music sessions. Professional performers visit and perform for us on a regular basis. We encourage self- expression through exploration and encourage pupils to develop their own preferences of genres.

Art and Design
Pupils will be introduced to a wide range of art techniques, they will explore colour, texture and materials. Pupils will be encouraged to put their own mark on creative work using inspiring materials and play.

Pupils will also begin to explore significant artists and their work

Design and technology

Pupils begin to explore, build, create and construct, through adult modelling and child led play, pupils will be exposed to a range of materials to enable them to construct with purpose. Pupils are encouraged to make decisions, develop their imagination, follow remits and evaluate ideas and designs.

Sarah Nichol

Computing

Aims and ambitions of the Computing Curriculum

Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, all pupils will be enthused to

·         Become digitally literate; are able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology, at a level suitable to their ability

·         For all children to have support with online safety.

 Curriculum Implementation

 In the Early Years, KS1 and KS2 pupils are encouraged to play and explore to develop an understanding about the world around them including a key focus on ict skills. Computing has strong links with mathematics, science and design and technology.  Progress is further encouraged through personalised and creative subject specific lessons in KS3-4. Through PSHE and parent support our pupils have access to online safety lessons. Post 16 pupils are encouraged to take part in weekly targeted online safety sessions.

Whilst we maintain high expectations and encourage rapid progress in all our pupils, we recognise them as individuals who have, or are still overcoming multiple barriers to learning, considering their EHCP outcomes alongside a Individual Education Plan, that ensures the progress they make is meaningful and purposeful to their development.

This document is designed as a guide only for teaching staff.

 Curriculum Impact

Pupils will reach end points appropriate to their abilities and understanding- this will vary greatly from our most sensory to our most able learners. We strive for all pupils to be as independent as possible and have ‘real life’ skills that support their transition to adulthood, this includes staying safe online, communicating online, programming and key skills.

The computing curriculum is assessed using ‘sticky knowledge ladders’. Progress is also measured against Individual Education Plan SMART targets and EHCP outcomes.

*Our curriculum is heavily personalised in relation to pupils’ Communication, Cognition, Personal Developmental, Physical & Sensory needs

Victoria Cartwright