To provide the right opportunities and support for our pupils with a visual impairment,
and some additional learning difficulties, presents a major challenge to teachers, care
staff and parents. The philosophy behind our education is
entitlement.
- Entitlement to a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum.
- Needs are specific to individuals.
- Trained and qualified staff are essential.
- Independence, respect for others and development of self-esteem.
- Thoughtful assessment and testing.
- Learning in a happy, sensitive and secure environment.
- Equality of opportunity.
- Maximum participation by parents, care staff and teachers.
- Effective learning strategies.
- Notable achievements are recognised.
- Total commitment.
Life at St Vincent's School is based on these principles of
entitlement.
Across the 24 hour curriculum, we
have high expectations of our pupils. Educational
activities should be relevant to individual needs, and delivered in a way to motivate
pupils to succeed. The teachers and care staff are constantly aware that visually
impaired pupils do not learn in a "vacuum" - they need real life experiences to make
the National Curriculum meaningful.
Links with mainstream pupils are
encouraged throughout the Primary and Secondary
departments. Such links are based upon expanding curricular and social opportunities,
thereby emphasising our partnership with the local community.
Working closely with parents is a highly effective form of encouraging the transfer
and continuation of learning to the home and community. Parental presence is always
encouraged at major functions during the school year (Carol Service, Open Day,
Sports Day, Prize Giving etc, in addition to participation at Annual Reviews, where
parental information gives a valuable insight into a child's functioning in the home
situation.
Pupils at St Vincent's wear a uniform during the school day. In the evening, pupils
change into their own clothes. Pupils are encouraged to take a pride in their personal
appearance at all times.
Homework is an essential part of the learning process, and all secondary pupils (day
and resident) work within a structured homework system. Primary pupils are also
given homework on a regular basis, although this varies according to age.
The organisation of the curriculum involves the matching of available and potential
resources to the requirements of each pupil. The priorities and targets are established
through systematic analysis, monitoring and review on a regular basis.
Co-ordinated Learning across the Key Stages
