Key principles
Effective learning is often defined as methods of learning that involve the learner actively participating in their own learning and personal development. Research has shown that learners are more likely to learn by accessing a hands-on and practical curriculum, which engages and interests them.
At Yeoman Park, we believe that an effective curriculum for our learners must take into consideration the following key elements:
• A multi-disciplinary approach, which incorporates input from various specialists, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and behaviour specialists, to ensure all aspects of a learners development are addressed.
• Functional and practical skills, where emphasis is placed on teaching skills that enhance the learner’s independence and daily functioning.
• Sensory integration, to ensure all learners access sensory-friendly environments and activities, which will help them to regulate and engage more effectively.
• Social interaction and inclusion, for learners to be able to interact with each other that will foster socialisation, communication and empathy.
• Life skills and transition planning, which focuses on preparing our learners for adulthood including developing skills relating to employment, community involvement and living skills.
• Individual learning plans (ILP), whereby each learner has their own ILP which outlines their unique goals, needs and targets, which link to their education, health and care (EHC) plans.
The development of our curriculum has taken into account these key elements and acknowledged that our learners are all on their own pathways, and therefore we need to ensure flexibility and adaptability within this.
At Yeoman Park, we believe that a robust and effective curriculum recognises the whole school day and that every part of our day is a learning opportunity. We provide learning experiences both formally and informally across the school week to enable our learners to build on their skills and independence to prepare them for life beyond Yeoman Park.