At Woodcroft School we believe that our curriculum should be broad, balanced and relevant to the needs of all our pupils, whatever their ability. It is built around the requirements of the National Curriculum and implemented in a positive way by teachers and their class teams.
All pupils access both core and foundation subjects delivered at an appropriate level and in a style suited to their individual needs and abilities. We offer a range of learning experiences that challenge, stimulate and promote thinking and learning. Many of our pupils benefit from learning broken down into very small achievable steps, with lots of opportunities to repeat and practice each skill before becoming independent with it.
Our curriculum is the totality of our pupils’ learning experiences and is highly differentiated for each pupil. This includes social skills, communication skills, sensory experiences, self help, problem solving, independence and self management of behaviour and emotions. Please see our Curriculum policy on the Policies page for more details.
Education in the community is essential to prepare pupils for the opportunities, experiences, enjoyment and responsibilities of adult life. To help achieve this all pupils have opportunities to use public facilities and learn about behaving in a socially acceptable way. As pupils progress and gain independence skills the amount of time spent in the community is increased. We aim to gradually reduce the level of staff support in order to increase pupil independence and self-confidence.
Some pupils have part-time inclusion in local mainstream primary schools with which Woodcroft School has strong, established links. Other pupils are able to participate in gradual inclusion programmes in their neighbourhood mainstream or special school, with a view to taking up a full-time place in the future. In all cases a member of Woodcroft staff is provided as support.
Pupils are encouraged to build relationships based on mutual respect and trust, to value the world around them and thus to come to an awareness and understanding of spiritual and moral values. Religious education is addressed across the curriculum with emphasis on helping pupils to develop self-awareness and appreciating other people and their needs.
All religions are respected and holidays and feast days are acknowledged. Non denominational assemblies include collective worship and provide opportunities for celebrating religious festivals.
Pupils may be withdrawn from assemblies at their parents’ request.
Relationship education, including sex education, may be provided after discussion between parents and staff as to what may be appropriate in view of the child’s needs and stage of development.