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School Curriculum
We provide a learning environment and approach to learning which are supportive and stimulating and meet the individual needs of each student.
By taking an individualised approach to learning we can better engage students through motivation, personal interest and building on their strengths and preferences to develop communication. The development of communication skills is at the core of everything we do. Our individual curriculum is developed through listening to students, parents and the multidisciplinary team. Individual schemes of work are planned by teachers ensuring that skills acquired by students are transferrable to settings outside of school. Students’ progress is monitored against themselves rather than their peers as each learner is different, working towards different goals using different methods. All students have 'destination statements'. These statements underpin the student's individual programme of study.
Further information on our curriculum, each Key Stage and our curriculum policy please see :
Royal School Manchester's Assessment and the Individual Curriculum
Theme Days
Every student from Early Years to Year 4 has access to a wide range of cultural, creative and knowledge based activities through half termly Theme Days; these days support a wide range of cross curricular activities.
Careers
All students have careers education as a part of their individual programmes of study from Key Stage 3. Yearly impartial careers meetings set the foundation for learners' careers programmes. This information forms a part of students' pathway plans during their annual reviews.
Royal School Manchester Careers Policy
Royal School Manchester Careers Pathway
Work Experience and Vocational Tasters
From Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), students participate in vocational 'taster' sessions. Young people and their families help plan five activities each year to tailor these sessions around the interests and preferences of individual students.
Previous tasters have included car washing, bike maintenance, recycling, gardening, working in the school cafe and office duties.
Post-16 students (Years 12-14) can revisit the vocational preferences they explored in Key Stage 4 and attend work experience placements in the local community in Years 13 and 14. Individual learning programmes reflect the skills students need to be successful in their plans to enter work - not just through vocational skills but also by travel training, social skills and functional key skills such as handling money or making a shopping list.
Enrichment
Our programme of enrichment incorporate activities in the following areas:
Art
With the help of our Art Specialist teacher we are transforming creative arts in school and supporting the improvement of outcomes for our young people. Activites support our efforts to engage with the community and we have established strong links with Manchester Museum, The Whitworth Gallery and with local artists.
The key benefits to our students are:
Ø Specialist accessible art resources, tailor-made to individual needs; access to art skills and processes appropriate to age and level
Ø Contribute with peers to produce artwork
Ø Promote creativity, decision-making and independence across the curriculum through artistic activity
Ø Opportunity to work on local and national art projects with Art Teacher and other artists
Ø Art activities based on Process- and Value-led approaches
Ø Opportunity to visit and collaborate with local art institutions
Music
Sound, melody, rhythm and ambience are all forms of communication and, with the help of our experienced musicians in residence, all our school students can learn to use them expressively. Our team are skilled in helping children and young people develop their awareness of music and sound, and involving them in their performances.
The key benefits to our students are:
- Instrumental music making, individually and as mixed ability groups, led by professional musicians
- Live music every week, open to all
- Music as a therapy and clinical tool
- Open-ended activities focussed on each student's learning targets
- Development of creativity, musical originality and enjoyment of all music
- Actual hands-on musical experience with visiting artistes; feeling the sound
- Outward bound concert experiences
- Working for recognised Arts Council accreditation for students
- Collaboration with other schools and our own college to share skills
- Plenty of fun in and out of session time!
We also welcome volunteers from all walks of life who want to add to the musical life of Seashell.
Outdoor Learning
Many children with additional needs find the outdoor environment very calming, so it can be a great space to have fun and play. Through these play activities, our pupils can explore, take on new challenges, connect with nature, and - of course - learn new skills and ways of relating to the world around them. Whether they are practicing your motor skills by stacking bales of hay, communicating and sharing an activity with other children or learning more about the outdoors, Forest School helps our children and young people become more confident, independent and active in exploring the world.
We are hugely fortunate to have such a varied site to explore. Capitalizing on this wonderful space our activities include norticulture, crafting with foraged natural materials and taking the time to experience the outdoor world
After School Clubs
We offer after school clubs that focus on art, music and gardening
The clubs are run by staff members, volunteers and our musicians in residence. They are well attended. Students meet for a snack after school prior to joining the clubs which run until 4.30pm.
e-Safety
These resources aim to help you to keep your child safe online. You will find some simple to follow "How to" guides for various websites and programs, information on what to do if you are concerned about something you or your child have seen online, some ways you can teach your child about keeping safe online and links to websites and services that can offer further support.
Cerebra's guide for parents on Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety
Parental Controls for Windows 7 and Youtube
Childnet International, a non-profit organisation working to help make the internet a great and safe place for children
The Internet Watch Foundation, the UK hotline for reporting criminal online content
The anti-hate crime website Report-it has a page on addressing Internet Hate Crime
If you have any other issues, not addressed on this page, or you want further information, please contact Sarah Keddy at sarah.keddy@seashelltrust.org.uk or by telephoning the main switchboard (0161 610 0100).
Pupil Premium
Each year we receive a Pupil Premium Grant from Local Authorities which is a sum of money paid to support those pupils eligible for free school meals or looked after children. This grant is provided to help narrow the gap in performance and improve the quality of teaching and learning for vulnerable groups of children.
We have used the pupil premium to purchase items such as: iPad, protective cases, speakers and switches to help children learn and access the curriculum; sensory toys and games to support the development of communication skills, choice-making and turn-taking; apps to support the development of communication skills; a bespoke trike to enable a student to cycle around the site and improve her fitness levels and independence; horse riding sessions to enable a student to improve her balance, muscle strength and general fitness and wellbeing
Find the most recent breakdown of our 2018-19 Pupil Premium.
