The Knowl Hill School Language Class

The Knowl Hill Language Class is a unique, nurturing, language enriched learning environment where secondary pupils can further develop their speaking, listening, understanding and social communication skills.  Students in the Language Class are empowered to reach their potential in classroom learning and independence, and to develop communication skills, friendships and self-esteem.

One key aspect of the Knowl Hill Language Class is that pupils have the opportunity for integration into the slightly larger Knowl Hill classes (usually 5-6 pupils), where appropriate, and may also have the potential to fully integrate into these classes before being exposed to far larger mainstream classrooms in other schools.

CLASS SET UP

The class comprises up to 4 pupils who are taught by a specialist teacher.  Speech and language therapy is integrated into all areas of the curriculum and many lessons will be ‘team taught’ by both the teacher and therapist.  Pupils are taught individually, in pairs or small groups.

CURRICULUM

Pupils have access to a broad, balanced, relevant and personalised curriculum (based on a growth mind-set curriculum) which is differentiated and modified for pupils with complex speech, language and communication needs.  Regular and thorough assessment, planning, teaching and reviewing ensure that each pupil makes the maximum progress in learning.  This takes place in collaboration with the specialist teachers within Knowl Hill School.

• Teachers plan termly for each pupil in the core subjects - English, Maths and Science.  All pupils have annual targets in these areas.
• Termly class plans for literacy, numeracy and topic work are made available to all families early in the term.
• Termly Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are drawn up by the teacher, therapists and SENDCo.  Targets are set which are measurable, achievable yet challenging in specific areas of individualised need.

Areas of curriculum covered include:

• ENGLISH - READING
• ENGLISH - WRITING
• MATHS
• SCIENCE
• P.E
• ART AND TEXTILES
• COOKING
• HUMANITIES
• SMSC
• PHOTOGRAPHY

TEACHING / COMMUNICATION TOOLS USED WITHIN THE LANGUAGE CLASS

• The use of Sign Supported English is very important within the Language Class to encourage the development of structured language and syntax.
• Colour Coding is also used to emphasise the correct structure of spoken and written language.
• Cued Articulation may be used to offer visual support when children are learning about speech sounds.
• Several assistive IT programs are also used such as ‘Clicker’ and ‘communicate in Print.’
• Daily practise using Touch, Type, Read and Spell encourages the development of phonic and touch-typing skills.
• Topic based learning is also adopted to aid links between the subjects. 
• Word Aware is widely used around the school to help students embed their learning of new vocabulary and concepts.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY

Speech and language therapy is an essential part of a student’s day in Knowl Hill Language Class and is integrated throughout their day. The SLT works with students individually, in pairs, as well as in the small classroom where lessons may be jointly planned and delivered. This means that a ‘language enriched’ curriculum in all lessons can be offered as part of a student’s programme. Language skills are developed in a number of ways:

• the learning of new concepts and key vocabulary
• a greater understanding of non-verbal expression and inference
• Skills for talking in every day social situations
• friendship skills
• independence skills

The SLT regularly assesses the expressive and receptive language skills of students as well as their phonological, pragmatic and social skills.  Advice is given to staff of the needs of all students and help is given in devising strategies for supporting them around school in less structured situations.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Occupational Therapy (OT) is provided to students in the Knowl Hill Language Class. OT can help students with important skills needed in everyday life and maximise a child’s potential for learning and independence. These skills include:

·         fine and gross motor skills

·         visual perceptual skills

·         visual motor skills

·         alertness and sensory processing skills

·         organisational skills

·         independence and life skills.

COMMUNICATION

The Language Class team communicate and liaise with parents regularly through phone calls, correspondence, meetings and attendance at Parents’ evenings and through the SEN Annual Review. They are always available to provide support and advice.