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Integrated Curriculum

The Integrated Curriculum at Treloar School

Students at Treloar School have a wide spectrum of physical, learning, communication, language and sensory difficulties. Academically, we have a span from students attaining A*
at GCSE to students with severe learning difficulties. Early in 2006, a group of professionals began designing a more suitable programme for those students with the most complex needs. After a lengthy period of consultation and planning, the Integrated Curriculum was introduced in September 2006 for two specific classes of students at Key Stages Two and Three and a year later was extended to include Key Stage Four.

 The curriculum's aim is to provide an holistic programme which enables these students to reach their full potential by integrating their therapeutic and academic needs into their holistic learning programme. Differences include:

- The introduction of flexible teaching arrangements allowing the class team to plan an appropriate curriculum
- Increased provision of tactile and kinaesthetic materials to aid experiential and multi-sensory learning
- Increased adaptations to the physical environment of the classroom including equipment, low vision aids, furniture and seating
- A concentration on access to alternative and augmentative forms of communication, particularly the use of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
- Regular and frequent access to specialist support, e.g. visual impairment adviser, symbols co-ordinator, physiotherapist

There is a high level of input from all professional departments across the school, embodying a model of positive co-professional working.
Regular meetings, attended by the team, ensure that individual needs are regularly addressed; targets are reviewed; and planning is up-to-date and disseminated effectively. It is through this considerable teamwork and a multi-positional programme (including standing frames, prone/supine lying, long sitting, stretches and massage) throughout the school day that physical and communication skills blend into all areas of the learning which is taking place. Moving and Handling guidelines are carefully adhered to in the classroom to ensure safety for both staff and students.

A broad and balanced academic curriculum is provided for the students at an appropriate cognitive level, using aspects of the curriculum from more than one Key Stage. The students in these classes are working within P levels (pre Level 1 of the National Curriculum)

A portfolio of each student's work, often including photographic evidence, is added to termly and more specific records of progress and achievement are also kept. A photographic Record of Achievement is compiled for each student, documenting highlights throughout the school year.

Two of the teachers in the Integrated Curriculum were trained as Conductors (Conductive Education Instructors) at the Peto Institute in Hungary.

 

 

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"Kristy is enjoying having more independence and feels more at ease trying new things at a specialist college rather than mainstream because everyone has different needs and she does not stand out."
A Treloar's parent