Given the context of Ivel Valley, as an area special school, it remains vital that all children learn in the three prime areas in addition to the specific. These prime and specific areas can be found below. These Key Stages are crucial parts of a pupil’s preparation for adulthood and their development of further knowledge and learning skills.
Key Stage Two and Three lessons are based on a play and exploration approach to teaching. Teachers plan enabling activities with opportunities for children to make progression in each of the prime and specific areas. The Areas of Learning are delivered through half termly topics which rotate on a three year cycle.
We recognise that it is important for our pupils to have opportunities to put into practice skills which they are learning in the classroom. Visits to local community such as visiting local shops, cafes and leisure facilities enable these classroom learnt skills to be applied, generalised and embedded in real life situations. Through the engaging curriculum, we provide the children with safe and appropriate ways to begin to develop skills which will be invaluable for the future e.g. developing independence, resilience
At Ivel Valley, we currently have 6 classes in Key Stage 2. There are 5 classes on the main site and a satellite class based at Biggleswade Academy.
The curriculum is divided into seven Areas of Learning, which is then sub-divided into aspects.
Aspects of Learning and Development
The table below shows the individual aspects of each area of learning and development.
Area of Learning and Development
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Self-confidence and self-awareness
Managing feelings and behaviour
Moving and handling
Health and self-care
Communication and Language
Listening and attention/Receptive communication
Shape, space and measure
Understanding the World
People and communities
Expressive Arts and Design
Exploring and using media and materials
The Areas of Learning are delivered through half termly topics which rotate on a three year cycle.