The Revised National Curriculum (DfE, 2013, p.6) emphasises that all schools should offer an individual curriculum which is customised and tailored for the pupils in the school:

 

             The national curriculum is just one element in the education of every child. There is time and space in the school day and in each week, term and year to range beyond the national curriculum specifications. The national curriculum provides an outline of core knowledge around which teachers can develop  exciting and stimulating lessons to promote the development of pupils’  knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider school curriculum.

 

In addition, The National Curriculum Framework (DfE, 2013, p.9) recognises the importance of a flexible and differentiated curriculum:

 

A wide range of pupils have special educational needs, many of whom also have disabilities. Lessons should be planned to ensure that there are no barriers to every pupil achieving:

 

• Personalised Curriculums

To this end we therefore ensure that the curriculum is relevant and appropriately differentiated to meet the varied needs of pupils providing a progression of experience and challenge.

 

Programmes are personalised to each pupil’s requirements, reflecting their Outcomes as specified in their Education, Health and Care Plans. Class teachers incorporate class based interventions in relation to literacy and numeracy, and will differentiate all subject based long-term plans accordingly for the pupils in their class. 

 

Some pupils may, in addition, follow additional programmes specific to their needs such as participating in literacy and numeracy interventions, O.T. based sessions such as Sensory Circuits and Clever Hands, Speech and Language Therapy programmes, ASD specific strategies such as TEACH and Lego Therapy, as well as personal and social skills interventions such as ‘Talk Time’. We also provide Play Therapy and employ a Wellbeing Caseworker for pupils to be referred to if further needs need meeting. All pupils also receive Personal Development lessons on a weekly basis which cover a range of aspects including various themed weeks e.g. People who helps us, Road Safety, Antibullying, as well as specific lessons on areas some pupils may need help with in every day life such as crossing the road or using the telephone.

 

• Enrichment Opportunities, SMSC and Fundamental British Values

The statutory and personalised curriculums are significantly enhanced by our ‘Enrichment’ programme which promotes our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) values. The Ofsted Subsidiary Guidance, 2013, defines these as:

 Spiritual:

            Explore beliefs and experience, respect values, discover oneself and the   surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect

 

Examples at Laleham Gap Primary include special Whole School Assemblies such as Harvest Festival, Christian festivals celebrated such as Easter and Christmas, annual Christmas Carol Concerts, other religious festivals celebrated such as Diwali and  visits to religious buildings such as mosques. The Learning for Life curriculum topics in Terms 4 and 5 also concentrate on ‘Spirituality: RE and Big Questions’, and ‘Values: Culture and Community’. 

 

 Moral:

            Recognise right and wrong; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views

 

Examples include L4L lessons on friendships, citizenship, bullying and learning right from wrong alongside participating in ‘National Safety Week’ during which pupils interact with visitors from the RNLI, Police and Fire Service.

 

 Social:

            Use social skills in different contexts; work well with others; resolve conflicts;       understand how communities work

 

Examples include L4L lessons on friendships, lunchtime clubs, trips to the local community such as the public library and Homeless charities, singing in Residential Homes, as well as offsite visits to, for example ‘Challenger Troop’ and ‘Quex’ developing social,  physical and team building skills.

 

 Cultural:

            Appreciate cultural influences; participate in culture opportunities; understand,   accept, respect and celebrate diversity

Examples include national events and celebrations such as The Royal Wedding, international events such as the Olympics, national charity events such as Red Nose Dayas well as visits to art galleries, theatres and places of worship. In addition pupils participate in on-site social and cultural events such as Science and Art Shows.

 

Fundamental British Values:

Schools also have a duty to promote Fundamental British Values. The ‘Promoting Fundamental British Values as part of SMSC in Schools’ document (DfE, 2014) states that through ensuring pupils’ SMSC development, schools can also demonstrate they are actively promoting the fundamental British values of:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

British values and SMSC are an integral part of the school ethos and Whole School Curriculum and are particularly highlighted within the L4L programme.