Welcome to Beech

Teacher - Oak Colin Heinink
Photo of Colin Heinink

Welcome to Beech class!

Beech is a class of 10 students with diverse needs and abilities. They are supported by five 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 allows them to readily build their confidence in many areas.

 

Beech visual Timetable – Autumn 1 – 2025

Curriculum Information for Parents. Autumn Term 1 25/26
Strand and ProfileProfiles in ClassIdeas for home
Communication and Literacy In English we are looking at the book ‘Eric’ by Shaun Tan. We will be exploring character and using the book as inspiration for our own stories. Reading the book at home. Talking about the themes and describing the characters. Summarising the key events in the text.
Mathematics and Problem SolvingIn Maths we are learning about Place Value. We will be looking at what each digit is worth in a number. We will be counting in different steps and using place value for calculation. Comparing different numbers at home, using place value. Maths videos, games and songs online.
Personal DevelopmentIn PSHE we are learning about emotions. We will identify emotions, work out what triggers these emotions in us and then move on to looking at strategies for managing them. The emphasis will also be on how the above is part of what makes us unique and how it is wonderful to have diversity in our class and wider communities. Reading books at home on the subject. Having conversations with your child about how they are feeling and why. What would help? Using symbols/boards/timetables if appropriate.
Physical DevelopmentPE is Health and Fitness. We will be teaching the children a number of exercises to keep fit and healthy. We will also be having regular yoga and mindfulness sessions for wellbeing. Exercising at home and in the local area. Using your local leisure centre. Yoga and mindfulness videos from YouTube.
Understanding the WorldIn Geography, Beech Class are studying the local area. We will be looking at how people spend their time in terms of both leisure activities and work. We will then match this to what is available locally and further afield. This will then lead into thinking about where we would most like to live and why. We will also be studying the functions of different parts of plants and animals in Science. We will think about what they need to grow. We will compare and contrast, research on the internet and combine with some Art, painting and drawing animals and plants. Computing is cutting and pasting from the internet to make presentations about their learning. Looking at maps both on and offline. Looking at Google Earth. Considering local community groups on the internet as well as councils and noticeboards to see what is available locally. Completing a diary of what activities they do, and looking at maps to consider the distance from home. Watch videos from the BBC and others. Research on the internet. Non-fiction books from the library. For computing it is making PPTs using text and images from the internet.
Expression and CreativityArt is patterns. We will be looking at famous artists who have used patterns in their work. We will be making pattern-based art work using printing techniques. We will also be creating mosaics. DT with Tracey is on the theme of kites. The children will be observing, designing and making kites. Look at videos of printing processes on the internet. Try block printing techniques learnt in class.
Personalised LearningWe will be having twice weekly sessions to work on individual broken down EHCP targets.