ARAN HALL SCHOOL – CURRICULUM POLICY
ACADEMIC YEARS: 2021 - 23
- According to ability rather than age, we are able to offer a range of nationally-recognised qualifications and certificates: a full range of subjects initially through AQA Unit Award Scheme, and then through WJEC Entry Pathways courses; Agored Cymru Entry Level 2 and 3 for a range of RSE-related units; WJEC Entry Level Maths and English; AQA Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications in Maths and English; GCSE English; A-Level English. - Through all ages and Phases of our Curriculum Map, pupils have the opportunities to develop their independence and independent living skills; this is supported by cooking, shopping and planning sessions; specific PSHE and RSE and Entry Pathways units. Timetables can and will vary according to each pupil’s plans for the futur e and next steps. There will be frequent cross-curriculum opportunities for pupils to develop their Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Competency skills (across all Phases of our Curriculum Map). Full-Time, Fully-Supported Education All pupils are taught 1-2-1 or supported in pairs or small groups (as per individual RAMPs and length of time at school and Level on the school’s Achieve! programme). The school day consists of two sessions: 9.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm. the day is divided into 10 x 30-minute sessions. Depending on their Level on the Achieve! programme, pupils follow a Work-Reward- Work-Reward pattern (for pupils on Level 1 and Level 1+) or a Work-Work-Reward pattern (for pupils on Level 2, Level 2+ and Level 3). As appropriate (i.e. for pupils who are on or working towards Level 3, or pupils who are preparing for exams), pupils may have hour- long lessons throughout the school day. As each pupil’s timetable is personal to them, we are able to offer huge flexibility with what we can provide and for how long. Aran Hall School currently has term dates in-line with Gwynedd Council, meaning that there are 6 half-terms per year and 190 school days per year. Due to our varied and skilled staff provision, we are able to support Welsh speakers (in written and spoken forms), as preferred and appropriate. Delivering the Curriculum The curriculum is delivered according to individual pupils’ needs, preferences and stipulations in EHCPs and Statements of Learning. All pupils are supported in developing and managing positive behaviours for learning and independence through the school’s Achieve! programme. This is an evidence -based programme, which uses the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. It runs alongside learning and uses rewards to encourage positive behaviours and to nurture pupils towards independence. All pupils follow the school’s Curriculum Map, but our personalisation allows that to be at each pupil’s own pace and according to his needs and future aspirations and plans. Lessons are delivered in a variety of ways, again according to pupils’ needs. Some of the teaching strategies we employ include: - Multi-sensory approaches - Academic curriculum lessons e.g. English and Maths (leading to nationally recognised qualifications) - Functional and practical lessons e.g. IT, recipe choosing/ planning/ shopping and cooking - Outdoor education e.g. gardening and PE - Off-site education e.g. lessons with Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, stable craft and horse-riding sessions, food shopping - Teaching real skills in real settings - Work experience (again, we are able to arrange a variety of ‘experiences’: on -site with gardening, our school library, our termly school newsletter and school-related projects; off-site in partnerships with local businesses).
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