Welcome to Thames

We are a lively and enthusiastic KS4 class in the 14-19 Department. We have 6 pupils who enjoy a multi-sensory approach to learning! We hope that you enjoy looking at all of our exciting lessons and topics that we are learning about this year. Our interests, learning styles and sensory needs are incorporated into activities and lessons to help motivate and engage us. We enjoy learning both inside and outside of the classroom. We are working to complete ASDAN modules in Transition Challlenge. Success in these modules will result in us gaining accreditation and certificates recognising our achievements and experiences.

In Literacy and Maths we follow courses set by Open Award or ASDAN modules. We study number, shape, measurement, money, time and focus on using them along with reading, writing and communication skills in as many real life situations as possible, for example in shops and cafes. As we look to our futures it is important for us to develop our independent living skills in every way and we try to take every opportunity to experience and practice these.

Cookery

We do cookery every Wednesday afternoon. Please let us know if your child has any allergies.

Cookery focus is on independence skills and learning to cook for ourselves, we will be cooking a range of food from spaghetti bolognaise, beans on toast, pizza and even curry. The students themselves choose and discuss what they would like to learn to cook.

Work Related Learning/ Enterprise

As part of supporting young people to develop their skills, your child will take part in work related learning experiences and enterprise activities on Thursdays. Enterprise helps support the students to use their numeracy and literacy skills in a different context. We complete a number of experiences in school this year we will be completing the following experiences

Cafe

in our class we are planning on running a cafe. This will involve taking and preparing orders, stock checks, ordering new items, money skills and communication. 

Horticulture

We are planning on setting up our own Horticulture area this year within the school grounds. This is very exciting for the school so watch this space updates will follow.

Community Visits

As part of our ASDAN modules, we will be visiting shops, cafes, leisure centres, sporting venues and many other places in the community. Some of us will be attending a Travel Training course when we will learn about how to travel on public transport safely and independently.

Curriculum Subjects:

Daily Living Skills

Changing Recipes

Foreign Cultures

Europe

Humanities

Maps and Getting Around, Family History

PSHE

Personal and Road safety

Citizenship

World Organisations and Fundraising

General Information

We ask parents and carers to return the home/school diary each day, as this will enable the class teacher to provide comments and information about your child's day in school. If there are particular things you wish to be informed about, please speak with me.

Individual Education Plan (IEPs)

This plan sets out educational targets that your child is working on for the term. There is a section in the plan which provides parents and carers with activities or tasks you can do at home to support your child's learning. Plans are updated each term and sent home.

Reading Books

All children and young people are encouraged to engage in reading and develop a love of stories. We have a wide range of reading books, sensory books and big books to support the learning styles and levels for each child. Every Friday, your child will receive a new reading book. Please encourage your child to engage with the characters and stories.

Homework

Some pupils will receive homework in English and Maths to support their learning. If your child is finding homework a challenge please come into school so we can discuss it together.

P.E.

P.E. sessions take place on alternate Wednesdays when your child will attend Litherland Sports Park to participate in activities in the Gym or outside on adapted bicycles. Please ensure suitable clothing and footwear is brought to school and that items are clearly labelled to avoid confusion.

Swimming sessions take place on alternate Fridays at The Meadows Pool in Maghull.

During our P.E. sessions we discuss the importance of keeping fit and the affect it has on our bodies. We look at ways we can keep healthy through a balanced diet and regular exercise.