OUR IMPLEMENTATION:

Translating the Intent/ aims over time into a structure and narrative, within an institutional context.

Schemes of work clearly detail what students will be expected to know by the end of all units of work. This forms the basics for planning. This in turn is assessed before the students begin work at New Height’s Primary through the GL Assessments which give the baseline for entry to the school. The students are then reassessed at the end of the 12-week placement to measure progress. Progress being understood as what student’s remember and can do now; they could not do before. Experts in SEMH are employed to ensure the highest possible standards of teaching throughout the curriculum to include all students with many differing needs.

Although work is differentiated appropriately, New Heights Primary offers a ‘Trauma Informed Approach’. All classes are mixed ability and students are encouraged, and given the opportunity, to challenge themselves to try to work whatever degree of difficulty. WE believe this removes barriers to their own and New Height’s expectation, cultivates self-belief and increases each student’s aspiration.

• In an area where opportunity for meaningful outside experiences is more limited due to the availability of transport facilities, we look to exploit all opportunities for student’s lives to benefit from Outside Learning away from the classroom. This includes outside sporting opportunities, visits from outside agencies, gardening and cooking workshops using home grown produce. Through this approach we provide context to our classroom learning and real, challenging experiences that enable our pupils to grow in confidence, independence, and resilience.

 Independence Is developed through a focus on the characteristics of a good learner which are reported on in the End of Placement review completed at the end of the 12-week placement. Students are expected to:

• Be organised– have the right frame of mind and be prepared for lessons. Be punctual and have a 100% attendance, keep their workspace and the classroom tidy.
• Be respectful– show good manners, listen when being spoken to and follow instructions.
• Participate – ask questions, be inquisitive contribute to group work, work as part of a team and volunteer to help.
• Be responsible– take pride in their work through their books and presentation. Take pride in themselves and their overall presentation to take responsibility for their own actions, make good choices and accept their part in all choices they make.
• Be resilient – never give up even when things are difficult. We normalise resilience through this approach in all aspects of school life. Pupils understand that the only way we can fail is by not trying our best. ‘Every action has a consequence’.

Oracy- speaking and listening Opportunities are placed in lessons throughout the day and students are expected to always use Standard English. This is planned carefully through progression of skills in each year group. This impacts the writing standards as well as the student’s confidence and ability to express and justify their opinions in a variety of ways.

Vocabulary provided the tools to speak and write with greater clarity and precision. At New Heights Primary we actively seek opportunities to extend the range and depth of vocabulary for our students.

Outstanding talent and enthusiasm enable pupils to benefit from encouragement to uses their skills to be the best they can be. This is encouraged by inviting visitors into school as well as using inhouse staff to encourage and promote good behaviour using activities that involve all students and encourage others. At New Heights Primary we believe that promotion of skills and talents inspires students to pursue a variety of avenues and potential careers in the future.

Spiritual, moral, cultural, and mental development is promoted through an enriched curriculum known as Creative Curriculum together with PSHE/RSE. Several diverse opportunities are used to support students to learn. To promote British Values throughout the school, staff and students are expected to exhibit them in their own lives and they are studied weekly in a lesson provided by all staff. Issues also explored include the specific needs of our local community and in response to national trends to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge they need to keep themselves safe now and in the future. Issues such as Mental Health, Diet, Road Safety, Islamophobia and the dangers of drugs and alcohol are planned in a variety of ways through themed lessons. Being incorporated into appropriate areas of the curriculum.

At New Heights Primary we believe that a healthy body is essential for a healthy mind, and this is very relevant in an area of England where there is a statistically poor health record. We provide physical activity every day, and we employ specialist sports staff to work as Learning Support Assistants and incorporate their skills daily to encourage good behaviour a positive mind and encourage students to work towards a healthy body and lifestyle. The long-term benefits of regular exercise are also repeated and consolidated in PSHE and science lessons.

Creativity is a daily activity at school and our ARTS curriculum carefully reflects this to encourage freedom of thought, ability to create and to express feelings alongside giving a calming reflective teaching and learning experience.

In addition to all the exciting work done within the curriculum we encourage students and staff to engage further in aspects of their choice. Throughout their time over the 12 weeks placement students have the opportunity for enjoyment and the development of further skills beyond the school day through after school music sessions learning the guitar with a member of our teaching staff. This is free of charge and designed to enhance students’ enjoyment of a hobby that may not be available at home.