Welcome to Oak

Teacher Iwona Litwiniec
Photo of Iwona Litwiniec

Welcome to Oak class!

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Oak is a class of 10 students with diverse needs and abilities. They are supported by three members of staff. We use a total communication approach; this includes SingAlong, symbols and verbal, to communicate our wishes, needs, feelings and knowledge.
We follow a broad curriculum which consists of formal learning in a wide range of subjects (English, Maths, Science, PSHE, Art, Computing, DT, Humanities, MFL, Music, PE) alongside an informal curriculum which includes various therapies (hydro, music, sensory) and support around our EHCP outcomes.
We also follow a PfAL (Preparing for Adult Life) curriculum, which encourages independence and competency in a wide range of life skills. This is supported by our weekly visits to the Patch and our regular visits around the local community.
All class activities are differentiated and tailored to meet individual needs and interests, meaning the pupils are happy to learn, they have lots of fun and build their confidence in many areas.

Oak timetable – Autumn 2 – 2025

Autumn Term 2 25/26
Strand and Profile Profiles in ClassIdeas for home
Communication and Literacy - Communicationwe will work on and practise student’s individual communication needs and skills using alternative methods of communications: iPads, symbols, switches, Signalong signs. Try to read/look at/browse through the books every night before bedtime. Can you make it into a routine? Share a book with your siblings.
Communication and Literacy :- 1:1 readingwe will continue weekly individual sessions focusing on reading for pleasure, story time in small groups with story sacks, bag books, listening to stories on the interactive screen, sharing and taking turns.
Communication and Literacy :- Literacy - EricOur topic is the book Eric by Shaun Tan. We will be continuing using our new school approach Talk for Writing to explore the story. We will read the book as a class and then explore character descriptions through a variety of different activities. We will also learn some new words and create a class dictionary with definitions that are relevant. We will learn signs and a short 5-sentence version to help recall and retell the story.
Mathematics and Problem SolvingMathematics: Addition & Subtraction This term we will be focussing on addition using objects in practical ways. Functional Numeracy We will transfer skills learnt in our maths lessons, to other areas of our day and other subjects, such as cooking. We will count and measure ingredients, use different pieces of equipment etc. Try to access free websites to practise maths skills: https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/fun-games www.topmarks.co.uk www.twinkl.co.uk https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/
Personal DevelopmentPlaying and interacting with others. Pupils will working in small groups on a range of activities, sharing toys, taking turns and exploring the space together. Take turns and share toys, tools or equipment at home.
Physical DevelopmentSome students will be working towards their physical and mobility outcomes using specialist equipment. Some pupils will receive daily physio, weekly hydro or/and rebound sessions. All pupils will have a focused session around their own individual physical targets, which link to their PLG/EHCP outcomes. Have you tried cycling? Swimming? Trampolining? Bouncing on peanut ball? Go and have fun together on the playground!
Understanding the World The Patch: we will explore our school garden using our senses; or/and completing some tasks: planting, watering, clearing etc. Woodland Area: we will explore our school’s woodland area using elements of Forest School, being healthy and enjoying being outside. We will also explore some key celebrations throughout this half term in lessons or as day topics – Fireworks, Remembrance Day, Hanukah and Christmas celebrations. Practise safe road crossing when in the community. Walk around where you live.
Expression and CreativityArt & Music: We will be listening to different pieces of music and talking about how it makes us feel using different methods of communication. We will also explore and use different materials and textures creating pieces of art and craft for Fireworks, Hanukah and Christmas. Try sensory or experimental painting at home. Have fun mixing colours and creating new ones. Enjoy your child’s creativity.
Personalised LearningEach student in Oak class will be working towards their individual outcomes; Personal Learning Goals (PLGs), Therapeutic Plans and Communication Needs. Try to incorporate your child’s PLGs in daily activities.