Core Subjects

Intent Statement for Maths

• Build confidence in pupils to approach maths tasks with a positive mindset.
• Enable all pupils to develop essential number/numeracy skills that can be applied to everyday situations.
• Foster problem-solving skills by engaging pupils in practical and interactive activities.
• Encourage pupils to apply mathematical concepts in various contexts, both within and outside the classroom.
• Develop an awareness of the passage of time and for some to be able to read the time and apply it to everyday life.
• To experience and use current British payment methods.
• Prepare pupils for adulthood particularly in the area of financial awareness.

Rationale:

At John Watson School we follow Big Maths (and Little Big Maths) – a whole school Maths framework built on basic skills. It is based on 5 simple principles:

1. Children become numerate through following a natural sequence of progression e.g. for a child to know double 70 they have to know double 7 first
2. Children need to have basic skills in order to use basic skills. Prioritise the teaching of core numeracy
3. Children acquire the basic skills of Mathematics through the chronology of ACLIC / CLIC (Amounts, Counting, Learn its, It’s nothing new, Calculation)
4. Children need a structured and regular basic skills session to become properly numerate, with plenty of repetition, revisiting and reinforcement as they go
5. Schools need to have whole school organisation and alignment – the CLIC framework provides this

Intent Statement for communication and language

• To provide individualised communication strategies tailored to each pupil’s needs, ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to express themselves effectively.
• To create an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and can participate in communication activities, regardless of their starting point.
• To enhance pupils’ social communication skills, enabling them to engage in meaningful interactions with peers and adults.
• To focus on developing functional communication skills that pupils can use in everyday situations to meet their needs and make choices.
• To empower pupils by giving them the tools and confidence to express their opinions and preferences.
• To work closely with families and other professionals to support pupils’ communication development both at school and at home. 

At JWS our Communication and Language curriculum is broken into 3 main areas:

• Language and vocabulary skills – key elements of language development
• Functional communication skills – key skills for requesting wants and needs and interaction skills
• Social communication skills – key skills for making choices, expressing likes and dislikes and the use of verbal and non-verbal communication in social situations. Play skills also form part of this.

Intent Statement for Literacy

• We strive to foster a love for reading and writing, tailored to each pupil’s individual needs and abilities.
• Promote Reading for Pleasure and Meaning:
  • Introduce pupils to a variety of texts, including stories, informational texts, and digital media.
  • Focus on comprehension skills, enabling pupils to derive meaning from texts.
• Enhance Writing Abilities:
  • Develop fine motor skills necessary for writing or using alternative communication methods.
  • Provide opportunities for creative expression through writing, drawing, and digital storytelling.
• Support Functional Literacy:
  • Teach practical reading and writing skills for everyday contexts, such as recognising symbols and signs and filling out simple forms.
• Cultivate a Lifelong Love for Literacy:
  • Introduce literature and activities through verbal, non-verbal and written forms that are engaging and relevant to pupils’ interests and life experiences.

Intent Statement for PSHE

• We aim to equip pupils with the skills to identify, understand and manage their emotions, fostering resilience and self-awareness.
• Our curriculum focuses on building positive healthy relationships and effective communication skills, essential for social interaction
• We intend to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in various environments, both online and offline.
• By the time our pupils leave, we want them to be able to manage their own needs as much as they can, from feeling safe when adults attend to personal care to living independently.
• To be knowledgeable about what is safe and what is not, and to empower our pupils to speak up when things don’t feel safe.
• Our curriculum promotes an understanding and appreciation of diversity, encouraging respect for all individuals.
• We aim to educate pupils about healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition and exercise, and for them to become as independent as possible with their personal care skills.
• Where appropriate give pupils the skills needed to enable them to gain employment or move onto further education when leaving JWS
• For pupils to learn functional skills for everyday living so that they may live as independently as possible

Intent Statement for RSE

• To equip pupils for the physical and emotional challenges of growing up, puberty and becoming an adult.
• To prepare pupils for their future and future relationships including, as appropriate: friends, work colleagues, boyfriends/girlfriends, partners and marriage; whilst emphasising the caring, loving aspect of relationships and encouraging responsible attitudes, boundaries and behaviour within them. 
• We aim to provide pupils with the knowledge and understanding of the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to seek help if needed. 
• We aim to support pupils to understand appropriate/inappropriate behaviour and touch, so that they are more aware of their own personal safety.
• To be knowledgeable about the importance of keeping their bodies healthy and having good mental health. 
• We intend to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills to stay safe online.

Intent Statement for PE 

• Our PE curriculum aims to enhance pupils’ physical health and well-being by encouraging regular physical activity tailored to individual abilities and needs.
• We want all pupils to improve their fundamental movement skills and gross motor skills to enable them to access and participate in different forms of physical activity.
• The curriculum is designed to promote teamwork and interaction, helping pupils develop communication skills and build friendships through collaborative sports and activities.
• Through participation in physical activities, we aim to boost pupils’ confidence and self-esteem, providing a sense of achievement and enjoyment.
• Our curriculum integrates activities that stimulate cognitive development, encouraging problem-solving and decision-making skills through games and exercises.
• We intend to provide a flexible PE curriculum that can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of our pupils, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
• We aim to develop a love for physical activity, encouraging pupils to adopt an active lifestyle beyond school and into adulthood.
• We aim to provide regular opportunities for pupils to participate in competitive sport and experience healthy competition against themselves and others.