Our Curriculum
The Archdale School Curriculum has been under review. Since September 2019, teachers have planned using one of three curricula. We continue to use Development Matters in the EYFS for our youngest pupils. From Year 1, we have reshaped our curriculum offer and pupils now follow either an Informal or Semi-Formal Curriculum, depending on their learning pathway. Pupils’ learning through the curriculum is individually tailored and linked directly to EHCP outcomes. There are three core threads that run throughout teaching and learning: Engagement - Independence - Communication
Please refer to the following diagrams for a brief overview of the curricula at Archdale School. Should you require further information about the Archdale curriculum, please contact the school directly.
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EYFS Placing the unique child centrally, the curriculum is personalised to address the following areas: Play, discovering and encountering Personal, Social and Emotional Development Physical Development Communication and Language
Literacy Mathematics Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design |
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Informal curriculum Engaging, linking and responding Pupils with complex learning needs at the earliest stages of learning
Physical development and independence Thinking and problem solving Communication Creativity Personal Development and well-being |
Semi-formal curriculum Engaging, real life learning opportunities developing long lasting skills Pupils with severe learning difficulties supporting key areas of learning, and challenging pupils to meet their full potential
Communication Thinking and problem solving Creativity (music, art, drama, dance) My world Personal development and wellbeing Physical development and independence |
Informal curriculum overview
Informal Curriculum
The informal curriculum at Archdale School has five key curriculum areas, which are made up of key components of learning:
| Communication | Thinking and problem solving |
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Creativity | Personal Development and wellbeing |
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Semi-formal curriculum overview
The semi formal curriculum at Archdale school has six areas:
| Communication | Thinking and problem solving |
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Creativity | Personal Development and wellbeing | My World |
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Teachers plan around a termly theme. Religious Education and RSE are incorporated into the themes over the course of the year and addressed through whole school approaches to SMSC.
EYFS
What is EYFS?
A child’s experience between birth and the age of five is vitally important for their future life chances. At Archdale School we believe that:
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Every child deserves the best possible start in life and should be given the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.
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A secure, safe and happy childhood is important for every child no matter what the child's individual needs may be.
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A holistic approach of high-quality early learning provides the foundation a child needs to make the most of their abilities and talents.
For the EYFS:
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We will provide enabling environments which caters for the unique needs of the individual child
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We will create a happy, caring and enthusiastic atmosphere
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We recognise and celebrate all cultural and religious backgrounds
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We will provide a caring, respectful and happy environment in which all children no matter their needs and their families feel safe, secure and welcome
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We will offer an adapted EYFS curriculum for each individual child with learning through play, exploration and first-hand experience in a multi –sensory way being at the heart of all we do
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We will promote communication, physical development and social and emotional well-being
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We will work as part of the wider school team in growing together
If you need more information about the EYFS curriculum please contact the school office.
EYFS topics (whole school rolling programme of themes)
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Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
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Year 1: 2021-22 |
All about me and my body |
All around the world |
Now and then: sequences in time |
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Year 2: 2022-23 |
All about me and my community |
The universe and beyond |
The United Kingdom |
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Year 3: 2023-24 |
All about me and my environment |
Land and sea life |
Transport |
Curriculum Intent Overview
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Curriculum intent/aims:
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Pupils will communicate effectively using their preferred communication styles
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Pupils will make progress on their personalised learning journeys, making simple links and focusing their attention |
Pupils will be happy and engaged with learning and will develop a curiosity in their surroundings |
Pupils will develop as much independence in all aspects of their day to day lives |
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Areas of need:
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Communication and interaction |
Cognition and learning |
Social, emotional and mental health |
Sensory / physical needs |
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Core focus areas for learning:
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Communication systems in place and opportunities to develop personalised communications in as many ways as possible |
To be able to solve simple problems in own day to day life and develop organisational skills |
Relevant, skills for life that enable confidence and independence |
Multisensory approach placing the child and their physical and emotional well-being centrally |
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Three core curriculum:
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EYFS Foundation Stage Development Matters |
Informal curriculum |
Semi-formal curriculum |
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