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| Learning Programmes |
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Learners are supported by intensive individual learning support as required and their individual specific needs are identified from the learners Statement of Educational Need and pre placement assessments and incorporated into the Individual Education Plan Learners are encouraged to join in the daily ‘Get fit for Learning’ programme at the start of each day, where Yoga, Mindfulness, Braingym and swimming are offered to warm up for the day ahead. Functional Skills
Functional skills are taught in sessions as well as throughout the curriculum. We ensure that learners can see the practical relevance of their work and have plenty of opportunity to engage with real situations in the real world. The Key Stage 3 curriculum
The core functional skills of Maths, English and ICT are taught as discrete subjects as well as blended into the other statutory subjects of;
The 14-19 Curriculum
All learners study functional skills and have Physical Education (PE) and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) sessions along with planned programmes for independence and the world of work. In addition to the subjects taught on the Key Stage 3 Curriculum, these learners also access;
Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
Each term we hold a culture week where all students have the opportunity to access a variety of classes and activities based around a theme, enjoying associated food, music and customs. Personal Learning & Thinking Skills The PLTS framework is designed to reflect the qualities and skills needed for success in learning and life. The framework is made up of six groups of skills, designed to help develop learners abilities as:
It is vital that they also become; Self-managers, able to organise themselves and take responsibility and be effective participants; able to engage actively with school, college, workplace or wider community Specialist Subject Teaching Design and technology All learners have the opportunity to access the workshop where they can use a variety of resistant materials to design and make a choice of products. They learn how to use tools and equipment safely, plan their designs and learn skills cutting and joining materials. Recent class projects have included go-kart making and mini skateboard ramps as well as smaller projects of CD racks and money boxes. Food Technology The school has 4 kitchen areas where all learners can take part in sessions where a variety of ingredients are used to prepare healthy meals and dishes. They learn to work in a safe and hygienic way whilst learning basic skills in measuring, preparing, cooking and using tools and equipment safely. Learners enjoy using the produce from the school horticulture unit in their food sessions. Recent projects have included preparing Spanish food for our culture week and making café produce to sell for our Children in Need charity event. Learners gain awards for their courses including AQA unit awards, ASDAN challenges, British Nutrition Foundation Life Skills certification and entry level courses. Land Based Studies & Horticulture The Land Based Studies department is a well-resourced unit where learners can study horticulture and environmental science. The produce from the department is used during cooking lessons, in the school kitchens, or, at times of plenty, sold to staff and parents. The unit comprises of a kitchen garden, six large raised beds, two poly tunnels and a teaching base where practical tasks can be carried out. Young people also have the opportunity to take part in camp skills using the fire pit built by the learners themselves and use the surrounding grounds for shelter building and nature observation. The curriculum on offer is currently based around developing skills through a range of horticulture and environmental activities. Those learners with a particular interest can have their own plot in which to plan, prepare and grow plants. Currently accreditation is through the AQA unit award scheme but it is hoped that we will soon be offering the new Royal Horticultural Society practical level one award. Land based studies provides a therapeutic area where learners can relax in the great outdoors whilst learning practical skills.
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In order to ensure that St. John’s learners follow parallel programmes to their contemporaries in main stream settings, the school education programme is closely based on the National Curriculum.
All pupils in Key stage 3 follow the National Curriculum with an ongoing emphasis on communication and Personal, social, health and economic education (PHSEE) as well as the social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL).
Our learners thrive in an environment specifically for ages 14-19, where the emphasis is on a personal programme designed to meet their specific needs and interests.
Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is of fundamental importance in the programme of all learners. This is incorporated through all subjects and staff promote these through their values and attitudes towards learners and colleagues.
