Class Teacher: Sarah M

Teaching Assistants: Lucy, Jade R, Skye and Sam R

Midday Supervisor: Clare H

Derwent Class is a nurturing and supportive Key Stage 4 environment where learning is shaped around sensory experiences to help every student feel engaged, confident and successful. We understand that each young person is unique, so our approach is highly personalised, focusing on building independence in ways that are meaningful and enjoyable for them. 

Learning in Derwent Class is practical, hands-on and rooted in everyday life. Students regularly take part in activities such as cooking simple meals, developing food preparation skills and learning about healthy choices. We also focus on important life skills, including cleaning and looking after their environment, as well as developing personal hygiene routines to support their wellbeing and independence. 

We believe some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom. Students are given opportunities to access the local community, helping them build confidence in real-world situations—whether this is visiting shops, using money, travelling short distances, or experiencing new environments. 

Our aim is to create a calm, engaging space where students feel safe to explore, communicate and grow. By embedding learning into meaningful, everyday experiences, we support each young person to develop the skills they need for greater independence now and in the future, while celebrating every achievement along the way. 

Important information

P.E. takes place every Tuesday afternoon. Please ensure your child comes to school with the appropriate kit. 

Keeping You Updated: We will share regular weekly updates with you, celebrating your child’s achievements and special moments in class, as well as keeping you informed about what we have been learning. 

Autumn 1

A Fantastic Start to the New Term! 

The first term back has been packed with exciting learning opportunities, practical experiences and wonderful achievements across all areas of the curriculum. Our students have worked incredibly hard and should be very proud of everything they have accomplished. 

In Maths, students have been developing their number skills through practical activities, learning to count, compare, order and work with numbers in different ways. They have used concrete resources, games and real-life problem-solving activities to build confidence and understanding. 

In English, we have enjoyed exploring stories, developing communication skills, identifying characters and emotions, and taking part in creative speaking, reading and writing activities. Students have shown excellent engagement and enthusiasm throughout their learning. 

In Science, we explored the fascinating world of life cycles and animal growth. Students learned about the life cycles of frogs and butterflies, discovered how animals grow and change, and investigated the difference between animals that lay eggs and those that give birth to live young. Through sensory activities, matching games, outdoor learning and practical tasks, students developed their understanding of the natural world in an engaging and memorable way. 

In PSHE, we focused on understanding ourselves and the people who are important to us. Students explored who is special to them at home and school, what makes someone special, and how it feels to be valued and cared for. They also learned about emotions through the Zones of Regulation and identified trusted adults they can talk to if they need help or support. 

One of the highlights of the term has been our Beyond Bennerley Hobbies Unit at Breadsall Priory. Students had the opportunity to take part in a range of exciting activities, including using the gym, practising golf on the driving range and participating in circuit training sessions. These experiences helped develop confidence, teamwork, communication skills, resilience and independence. 

The hobbies programme was an absolutely wonderful experience, giving students the chance to try new activities, discover new interests and develop valuable skills for the future. We were incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, determination and positive attitudes shown by every student. 

Well done to everyone for a fantastic start to the year - we can't wait for another exciting term ahead!