Our Curriculum in Specialist Provision

Intent

At Brookside Academy we want all our pupils to achieve their potential and to leave Brookside as a responsible and kind individual who know and understands how to keep themselves safe.

Be Safe Be Kind Be Responsible

We believe that all children should be offered a curriculum that is not only broad and bespoke which identifies and meets the needs of individuals in our specialist provision. At Brookside, all aspects of school life are designed to improve and engage pupils through a mix of learning curriculum, holistic approach and essential life skills. Communication and engagement are fundamental in the development of all our pupils and underpin our approach to learning. Our curriculum is designed as a cohesive approach with individuals EHCP targets at the core; therefore, facilitating the child’s learning and development through greater involvement from the child, their family and wider school professionals. The overarching curriculum vision is that provision and curriculum link together.

Our curriculum is based on existing knowledge and skills and is tailored and personalised to each learner. The focus of our curriculum is to support pupils in making connections with knowledge they have learned in school, first-hand experiences, and real-life situations. Furthermore, we develop our pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the wider world with discussions topics such as diversity and British Values. These are adapted accordingly to reflect current UK and global affairs.

Our Curriculum Framework

Characteristics of Effective Learning

Perseverance
Resilience
Independence
Determination
Engagement

All pupils are supported to develop characteristics of effective learning. These areas equip pupils with key skills that they need to live independent and successful lives.

Our curriculum offer is divided into 3 pathways, reflecting the differing needs of our pupils. Our pathways cater for our most vulnerable and complex pupils as well as pupils who are able to access school and life more independently. We ensure we are flexible and able to meet the pupils needs rather than making the pupils fit into a curriculum.

Early Years/Semi-Formal Curriculum

Formal Curriculum - Ready to Learn

Pre-Formal - Learning for Life

Our Curriculum in more detail (click on the links...)

The Formal Curriculum - Ready to Learn - EYFS & National Curriculum (assessed against NC and EYFS statements)

The Pre-Formal Curriculum - Learning for Life - Equals Curriculum (assessed against the engagement model)

The Semi-Formal Learning Curriculum - Learning to Learn - Personalised approach with some subject specific, i.e. developmental journal, assessed against pre key standards

EYFS Pathway - Play-based curriculum

The curriculum will be delivered through subjects that are supported by a 2 year theme framework which focus on the following 7 areas -

All pupils at Brookside Academy Specialist Provision have an EHCP. These are used to create personalised learning goals for each pupil which are set in conjunction with parents and wider professionals. These targets are reviewed on a termly basis or as and when needed.

Our formal curriculum is our academy EYFS curriculum. Each curriculum area has a framework to ensure that the pupils are able to make connections to real life experiences and prepare them for their next phase in education.

For children who are not yet ready to follow a curriculum, their learning will be delivered through a holistic approach also known as our semi-formal/pre-formal curriculum. Our holistic curriculum encompasses everything we do in school to support our pupils learning, social and emotional wellbeing. This curriculum includes life skills, therapies (including occupation, physio and speech and language therapies) and access to alternative provision.

We employ a Speech and Language Therapist for one and a half days week. She works closely with the children and staff to ensure that care plans are being followed and communication boards are being reviewed and updated. Our Speech and Language Therapist is also an expert in Attention Autism and supports staff with the delivery of high quality Attention Autism sessions.

At Brookside Academy we are surrounded by a rich outside environment. All pupils in our specialist provision participate in weekly outdoor lessons which is delivered by our trained Forest School lead/TA. Children are able to enjoy walks and take their learning outside.

Implementation

Yearly Curriculum Overview (please click below to view)

EYFS/Semi-Formal Curriculum Overview 2023-2024

Formal Curriculum Overview 2022-2023

Pre-Formal Curriculum Overview 2022-2023

Timetables

(please click below to view)

Example 1: EYFS/Semi-Formal Curriculum

Example 2: Formal Curriculum

Example 3: Pre-Formal Curriculum

P.E Overview

Impact

How we measure progress

At Brookside Academy within our specialist provision, the concept of progress is defined collectively and carefully for all pupils. While we use academic measures, we also recognise that what we do as adults working with young people, must move them towards a future in which they can be happy, productive members of society. During their time with us all, professionals working with a child, the family and the young person will identify their flight path, which will be used as a benchmark for their academic learning. This will aid them as they move through the school. Teachers will assess a child according to the curriculum pathway that they follow.

EYFS Framework
National Curriculum
Engagement Model
Pre-Key Stage Standard
EHCP Targets/Personal Learning Goals (PLGs)
Early Developmental Journal

Teachers will also use a range of other methods, including; observations, photos, videos, and verbal and written recordings from the pupils, to show progress and achievements.

Three times a year, senior leaders use flight paths to monitor the impact of the Formal, Pre-formal and Semi-Formal Curriculum. Data is collected and used to inform progress conversations, Governors and comparisons with Trusts and other specialist schools.