Curriculum
Aims
At Little Heath School, we aim to provide a calm, safe, secure, positive and caring environment where everyone is valued and respected equally. We aim to provide an inclusive education, which encourages good social skills and respect for self and others where young people develop independent learning skills and are taught according to need whatever their age, gender, background, beliefs or abilities. Equality principles underpin the school’s vision and values.
At Little Heath School, we aim to develop a love of learning for all our pupils that will stay with them throughout their lives. We aim to ensure that they are healthy and safe, and they enjoy and achieve in all areas of their learning. Each pupil is seen as a unique individual and a valued member of our school.
Little Heath School has a holistic approach to learning and aims to ensure that parents/carers, teachers, support staff and multi-agency services work effectively together to support a variety of learning opportunities.
LHS Curriculum Rationale - Intent
Little Heath School follows a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils with a range of special educational needs with levels of ability ranging from initial stages of subject specific learning to National Curriculum and GCSE levels.
Our Curriculum, taught by experienced teachers and support staff, ensures that every pupil makes progress at their own pace. The Curriculum aims to meet the needs of children and young people with Special al Needs and Disabilities including those on the Autism Spectrum who have been identified as requiring a specialist provision. All our pupils have Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and each Individual Educational Plan (IEP) specifies targets directly related to the EHCP outcomes.
Although the pupils are taught in classes of relative to their age, each year group is divided into three distinct pathways, each with its own curriculum to meet the specific needs of that cohort. Age appropriateness, compatibility and class dynamics are key components when grouping pupils in each class.
We cover all core curriculum subjects and a broad range of subjects which enhance the pupils' learning opportunities. Content is drawn from the National Curriculum, Equals – Schemes of Work and our own themes developed to suit the specific needs and levels of ability of our pupils.
Our pupils are encouraged to develop a positive approach towards school life and are supported to become motivated, hardworking, and confident individuals. All pupils begin at the school with a variety of experiences, opportunities and needs. It is our responsibility to build upon their previous learning experiences and take them further in their education in preparation for adult life.
We encourage the pupils to develop a sense of pride, care, and sensitivity towards themselves, each other, the school, and the wider community. Our curriculum emphasises cognitive learning, communication, and social development.
The LHS Curriculum is planned and delivered in a flexible and innovative way based on the needs, interests and learning styles of each pupil, harnessing learning across a range of environments and accessing the range of resources and expertise available. There is a clear emphasis on developing independence from the outset which continues across all Key Stages.
Communication and Social Interaction are core elements underpinning everything, providing a platform for learning. There is an understanding of the importance of the wide range of learning opportunities that are inherent across the day for example transition breaks and leisure times.
