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Special

Nancealverne School

This content was written by
Nancealverne School
Context
At Nancealverne school we are committed to and passionate about the learning and progress of our pupils. Staff and governors have high aspirations for our children and young people through a broad and varied curriculum; we offer a highly structured, differentiated and personalised learning programme. We provide a specialist, high quality and relevant education for young people aged 3-19 who have moderate to complex learning difficulties. This focuses on individual, personal and academic achievement-setting high expectations for all. As a school we are also committed to celebrating all achievements and providing a wide range of rich, meaningful and varied opportunities- preparing our pupils well for adulthood and life beyond school. We aim to foster a love of learning, regardless of need, developing independence through inclusive and accessible learning. Nancealverne school is part of the Special Partnership Trust, an ambitious and inspiring collaboration of specialist provision in Cornwall, with a focus on excellence in learning for everyone. We are committed to ensure that every child, irrespective of need or location gets the best learning opportunities possible. We believe in providing challenge and support in equal measure to our pupils, nurturing the talents and skills of all learners. We have been awarded Gold Skills Builder status and are passionate about continuing to embed and develop our students' skills for school and beyond. Skills Builder is the perfect resource for us as a Special School as the framework links well to our principles and values.
Overall impact
The impact of the Accelerator Programme has been vast. Teachers and students really engage and respond to Skills Builder challenges. A particular highlight for the school community has been our 'Fabulous Fashions' challenge day. This involved the key skills of communication, teamwork and creativity. All children from the Early Years to Post-16 provision took part by planning and wearing their own fabulous outfits to school. They they learnt about different designers before a visit from a Fashion Designer from a major clothing brand. He explained his journey to becoming a fashion designer and shared his inspirations and actions when planning and designing an outfit. The students had the opportunity to ask lots of questions. The students then designed and made their own clothes. The day concluded with a fabulous celebration of the applied skills, with a whole school fashion show to showcase our fashions. It was a brilliant day. The feedback we received was that it was 'flashbulb memory day that the students will always remember.'
Keep it simple
We have built upon our Gold Award status. We have regular training and updates for teachers and support staff. The language of essential skills is used across all areas of the school, from Early Years to Post-16 provision. Assemblies, events, staff meetings and parent meetings regularly reference the skills. There is a large Skills Builder display in a central, prominent location in the school. Individual classrooms also have visual reminders. Curriculum planning has embedded skills.
Start early, keep going
All year groups and classes from ages 2-19 have planned opportunities for the learning and practising of essential skills. Project days are a whole school event and parental involvement is encouraged.
Measure it
All teachers regularly use formative assessment to prioritise and inform essential skills. We have added the essential skills to our whole school assessment system 'Evidence for Learning' so there is a balanced understanding of skills development with highlights progress and informs next steps.
Focus tightly
The teaching of essential skills forms part of lesson objectives. Curriculum planning documents, with focus on PSHE, allows dedicated time for explicit teaching of skills. Use of the Skills Builder Hub to support teachers is utilised.
Keep practising
Using and reinforcing skills regularly through core curriculum, and bespoke curriculum enrichment opportunities. This cross curricular approach provides opportunities to practise the essential skills.
Bring it to life
Provision is made for all students to apply and develop their skills. This includes project based learning, off- timetable days, employer encounters, workplace visits and enterprise challenges.
What's next
We are very enthused with the Skills Builder programme. We will continue to encourage the use of the Skills Builder Hub to access the varied resources. We also intend to add the essential skills in parental communications, such as newsletters.
South West England
United Kingdom