THE RATIONALE AND DESIGN OF THE FAIRVIEW CURRICULUM
At Fairview School, our curriculum rationale is deeply rooted in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and individualised education that meets the diverse needs of our pupils with severe and complex learning needs. Our curriculum is designed to promote holistic development, foster independence, enhance quality of life, and prepare pupils for meaningful engagement in their communities. The following principles guide our curriculum development and implementation:
Individualised Learning:
We recognise that each child and young person at Fairview School is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, interests, and learning styles. Therefore, our curriculum is highly individualised, tailored to the specific needs, abilities, and goals of each pupil. We conduct thorough assessments and collaborate closely with pupils, families, and multi-disciplinary teams to develop personalised My Learning Plans that guide instructional planning and delivery.
Functional Skills Development:
Our curriculum prioritises the development of functional skills that are essential for daily living, communication, social interaction, and independence. We place a strong emphasis on teaching practical skills that empower pupils to navigate their environment, engage in self-care tasks, communicate their needs and preferences, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
Pupil Voice:
As a Gold Rights Respecting School pupil voice is at the centre of what we do. Pupils are given choices throughout their day and encouraged to share their views through programmes such as the pupil council, Inclusion Ambassadors and in the classroom.
Multi-Sensory, Play based and Experiential Learning:
Given the diverse sensory, communication, and cognitive profiles of our pupils, we employ a multi-sensory, play based and experiential approach to learning. Our curriculum incorporates hands-on activities, real-life experiences, and sensory-rich materials to engage pupils in meaningful learning opportunities that cater to their individual sensory preferences and abilities. We encourage pupils to build their play skills to facilitate other areas of skill developments.
Communication and Social Skills:
We recognise the importance of communication and social interaction in fostering relationships, building connections, and promoting inclusion. Our curriculum includes explicit instruction in communication skills, utilising a variety of modalities such as speech, sign language – Makaton, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and tactile communication methods. We also provide structured opportunities for social skills development, peer interactions, and community integration.
Functional Academics and Life Skills:
While academic learning can be a part of our curriculum, we prioritise the acquisition of functional academics that have practical relevance to our pupils’ everyday lives. Our curriculum integrates academic instruction with life skills training, vocational exploration, and community-based learning experiences to prepare pupils for post-school transition and adult life.
Inter-disciplinary Approach:
Collaboration and integration across disciplines are fundamental to our curriculum delivery. Our teams work collaboratively to address the complex needs of our pupils, drawing upon expertise from special education teachers, speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behaviour specialists, and other professionals to provide holistic support and intervention.
Assessment for Learning and Progress Monitoring:
Continuous assessment and progress monitoring are integral components of our curriculum implementation. We utilise a variety of formal and informal assessment measures to evaluate progress, identify learning objectives, and inform instructional decision-making. Assessment data is used to adjust instructional strategies, set goals, and track growth over time.
Family and Community Engagement:
We recognise the importance of family involvement and collaboration in supporting pupils’ learning and development. Our curriculum encourages active participation and partnership with families, providing opportunities for ongoing communication, education, and support. We also seek to foster strong ties with the wider community, including local agencies, organisations, and businesses, to create meaningful opportunities for inclusion and community participation.
In summary, the curriculum at Fairview School is designed to empower our pupils with severe and complex learning needs to reach their full potential and be the best they can be. Cultivating their unique abilities, and supporting them to thrive as active, engaged members of society. Through our commitment to individualisation, functional skill development, multi-sensory learning, and collaborative partnership, we strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where our pupils can succeed and flourish.
