The values, purposes and principles of a “Curriculum for Excellence”, provide a holistic, child-centred approach allowing staff to bring life to learning and learning to life. The curriculum is based on a pupil centred active model of learning within an ILP (Individual Learning Plan) drawn up for each child.  Alongside core skills and developmental priorities, to which pupils (where appropriate), and parents are consulted, the focus of the curriculum is the theme/topic.  Staff recognise however, that many group sessions are invaluable to pupils’ learning where independence, self-esteem and confidence develop both in and beyond the classroom environment.

A broad, balanced, fun curriculum is offered promoting skills for learning, life and work.  Everyone who works with the pupils shares a responsibility to develop skills in Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing and offer the appropriate support for each individual.  This ensures pupils learn in a way that works for them, at a pace they can cope with to reach success but also to ensure they are challenged in their learning and develop new skills.

Principles

• Park School will plan and deliver an appropriately differentiated curriculum based on a Curriculum for Excellence or National Qualifications for each pupil.
• All pupils will have opportunities to achieve and all achievements will be celebrated.
• The curriculum will be broad based, age appropriate and will ensure progression.
• Parental involvement will be encouraged to contribute to the setting of priorities and the assessment of the effectiveness of the curriculum for their own child
• The curriculum is based around the needs of the whole young person – education, care and medical

 

Methodology

Children and young people in Park School are most likely to learn when;

• Teaching and Learning takes place in a safe, stimulating environment.
• Learn through structure and routines such as in primary and some secondary classes’ morning group, snack/lunch times.
• Engage in fun, relevant themes providing opportunities to work with others
• Pupils are presented with achievable tasks relevant to their needs.
• High quality resources are used and there is appropriate adult involvement.
• Involvement is in individual, group and whole school activities.
• Emphasis is on practical experience through enterprising teaching.
• ICT is embedded into the curriculum.
• Teaching and learning is backed by Homework. This will be given to pupils where families wish and appropriate to individual needs. Parents will be given support to share in their child’s learning at home and help our learners transfer skills learned in school to home.

It is essential that parents are fully involved in their child’s teaching/learning process, and that skills being developed in school are, where appropriate, carried over into the home.  Parents are actively involved in the determination of their child’s annual targets and receive annual written reports on pupil attainment.

 

Social Education Visits

Class groups are encouraged to participate in visits to the local community.  On these occasions’ pupils are given opportunities to use the skills they have been learning as part of their daily school work, e.g. reading social sight words in real situations, shopping in local supermarkets, enjoying a snack in a cafe with local residents, using the public library, visiting local parks and amenities.  These are important occasions since they offer many opportunities for our pupils to practice their skills.  This activity also has a significant role to play in any moves towards a more inclusive society which accepts the individuality of all and promotes fairness, equality, citizenship and social inclusion for all groups.

 

Swimming

All pupils are timetabled for weekly swimming session as well as use the pool for Hydrotherapy sessions.  Pupils with physical difficulties can relax, exercise limbs and experience easier movements in water.  Swimming also enables pupils with established physical skills to develop these skills, to develop confidence and self-esteem and to experience and develop co-operation.  Secondary pupils access the Galleon Centre for swimming lessons.

 

Citizenship

The learning environment of Park School also supports and encourages all pupils to be effective members of the school community which will enable them to acquire and practise the skills needed to play a participative role in society.

 

Health Promotion

Health Promotion covers a number of areas including personal care, administration of medication, healthy eating, physical activities including swimming, horse riding as well as promotion of good mental health and wellbeing.

 

Sensory Curriculum

Some pupils may have sensory issues which result in a reluctance to interact with a range of textures and materials.  The outcome of this can be that learning opportunities are reduced as the children are unable to explore the world around them.  A sensory assessment can be completed and sensory tactile sessions are designed to support pupils and encourage voluntary interaction.

 

Therapies

Over the past few years the school has been instrumental in introducing a variety of therapies to compliment the current curriculum including massage therapy.

 

Educational Trips

We are fortunate to have 3 minibuses which has enabled us to have greater access to many places of educational and environmental interest.  We have visited, for example, Culzean Country Park and Castle, Glasgow Science Centre, Dick Institute, Burns Monument, Kelvin grove, Catrine House, Dean Park, Dumfries House and Underwood Estate. These visits have become an integral part of the school curriculum and are always used to reinforce areas of the pupils’ individual learning programme.