Curiculum Whole School Overview

Intent

Our curriculum is designed to allow our pupils to experience a safe and joyful learning environment for all. We provide opportunities for all within a broad and balanced, therapeutic curriculum so that each child can achieve success. We have high aspirations and support individuals to overcome their personal challenges to become rounded individuals, to achieve success, and to develop – educationally, socially, physically, creatively, and morally.  

At Beechcliffe School we believe that all pupils are individuals and as such, are all working within their individual developmental area at each key stage. The key stages are: Key Stage 3, 4 and Post 16.

Within our curriculum there are 4 distinct strands – Explore, Discover, Enquire and Thrive. These areas are ordered developmentally so that pupils are taught in developmentally appropriate groups. As pupils progress further and become young adults each strand reflects and incorporates a Preparation for Adulthood dimension. This allows for specific, targeted and adapted learning opportunities at an appropriate developmental level for each young person. Pupils also access mixed whole school community activities such as Performing Arts, where all pupils work together in their chosen art areas. 

Our pupils will leave school with relevant core skills, accreditations and functional skills in a range of academic and vocational areas. Academic, behavioural and communication interventions support the personal, social development and attainment of our pupils through a referral process which follows the APDR cycle 

Each pupil’s wellbeing and personal development curriculum is supplemented by a diverse and regular calendar of whole school activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and links to charities, visits, and events such as Children in Need and Red Nose Day. Pupils also participate in awareness days, fund raising and charity events such as the Winter and Summer Fayres and our Super Cars and Superheroes Day. All pupils join a weekly celebration assembly led by the Headteacher or a senior staff member. This celebrates our pupils’ achievements and reflects on the ‘Thought for the Week.’ Assemblies are an opportunity for all our pupils to perform and showcase their many talents. Each class has a representative on the School Council which is an excellent chance for pupils to have their say and their voice heard within the school. We have Healthy Schools and Investors in Pupils status, and we are working towards ArtsMark. 

Implementation

Each subject area (PoS) is revisited numerous times throughout a student’s time in school through rolling programmes allowing them to continue to build the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in future destinations. Subject topics are sequenced to build on students’ knowledge and ability to apply skills. Classroom environments are organised to meet the needs of pupils and they access a range of specialist spaces within school (e.g., hydrotherapy, swimming, rebound, sensory integration, cooking room, IT suite and music room). Learning is delivered through a range of whole class, small group and individual learning activities depending on the needs of the pupil. Learning how to apply knowledge and skills to real life situations to ensure meaningful and active processing is a key part of curriculum delivery. Pupils work on a range of accreditations from the time they join the school until they leave. During a pupil’s time in school, they can access a range of experiences which enhance their education both in the local community and further afield through trips, visits, work experience and volunteering.

Impact 

Through the provision of safe, joyful, learning for all, pupils will progress knowing what success feels like, being confident, independent, inspired while knowing how to keep safe. We expect ALL pupils to leave KS4 and Post 16 with a range of accreditation that are appropriate to them, and which will support them in the future destinations. They will have the knowledge needed to ensure they are able to flourish and continue to achieve in their future destinations.