4-9 Early Years & Infants Curriculum
The Early Years and KS1 curriculum sets out to ensure students develop ‘ready to learn’ skills through a fun, child centred approach.
By the end of KS1 every child aims to:
- have an identified functional communication system individualised to their needs
- understand a simple instruction from a familiar adult in a familiar context with appropriate supports
- have a stage appropriate level of independence with their self-care
- engage with sensory regulation activities to manage their sensory needs
- demonstrate joint attention
- engage in an adult led activity
- transition from one activity to another with appropriate levels of staff support
- be able to learn and play alongside their peers with support as required
The above skills are developed through topic based schemes of work delivered through a combination of play based learning and structured adult led activities. These activities are then supported by interventions such as Attention Autism, PEIC-D, Intensive Interaction and Tac Pac.
The impact of the Early Years and KS1 curriculum is monitor through Tapestry learning journeys and EHCP reviews.
7-11 Primary School Curriculum
Enrichment takes many forms at Portfield School and Sixth Form, from our stimulating creative arts programme, including music, dance and drama, to the popular, Forest School. Students are given time, encouragement and opportunity to express themselves and showcase their talents across all creative avenues.
A Musician in Residence works in individual and group settings to produce fun musical pieces and performances, using both traditional instruments and electronic music.
Lunchtime Drama Club promotes creativity and builds on dramatic flair for performers and offers equally challenging opportunities to those who prefer to work behind the scenes. The focus of Drama Club is on collaboration, fun and expression and is often identified by peals of laughter emanating along the corridor.
A firm favourite with all ages is Forest School – an outdoor wonderland, where weekly lessons in fire building, foraging, animal husbandry and den building open up a world of discovery, resilience and learning. Portfield School students can participate in awards such as The John Muir or The Duke of Edinburgh Award.
11-16 Secondary School Curriculum
The Secondary Phase of education is for students age 11 – 16 and is designed to support all students with autism and a range of learning needs. The curriculum is designed to build the achievement and confidence of the students and help them to explore and think about future careers and begin to prepare them for their next steps.
Preparation for Adulthood outcomes are woven through the teaching in both explicit and embedded ways to provide opportunities for the consolidation and generalisation of skills. Our classrooms provide a rich learning environment where all students can access a range of activities underpinned by our school values of respect, teamwork, challenge, and resilience, to educate, and provoke independent thinking; creating an ethos where everyone is valued and respected.
The Secondary Phase curriculum is personalised to the individual student whilst continuing to develop English and Mathematical skills required for adulthood. In the Secondary Phase, students begin to access a range of accreditations and qualifications; this builds confidence and helps develop an understanding of different pathways for employment. Every week students are able to participate in cookery, Forest School, and an educational visit into the local community.
The enrichment activities that students are able to access during the Secondary Phase include preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Swimming, Trampolining, and Music through sessions with our Musician in Residence.
16-19 Sixth Form Curriculum
The 6th Form provides provision for students with autism and a range of learning needs and styles aged 16 to 19 years.
Our overall aim is to support and prepare students with the skills and next steps that will support their transition to adulthood so that they can lead full and productive lives as members of our community. We provide a rich learning environment where all students can access a range of activities underpinned by our school values of respect, teamwork, challenge and resilience, to educate, stimulate and challenge, creating an ethos where everyone is valued and respected.
Our vision is to offer a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of all learners regardless of their starting point. The curriculum is personalised, challenging and appropriate whilst being stimulating. All students will be supported to access, a range of accreditations and qualifications to support them in reaching their full potential. Students follow individualised timetables designed to meet their needs, interests and ambitions and develop their skills towards independence. They will work towards gaining skills for employment through a range of work related experiences and the Prince’s Trust Personal Development and Employability Skills Programme.
