Welcome to Derwent Class. We are part of the Willow Department where we put great emphasis on nurture and sensory needs. Everyone has a wealth of experience to support the pupils varying needs in class.

We always start our day with a form of exercise to get us ready for some great learning throughout the day, this is often a dance routine or sensory circuit activity. Our classes are lively and interactive and full of discussion to help support language, communication and social interaction. We also use Lego Therapy in class to support speech & language, social skills and fine motor skills. We have a great outdoor learning programme, which covers gardening, exercise and Forest School activities during the year.

During 2023-2024 we will be covering a range of topics which support holistic, enriching and thought-provoking learning experiences, all linked to acquiring relevant knowledge and skills:

Autumn 1 – Dinosaur Planet (History Focus)

Autumn 2 – Winter Wonderland (Geography Focus)

Spring 1 –  Marvellous Machines (D&T Focus)

Spring 2 –  Towers, Tunnels and Turrets (History Focus)

Summer 1 – Ready Steady Grow (Science Focus)

Summer 2 – Animal Safari (Geography Focus)

Sitting alongside topic work and core subjects, we spend time outside of the classroom during our ‘Beyond Bennerley’ sessions. This term we will be visiting Bennerley Viaduct for a sensory walk. We will be going into the local community to visit shops, cafes and the library to support pupils to gain independent living skills outside of the home. Later in the year pupils will develop their life skills in the home by participating in activities such as how to wash clothes, use an iron and vacuum cleaner.

Important information: 

PE is on a Tuesday morning.

We will be doing Forest School in the summer term; we will let you know about kit for this separately.

We will send you updates about your child throughout the week using our class email. If you need to contact us, we check email before and after the school day. If you need to report anything urgent please use the main school email address or phone the office.

Derwent class had the opportunity to meet a variety of reptiles including stick insects, snakes, lizards and a tortoise. We were able look, touch and even hold them. What an incredible experience for everyone. Thank you to CJPets4U for visiting!

In Derwent we completed five challenges across the week as Steve was running the five ultra marathons. Our challenges included a danceathon, bouncathon, sponserd walk along Bennerley viaduct, Sports Day and circuit training. We’ve had a great time!