Welcome to Beech

Teacher - Beech/Staff Governor Samantha Webster

Date of Appointment: 14/11/2016, 4 year term of office
Appointed via Staff Ballot
Photo of Samantha Webster

Beech is a class of 8 students with diverse needs and abilities whom are supported by 4 members of staff, we largely use symbols and signalong in order to communicate our needs, choices and feelings.

Beech class take a holistic approach to learning by following a topic based curriculum, where each subject is tailored to the individuals learning needs, thriving on routine and consistency.

Students particularly enjoy activities that are ‘hands on’ which relate to everyday life skills and promoting independence.

Beech timetable Autumn 2

Autumn Term 2 Topic: CelebrationsCurriculum Information for parents. Activities covered during this time will be working towards students individual learning in areas such as • Pencil control/writing. • Phonics/ Reading. • Communication. • EHCP outcomes. • Sensory integration.
SubjectProfiles and Ideas for home
Daily ActivitiesEncourage your son/daughter to take part in activities that they enjoy which will support independence and the exploration of life skills, Please feel free to explore individual plans that you have at home such as EHCPs, SALT reports, or enjoy reading/sharing a story/book with your son/daughter.
Halloween While exploring the celebration of Halloween we will be taking part in activities related to positional language and counting spooky items that we can find. We will explore adjectives relating to Halloween and practicing our pencil control skills. In Science we will be making spooky green slime. In PSHE we will be making sure that we can be safe when crossing the road and explore which strangers are people who help us. In Art we will be designing and carving pumpkins, learning why pumpkins are used at Halloween. We will be following a trick or treat map exploring directions too. At home encourage your son/daughter to discuss Halloween or any parts of the celebration that you may take part in.
Bonfire Night While exploring the celebration of Bonfire Night we will be taking part in activities related to addition using firework 100 squares as well as counting the number of fireworks, sparklers and bonfires we can find, creating a tally chart of the results. We will working on a phonics and word recognition using words related to bonfire night. In Science we will be taking part in an experiment making fireworks in a glass. In PSHE we will be making sure that we can be safe when attending Bonfire night celebrations. In Art we will be making a collage of a bonfire and using the spray technique to create colourful pictures of fireworks. In history we will be finding out about the story of November the 5th.At home encourage your son/daughter to discuss Bonfire night or any parts of the celebration that you may take part in.
Remembrance DayWhile exploring the celebration of Remembrance day we will be exploring what it means to make a monetary donation when wearing a poppy. In English we will be creating acrostic poetry . In PSHE we will explore what we are thankful for and award medals to our class mates for the kind and helpful things that they do for us. In Art we will be making a large Poppy to be part of our halt term display and individual poppies for us to wear. In history we will discuss the importance of Remembrance day and find out some key facts about the event. At home encourage your son/daughter to discuss Bonfire night or any parts of the celebration that you may take part in.
BirthdaysWhile exploring the celebration of Birthdays we will be exploring the areas of birthday/party preparations- exploring the who? what? where? when?, designing party invitations and exploring what we need when hosting a birthday party. In science we will be following a recipe to bake a cake, observing the changes that happen to the ingredients when added together and from raw to cooked. In PSHE we will explore a number of party games. Sharing, taking part and taking turns as well as communicating our likes and dislikes in an appropriate manner. In Art we will be designing and making a birthday present. In Geography we will follow directions to a birthday party, exploring directional language and map symbols. At home encourage your son/daughter to discuss Birthdays or any Birthday celebrations that you usually take part in.
WeddingsWhile exploring the celebration of Weddings we will be exploring role play, each student will have a chance to be the Bride, Groom, Vicar, Bridesmaids and members of the wedding party. We will explore appropriate clothing and behaviour for such an event. In Maths we will explore wedding gifts in relation to sizes and shapes, we will also take time to lay a wedding table, ensuring all guests have cutlery, crockery, name cards and favours. In PSHE we will explore relationships within a marriage, discussing love, friendship and families. In Art we will be designing and making a wedding bouquet. In Humanities we will take the time to explore weddings from different cultures from around the World. At home encourage your son/daughter to discuss Weddings or any Wedding celebrations that you may have taken part in.
ChristmasChristmas is going to be a very busy topic, during this time Beech class will be decorating the classroom ready for Christmas, heading to Thursford magical winter wonderland, attending the whole school Christmas dinner, and making wreaths for the Christmas Fayre. During this time we will also take time to explore preparing Christmas lists and Christmas shopping, exploring money and prices. We will explore the story of Christmas and why it is celebrated each year.
P.EDuring PE we will be focussing on a healthy lifestyle/keeping fit. We will be taking part in simple keep fit activities and exercises including dance activities and the outside gym equipment. As well as learning to take part in these types of activities safely we will be focussing on the changes that happen to our bodies during and after exercise. At home encourage your son/daughter to take part in daily exercise activities that are suitable to their individual abilities, taking a walk, riding a bike, using a trampoline- most importantly- Have fun.
R.E, Music & MFLThese subjects will be explored throughout the topics of celebrations this half term.