Our Curriculum

At Tor View our vision for our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) class is ‘Reach for the Stars!’ Together we learn, develop and are given the opportunity to achieve our potential in a positive and supportive environment in order to have the best start on our educational journey. Our curriculum is designed to develop the foundations for learning and treats each learner as an individual, fostering their interests and building on their strengths.

Our youngest pupils join Peach Tree class where they are taught through the prime and specific areas of learning.

The three prime areas of learning are:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development

The four specific areas of learning are:

Mathematics
Literacy
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design

Physical Education is part of our Prime area of learning: Physical Development. Here we access the hall to undertake activities working on our curriculum targets.

Religious Education is incorporated into the area of Understanding the World through the aspect of People and Communities and is also delivered through assemblies.

Each pupil has individual targets relating to their EHCP and these are taught through individual focussed sessions, small group and whole class teaching opportunities. These lessons are known as Key Skills and each pupil has an individualised Key Skills Care Plan which outlines their priority targets. Many of these targets will relate to ‘learning to learn’ skills, developing pupils listening and attention, turn taking, engagement and how they attend to adult led tasks. These sessions continue across school daily.

Our curriculum takes a holistic approach, delivered through termly topics and engaging, play-based activities. These are designed to help learners achieve their learning outcomes and make progress (cognitive, social, physical, and emotional). However, we recognise that each pupil has individual learning needs. To support their engagement and development, we offer access to additional aspects of our broader '3-part curriculum,' tailored to support their learning.

We believe that a strong partnership between school and home is key to helping our students succeed. Our approach to home learning is designed to ensure that pupils are able to generalise their skills and knowledge across different environments. To support this, we provide various resources and opportunities for parents and carers to actively engage in their child's learning journey for example through workshops and trainings, parents evenings, meet and greet sessions, a target setting review within the first term of joining us and much more. By working together, we can help ensure that the skills your child is developing at school are effectively applied at home, strengthening their overall growth and learning experience. We are here to support you every step of the way.

In the Primary Department together, we:

INSPIRE:  We are a team of specialist and dedicated Teachers and Additional Needs Teaching Assistants (ANTA’s) who work hard to ensure the best start to your child’s education whilst ensuring that the children’s individual needs are met. We have high aspirations for our learners. We welcome children from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to year 6. We strive to develop pupil’s independence and communication skills and do this through a total communication approach.  

LEARN:  All children within the Primary Department work towards the National Curriculum in all subject areas however we recognise children are individual and learn in different ways. We pay specific attention to early Literacy and Numeracy, self-help and independence, organisational, feeding and basic personal hygiene skills. The children follow a three-part curriculum to support their individual needs and ensure that they are ready to learn. These ‘Learning to Learn’ skills such as being able to sit, take turns, listen to and follow very basic instructions ensure that children are ready to learn alongside their peers and are integrated into daily lessons. Movement breaks and specialised equipment also allow children appropriate regulation opportunities. Physical activity is also developed in weekly PE and gross motor sessions.

Our classes are split into Key Stage groups EYFS, Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) taught in ability-based teaching groups. Occasionally, we may have groups which cross both Key Stages, depending on the needs of the pupils. This grouping allows lessons to stretch pupils and match work closely to their ability. It also allows pupils with greater needs to access higher levels of staff support and ensures that the curriculum can be adapted to meet their specific needs.

Peach Tree (EYFS)

Cherry Tree (Key Stage One)

Apple Tree (Key Stage One)

Maple Tree (Key Stage Two)

Elm Tree (Key Stage Two – Sensory based group)

Oak Tree (Key Stage Two)

Pine Tree (Key Stage Two)

Willow Tree (Key Stage Two – Inclusion Class, based at Haslingden Primary School each morning)

ENJOY: Teachers plan and deliver exciting and creative activities linked to the curriculum. Visits and outings are planned alongside lessons to bring content to life and provide valuable learning experiences. Key Stage One pupils have the opportunity to take learning outside in an outdoor learning area and pupils enjoy varying activities and clubs during lunchtimes in our outside playground areas. We celebrate themed days across the year, giving pupils opportunities to explore learning in an innovative way. Key Stage Two pupils are invited to residential experiences, to extend their communication and independence skills in a different environment away from home. Every autumn term, pupils work hard to put on a performance of the Nativity to Parents, Carers and families. An enjoyable experience for everyone involved, and chance for our pupils to shine on stage!

ACHIEVE: Pupils are given the opportunity to develop their learning by making progress in small STEPS. Each week achievements are celebrated in a departmental assembly where pupils are given certificates in the following areas: Learning for Life, Aspiration for Life and Language for Life. Individual achievements and WOW moments are shared and a weekly star of the week is chosen! Achievements are shared with parents in a weekly ‘Friday photo’, providing a snapshot of pupils learning that week.

Our relationship with Parents, Carers and families are very important to us and we hope to create long lasting, positive relationships with pupils and families. Each child has a form tutor/class teacher who is responsible for overseeing the personal and social needs of his/her class, completing Key Skills Care Plans, Annual Reviews, reports and contacting parents/carers. We strive for open, honest communication and Parents/Carers are welcome to discuss any issues via their child’s Class Dojo. As well as a class teacher, each class will be supported by ANTA’s. ANTAs have an important role in supporting the work of the class teacher and meeting the needs of the pupils.

Welcome to the Secondary Department

In the Secondary Department, students are always working hard to inspire, learn, enjoy and achieve. Our teachers provide students with a range of opportunities to develop new skills and apply them in many different ways. Students are constantly learning new facts and skills which will help them as they grow up and transition into adulthood, working towards an appropriate level of independence.

The Vision

We aim to provide a stimulating and creative learning environment that allows all students to reach their full potential. This is achieved through a carefully planned child-centred curriculum that has been designed to reflect the learning needs of our students. Our Secondary Department ethos is: Promoting independence, resilience, and active engagement in purposeful learning.

Teaching Groups

Students are taught in ability based teaching groups. This grouping allows lessons to challenge students and match work closely to their ability. It also allows students with greater needs to access higher levels of staff support and ensures that the curriculum can be adapted to meet their specific needs.

Our classes are arranged in Key Stage groups; Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11). Occasionally, we may have groups which incorporate both Key Stages, depending on the needs of the students.

Form Groups

Each student in the Secondary Department has a form tutor who is responsible for overseeing the personal and social needs of their form, updating Key Skills Care Plans, and making contact with parents/carers.  The form tutor is the first point of contact for parents/carers and is keen to establish good relationships.  Parents/carers are welcome to write or make comments to discuss any issues via their child’s Class Dojo. Alternatively, you may phone the form tutor who will respond to your message at the earliest convenient time, which may be at the end of the day due to their teaching commitments.

As well as a form tutor, each form also has 2 or more Teaching Assistants (TAs).  TAs have an important role in supporting the work of the form tutor and meeting the needs of the students. 

Tor View Further Education Department

The F.E. Department is situated at our purpose-built Ewood Campus on Clod Lane near the main school building. 

It comprises of: 

• A Chillax area where students are able to meet in break times to generally socialise. 
• A kitchen area where students are able to make drinks and simple snacks and learn basic kitchen hygiene skills. 
• Toilet and bathroom facilities which meet the needs of both able bodied and physically disabled  students..
• A multi-sensory learning environment for students with complex needs.
• Four contemporary classrooms of varying sizes with ICT equipment and Internet access. 
• Outdoor classroom where Horticulture is taught. 
• Conference facility and on site Café which provides work experience for our learners
• MUGA - Multi Use Games Area

Transition

Transition to Further Education takes places at the end of Key Stage 4. Tor View Further Education Department accepts students from Tor View School and from other schools within Lancashire. We encourage prospective parents/carers and students to make arrangements to visit the department prior to enrolment. 

Non-prejudicial visits and consultation meetings take place to inform parents / carers / students about the ethos and curriculum which is offered. 

Curriculum

All students follow a personalised learning pathway. The individual needs of each student are our priority. 

Students study Functional Skills, Life Skills, Employability Skills and Vocational Studies. 

Our students are split by ability groups in to one of our four classes;

Sensology (PMLD)

Next Steps (SLD)

Step On (MLD)

College Link (Inclusion class with ACROSS)

Functional Skills 

Students study English, Maths, ICT and PSD. These are taught via individual priority targets (Key Skills) and during specific subject lessons. 

Where appropriate at the end of their leaving year, students will take Functional Skills Tests (English, Maths & ICT) at a level that corresponds with their ability. 

Life Skills 

Students study all aspects of life skills to prepare them for adult life. These include Community Skills, Home Management, Sports, Leisure and Religious Education. Students are taught in ability set groups so that the curriculum content can be managed to suit all needs. 

Vocational Studies 

Students study Employability, Enterprise and subject specific skills. The students choose from three options (Expressive Arts, Catering and Horticulture) and will dedicate two days of their time table to this vocation.

Face Me

At Tor View we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to shine. We provide the opportunity for our students to showcase their talents through our in house theatre company and our students work together to produce a show each year. This comprises of on stage roles and back stage, this gives our students the opportunity to contribute to the best of their ability. 

Accreditation 

We currently accredit our courses with Open Awards. We offer accreditation from Entry Level 1 upwards. Gaining accreditation and valuing students achievement is an essential part of attending Tor View’s FE department.