Canyon

Canyon Class have had a brilliant Module 4 exploring our key curriculum themes across a range of disciplines! In art we have been focussing on the sculptures of Dame Barbara Hepworth and how they convey ideas about spring through the use of egg-like structures, and students have recreated these in their inquiry learning through different mediums such as cardboard, salt-dough, and sensory Tuff trays. In science our learning has been around exploring the different properties of magnets and what they tell us about the world around us and the forces within it.  Students have really enjoyed the tactile element of this learning, and were particularly fond of a lesson where we made magnetic butterflies from paperclips and colourful card! Geography in this module has seen us look at different countries and continents, with students 'visiting' different places through sensory learning that has combined key cultural facets of each place with fundamental geographical concepts. We have also been making a range of different recipes centred around seasonal fruits and vegetables in our design and technology lessons, linking to our wider transdisciplinary theme 'Where we are in space in time'. Students have honed their skills and have very much enjoyed tasting their creations! We have also continued to offer clubs across Phase 2 on a Wednesday afternoon, and students have benefitted greatly from the social interaction this provides and the agency this gives them over their inquiry learning. It has been a wonderful module for all, and we are looking forward to the next one!

Phase 2 has had a wonderful Module 3 and we have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating to explore the key curriculum themes. We continue to host our Wednesday inquiry-based afternoon sessions, exploring different sensory activities to promote independence, social skills and language development. These sessions have been particularly successful and students have formed meaningful friendships within and outside of their classrooms. In Art we have all contributed to creating an Eric Carle inspired masterpiece, based on the different seasons. During our science sessions, we have explored different plants in addition to growing our own class plants. In PSPD we have worked incredibly hard on sharing our space and building relationships which have been reflected in our playtime activities and activity sessions. 

We thoroughly enjoyed Storytelling Week during which we all visited different classes to share a sensory session, filled with different props and exciting adventures. 

On Wednesday afternoons, students from all cohorts meet to share a brilliant sensory experience focusing on our Transdisciplinary theme ‘Who we are’. Some of our favourite activities have been: pom pom dance classes, messy tuff trays and boom waker club. All of our students have formed meaningful friendships with others in neighbouring classes and have developed new language. We have worked on our social communication skills in addition to a whole host of personal development targets. 

In classes we have thoroughly enjoyed exploring Kings and Queens throughout History. From the King of the jungle to His Royal Highness King Charles we have shared sensory sessions including crown craft and creating timelines. In Science we have explored different habitats, some familiar and some further afield. This was particularly exciting when exploring extremely slimy and tactile, stimulating ponds full of forestry and slime. In Religious Studies and PSPD we have explored a number of exciting events such as Diwali, Christmas and celebrating self differences. This term we have enjoyed collaborating together to reach our targets and expand our socialisation and awareness of others. We are particularly looking forward to our huge Christmas event where we will explore and visit different Christmas themed stations after sharing a Phase 2 Christmas dinner! 

The students have adjusted fantastically to their new peers and routines alike, and have worked very hard throughout the term. We have had great fun exploring different topics in class across a range of subjects, as well as accessing different areas of the school and the community. In history we have looked at the Great Fire of London through activities such as a Pudding Lane Bakery role-play session and extinguishing our own ‘fire’ in a Tuff tray. In science we have been focussing on electricity, and the students have had great fun learning about different electrical items through sensory experiences. The RE topic for this term has been Diwali, and the students have enjoyed learning about the traditions associated with this festival through the mediums of art and music. We have looked at the work of Gustav Klimt in art and recreated some of the patterns and colours present within his work in our own pieces.