Curriculum | Cotswold Chine School | Independent Special School

A broad and varied curriculum

The curriculum followed by the school comprises three elements: the National Curriculum, the Vocational Curriculum and the Enrichment Curriculum.

Literacy and numeracy skills are taught throughout the school day and all teachers encourage students’ development in these key areas. Creative and practical skills are developed through a range of activities including art, textiles, woodwork, photography and music. In addition, various sporting opportunities are available and all students use the school’s ‘Multi Use Games Area’ (MUGA) for PE lessons.

Our Curriculum

Seedling

Key Stage 4 (ages 14 – 16)

Sapling

Key Stage 4 (ages 14 – 16)

Sycamore

Key Stage 4 (ages 14 – 16)

Blossom

Key Stage 4 (ages 14 – 16)

Each pathway has access to the National curriculum which is individualised for each student, incorporating their primary social, emotional and academic needs. For all pupils, the curriculum is geared towards achieving the ultimate aim of ensuring that, by the time they reach adulthood, they have developed and achieved the skills that will enable them to have the greatest level of independence and most enjoyable and fulfilling lives.

Cotswold Chine School offers a full range of educational and social experiences to students aged 7-19 years old. By focusing on rhythm and routine, the school aims to create a community that feels safe: a community that celebrates achievements and allows young people to develop and nurture skills that will enable them to progress in all aspects of their lives. The curriculum encourages students to explore all subjects of the National Curriculum in a practical and creative way.

The content and progress within each subject area is mapped out in individual subject schemes of work and curriculum maps. Creative and physical skills are developed through a range of activities, which include art, textiles, pottery, woodwork, photography, music and drama. A wide range of sporting opportunities are also available. Cotswold Chine School has a “Multi Use Games Area” which each young person will use for Physical Education.

Literacy and numeracy skills are taught throughout the school day and all teachers cultivate and encourage students’ development in these key skills. The highly individualised learning environment in the School recognises the varied needs of learners and uses creative teaching techniques, tailored to natural interests to encourage access to the learning process.

Personal, Social, Health and Economics (PSHE) and Sex and Relationship education.

(SMSC) – The PINK curriculum The School places great emphasis on developing each student’s understanding of healthy lifestyles and their ability to keep them- selves safe and develop skills in managing money, as well as actively promoting British values, understanding how to keep themselves safe from relevant risks such as abuse, sexual exploitation and extremism, including when using the internet and social media. Students are supported through personal development session. In doing so we ensure they are well prepared to respect others, care for themselves and contribute to wider society and life in Britain. The school’s basis for the PSHE/SMSC curriculum ”People in the know” (PINK curriculum) was developed by Gloucestershire healthy living and learning. PSHE/SMSC (PINK curriculum) lessons are timetabled daily.

A website link for further formation is available at http://www.ghll.org.uk/pink-safeguarding-curriculum

Sex and Relationship education forms part of the PSHE curriculum and is timetabled for Key stage 2, 3, 4 and post 16 students. Sex and Relationship education is delivered according to individual student’s abilities and developmental readiness, class groups may be divided into smaller groups where appropriate.

The Vocational Curriculum

Preparing students for work is an important aspect of the school’s curriculum. Students at key Stages 4 and post 16 are able to choose options from a range of work related and vocational opportunities and qualifications according to their individual needs, abilities and interests. These are generally in the areas of:

• Land and environment, (including gardening and horse/animal care).

• Hospitality and catering.

• Construction/Maintenance.

• Business and administration (including office skills).

• Personal and work skills development.

Students are able to gain practical experience through a range of facilities provided by Novalis Trust which include: The Halfway Café; the administration and training department; the maintenance department and through use of the school grounds, gardens and local Woods. Horse/animal care skills are arranged at local riding stables and local farms and animal shelters. Students in post 16 also partake in life skill activities for example- taking public transport, shopping for daily items, budgeting and planning and preparing meals. This promotion of independence is a core value for our post 16/Blossom curriculum pathway.

The role of the transition coordinator ensures that all students are supported and monitored in employability skills so that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment or training.

Whenever possible, the school seeks to gain accreditation for each student’s vocational learning at the appropriate level.